Is Whitehorn Mountain worth exploring?

Yes. Whitehorn Mountain is worth exploring, particularly if you are already taking the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola. The mountain offers much more than the lift ride itself, and spending some time at the upper mountain makes the experience feel considerably more complete.

One of Whitehorn Mountain's greatest attractions is its elevated perspective across the Bow Valley. From the upper mountain, you can look toward Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, the Continental Divide and numerous surrounding peaks. It is a completely different perspective from the famous view at the Lake Louise lakeshore.

Whitehorn Mountain is also particularly interesting for wildlife viewing. Its forests, open ski runs and subalpine terrain provide habitat for grizzly bears and other Rocky Mountain wildlife. Bears are sometimes spotted from the gondola or chairlift, while marmots, pikas, ground squirrels and numerous birds can be encountered around the higher terrain. Sightings are never guaranteed.

If you enjoy walking, the upper-mountain trails are another reason to explore. You can choose a relatively short walk or continue farther toward viewpoints such as the Kicking Horse Pass and Ptarmigan Valley areas. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the mountain, although some routes involve steeper climbs and uneven terrain.

Summer brings wildflowers and green subalpine landscapes, while September can transform parts of the surrounding terrain with autumn colours and golden larches. Photographers can therefore find very different scenery depending on when they visit.

You can also make the experience relatively leisurely. Instead of hiking extensively, spend time at the viewpoints, visit the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, watch for animals, take photographs and have lunch at Whitehorn Bistro. That makes Whitehorn Mountain suitable even for visitors who aren't interested in a strenuous outdoor adventure.

If you only ride up, take a quick photograph and immediately descend, you'll see the main panorama but miss much of what makes the location interesting. Allowing two or three hours - or a half day if you're hiking and dining - gives you a much better appreciation of Whitehorn Mountain.

For a Lake Louise itinerary, it is especially worthwhile if you want a combination of mountain scenery, wildlife, photography and accessible high-elevation exploration without having to hike all the way up from the valley. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home