What is the easiest hike?

The easiest hike at Sunshine Meadows is the short walk to the Standish Viewing Deck from the top of the Standish Chairlift. It is the best choice for visitors who want spectacular alpine scenery with minimal hiking.

After riding the gondola to Sunshine Village, take the Standish Chairlift higher up Mount Standish. From the upper chairlift station, the viewing deck is reached by a short trail. The walk is roughly 0.7 km round trip and generally takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the viewpoints.

The trail is not completely flat-you are still in a natural high-alpine environment-but it is considerably easier than completing one of the longer Sunshine Meadows circuits. You don't need advanced hiking experience or specialized equipment.

The reward is exceptional for such a short walk. From the Standish area, you can look across Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake, Sunshine Meadows, the Continental Divide, and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks.

If you want something slightly longer, continue from Standish down toward Rock Isle Lake rather than immediately returning on the chairlift. That turns the visit into a more substantial hike while still taking advantage of starting at the higher elevation.

For someone who doesn't normally hike, has limited time, or simply wants the most scenery for the least walking, the Standish Viewing Deck is the easiest and most practical choice. 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