What wildlife can I see?

The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola is one of the better wildlife-viewing experiences in the Lake Louise area, largely because Whitehorn Mountain provides habitat for a wide variety of Rocky Mountain species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the gondola and chairlift provide an unusual opportunity to observe animals while travelling quietly above the mountainside.

Grizzly bears are the wildlife attraction most closely associated with the gondola. The lower slopes of Whitehorn Mountain are important grizzly habitat, and bears sometimes forage in the open areas beneath or near the lift. From the safety of the gondola or chairlift, visitors may occasionally see a grizzly feeding on vegetation or moving across the slope. Spring and early summer can be particularly interesting as bears search for food after emerging from hibernation.

Black bears can also occur in the area. They may be seen around forest edges, clearings, and lower mountain slopes. Colour isn't a reliable way to distinguish them from grizzlies because black bears can also be brown, cinnamon, or nearly blond.

Elk are possible around the broader Lake Louise area, although they aren't as strongly associated with the gondola slopes as bears. Mule deer and white-tailed deer may also occasionally appear around forested areas and openings.

Higher on Whitehorn Mountain, watch for hoary marmots. These large alpine rodents favour rocky areas and can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on rocks or feeding on vegetation. Their distinctive whistle is sometimes heard before the animal itself is spotted.

Pikas are another possibility in rocky alpine and subalpine terrain. They're much smaller than marmots and can be difficult to see because they move quickly among rocks. Listen for their sharp calls around talus slopes.

The mountain also supports smaller mammals such as Columbian ground squirrels, red squirrels, snowshoe hares, and chipmunks. Ground squirrels are particularly noticeable during summer when they're active around grassy areas.

Birdlife can include Clark's nutcrackers, Canada jays, ravens, chickadees, woodpeckers, and various songbirds. Depending on where you're looking, you may also see birds of prey soaring over the valley or mountain slopes.

Occasionally, visitors may encounter or spot other large Rocky Mountain mammals, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, or even a moose, but these should be considered possibilities rather than animals you're likely to see during a typical gondola visit.

The best strategy is to scan slowly rather than looking for obvious movement. Bears and other large animals can blend remarkably well into vegetation. Binoculars are extremely useful, particularly when riding the gondola or watching distant slopes.

Most importantly, Whitehorn Mountain is wildlife habitat rather than a wildlife park. Animals roam freely, so there is no guarantee of seeing anything on a particular visit. If you do encounter wildlife while hiking, maintain a safe distance, never feed or approach it, and follow all posted wildlife restrictions. Trails can occasionally be closed when bears are active nearby. 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