If you're looking to take your sightseeing to the next level, then the Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola is it. It's the perfect family sightseeing activity!
Starting from an elevation of 1,659 m, you'll ride the gondola to the top Village terminal at 2,159 m. From here, you can enjoy views of the valley and wildlife.
From the Village, you can also ride the Standish Chairlift to 2,385 m (7,825 ft) and experience breathtaking 360º views. The Standish Express takes you to the highest viewpoint in Banff that can be reached by a lift and it rewards you with incredible views of Mt. Assiniboine.
After riding chairlifts, take some time to hike Sunshine Meadows. From these maintained hiking trails, you can access three high alpine lakes and see an abundance of wildflowers, wildlife, and endless mountain views.
If you're in the mood for food, you'll be able to grab a bite at a number of restaurants up top, including: Trappers, Chimney Corner, Creekside and Java Lift.
Sunshine Meadows is such a popular summer attraction in Banff because it has an excellent scenery-to-effort ratio, with some of the best hikes in Banff National Park all within a stone's throw, and an abundance of world-class views of the Canadian Rockies and spectacular blooms of alpine wildflowers in all of Banff.
There are many excellent hiking trails at Sunshine Meadows which visitors can combine according to their interests and hiking capabilities. There are hiking trails at Sunshine Meadows for every skill level.
The Standish Viewing Deck Loop Trail
This route begins straight ahead off the Standish chairlift. The walking trail begins as a slight downhill with a highly groomed crushed gravel surface, making this trail accessible for almost all visitors to Sunshine Meadows. The views of the Rocky Mountains that you’ll enjoy from the multi-level Standish Viewing Deck are some of the best views available anywhere in Banff National Park.
Rock Isle Road Trail
It only takes a few minutes of walking to reach the Rock Isle Viewpoint, and the views are amazing the entire way. You’ll find lots of park benches and several interpretive signs, an outhouse, and, if you're quiet and sharp-eyed enough, plenty of wildlife too! You can continue along Rock Isle Road back to the Sunshine Village Gondola station.
Grizzly/Laryx Loop
This woodland trail is one-way – follow the sign to the trail on the right. (There’s another outhouse found here as well).The hiking trail continues its downhill trend as it crosses a bridge over a beautiful stream before entering a meadow. The trail follows the stream for a bit, providing a tranquil soundtrack to an already very enjoyable hike.
Simpson Viewpoint
Hike along the south and east shores of Laryx Lake, for an up-close view of the startling clarity of the water. Alternate between hiking trail and wooden boardwalks along the lakeshore. Perhaps walk quickly through the patch of cow parsnip (it's a favorite food of grizzly bears!)
Sunshine Meadows Laryx Lake
The Laryx Rest Area is found on a peninsula on the eastern shore of the lake. There are many benches with excellent views of Laryx Lake and The Monarch across the water. A pleasant walk through an open meadow, followed by a forest walk and you’ll find yourself back at the beginning of the Grizzly / Laryx Loop.
