Throughout the day
Departure Time
Open Ticket
Duration
2+
Age
Leisurely
Activity
Jun-Oct
Season

Take an 8 minute chairlift ride over a natural bear habitat up to almost 7,000 feet at Mount Norquay with breathtaking views over the Bow Valley.

See over Banff on the Banff SIghtseeing Chairlift

It’s more than just a chairlift ride, this scenic ride into the sky takes you up to almost 7,000 feet over a natural grizzly and black bear habitat. Enjoy spectacular views looking down into the Town of Banff and across Spray and Bow Valleys with the stunning jagged edges of Mt Rundle as a feature for all your photos.

At the top relax over a snack or meal, craft brews or a glass of wine at the historic Cliffhouse Bistro while dining at 6,900 feet, keep your eyes out for bighorn sheep and ground squirrels and take a walk along the interpretive walkway overlooking the Bow Valley. Located just a ten minute drive from downtown Banff!
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)
  • Free Banff Mt Norquay Shuttle Bus
Guide Quote

Beth's Pick

"Perfect way to get unobstructed views during the open air ride." - Beth , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

Banff Sightseeing Chairlift Reviews


4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+

The best parts of the chairlift for most people include the following:

1

Ride to 7,000 feet at Mount Norquay

Take a scenic eight-minute ride into the sky in an open-air chairlift as you pass over natural grizzly and black bear habitat while experiencing breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Rundle.
2

Mountain top dining and facilities

Enjoy incredible views of the iconic Mt. Rundle and Bow Valley while dining at 7,000ft overlooking the town of Banff at the Cliffhouse Bistro, or from the viewing boardwalk and sightseeing platform. Guests can also take advantage of the hiking trails or cabled mountain climbing at the Via Ferrata.
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)
  • Free Banff Mt Norquay Shuttle Bus
Guide Quote

Beth's Pick

"Perfect way to get unobstructed views during the open air ride." - Beth , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

Banff Sightseeing Chairlift Reviews


4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+

Where is the meeting point?

The North American Lodge at Mount Norquay is located on Mt Norquay Road in Banff, only a ten minute drive from downtown Banff. Detailed driving instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation and there is ample car parking available. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs hourly from Banff.

The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations.

Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from June 11 to October 9 2022)

Location Times
Train Station Info Centre 07:55 08:50 09:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 14:50 15:50 16:50 17:50 18:35
Mt Royal Parking Lot 07:57 08:52 09:52 10:52 11:52 12:52 13:52 14:52 15:52 16:52 17:52
Banff Park Lodge (Opposite) 08:00 08:55 09:55 10:55 11:55 12:55 13:55 14:55 15:55 16:55 17:55
ARRIVES AT NORQUAY 08:10 09:10 10:10 11:10 12:10 13:10 14:10 15:10 16:10 17:10 18:10
RETURN TO BANFF 09:35 10:35 11:35 12:35 13:35 14:35 15:35 16:35 17:20 18:20 19:10

During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.

During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.

The chairlift ride is approximately eight minutes each way. Plenty of time to spot some wildlife!

Unlike an enclosed Gondola, an open-air chairlift allows you to ride up the mountain with your legs dangling freely below you. Each chair is outfitted with a safety bar so you aren’t in any danger of falling out.

Jaw dropping vistas, high-alpine dining in an avalanche proof restaurant, Cliffhouse Bistro, hand carved into the side of the mountain, breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley, mountain climbing on the Via Ferrata, an interpretive walkway, and bighorn sheep.

There are two main trails from the Mt Norquay main car park.

Stoney Squaw Mountain
Distance: 4.2 km return
Elevation Gain: 190m
Time Required: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike through a beautiful lodgepole pine and spruce tree forest for a unique view of Cascade Mountain, and peaks of the Fairholme Range. During the ascent, hikers will enjoy unique views of Banff, Vermilion Lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. This trail is also popular for mountain biking.

Cascade Amphitheatre
Distance: 15.4 km return
Elevation Gain: 640m
Time Required: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, and then zigzags its way through the dense forest to Cascade Amphitheatre. As you emerge into the amphitheatre, impressively enclosed by limestone cliffs, keep your eyes out for wildflowers.

Sightseeing tickets are sold as non-transferable and non-refundable. Tickets are good to be used on any day during the summer season in which they were purchased.

Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)
  • Free Banff Mt Norquay Shuttle Bus
Guide Quote

Beth's Pick

"Perfect way to get unobstructed views during the open air ride." - Beth , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

Banff Sightseeing Chairlift Reviews


4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the chairlift.
  • No infants under the age of 2 can ride the chairlift for safety reasons.
  • The maximum combined weight is 226kg (500lbs) per chair.
  • Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)
  • Free Banff Mt Norquay Shuttle Bus
Guide Quote

Beth's Pick

"Perfect way to get unobstructed views during the open air ride." - Beth , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours

Banff Sightseeing Chairlift Reviews


4.5
3691+
4.4
219+
4.6
453+
View from the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift at Mt Norquay
See over Banff on the Banff SIghtseeing Chairlift
The open-air chairlift at Banff Mount Norquay is very safe
Sightsee over Banff from the Mount Norquay Banff Sightseeing Chairlift in the Canadian Rockies
Views over the Bow Valley from the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift
See views over the Bow Valley on the Mount Norquay Banff Sightseeing Chairlift in the Canadian Rockies
Mountain dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro on the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift
Restaurant Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro on Mt Norquays Sightseeing Chairlift
Dine at the Cliffhouse Bistro at Mt Norquay

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Open Ticket