Sleigh Ride + Banff Gondola | Banff Trail Riders

All Ages

Riders

Dec-Mar

Season

Combo Package; cuddle up on a sleigh ride and soar to the top of Sulpur Mountain.

Included: Sleigh Ride (various times available)

Ride through Banff’s mountain meadows, western style! Afterwards warmup by the fireside where you can enjoy a warm drink back at the stables (weather and snow conditions permitting). The sleigh rides take approximately 40 minutes including time by the campfire.

COVID-19 UPDATE: For the health and safety of staff and guests, the following measures are in place:

Masks are mandatory at all times.
Each booking will be seated in their own row, with a minimum of two paid guests per booking.
Each row can seat up to three guests (on the half hour) and four guests (on the hour).
Blankets and s’mores kits are not included, but can be purchased.

Included: Banff Gondola (various times available)

Ride up in a glass enclosed gondola up to 2,281m (7,486ft) above sea level for an unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360 degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You will feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck.

COVID-19 UPDATE: For the health and safety of staff and guests, the following measures are in place:

Guests must wear a mask or face covering.
Only single groups board each gondola cabin.
Gondola cabins are sanitized after each use.

Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.

The best parts of the Banff sleigh ride for most people include the following:

Sleigh ride through the mountain meadows

Enjoy spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Hot drinks by the fire

Warm up by the fire after the ride with a hot drink back at the stables.

The best parts of the Banff Gondola for most people are:

Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain

Take an eight-minute journey in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin over the treetops up to a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at 2,281 metres (7,486 feet).

Mountain top dining and facilities

The state-of-the-art summit facility has restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck.

How long is the Banff Sleigh Ride?

The tour runs for approximately 40 minutes, with optional time by the campfire after the ride.

What does the sleigh ride include?

The sleigh ride travels through Banff’s mountain meadows as you look for wildlife with your sleigh driver. Then, enjoy a fireside warmup stop after the ride where you can enjoy a hot drink back at the stables (weather permitting). Blankets and s’mores kits are not included, but can be purchased.

Where is the meeting point for the sleigh ride?

Please meet at Warner Stables, the big red stables located at the end of Sundance Road in Banff. When you arrive, please follow the sleigh ride signs to check in for your ride at the office in the west barn. There is plenty of free parking at the site.

When should I arrive for sleigh rides?

We recommend that you get to the Warner Stables 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Is the sleigh covered or open? Is it cold?

The sleigh is “open top” so we recommend that everyone dresses warm with multiple layers, mitts, hats, a thick winter jacket and boots. Blankets will be available to purchase, or you may like to bring your own blanket for the ride.

What do we sit on for the sleigh ride? Is it hay or a proper seat?

The sleigh is a traditional wood construction style, with wooden bench seats. You do not sit on hay.

How many horses pull the sleigh? How big are they?

Typically there are two horses pulling the sleigh. The horses are a variety of heavy horse breeds, including Percheron horses. There are two different sleigh sizes, a 9 seater and 16 seater. The sleigh may or may not be full on your tour.

Can I feed or ride the horses?

Unfortunately you cannot feed the horses but you certainly can pet them if you wish. They love a good scratch on the cheek. You cannot ride the horses as part of this tour but we do offer horse-riding tours in the summer.

What is the cancellation policy for the sleigh rides?

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).

Should I tip my guide for the sleigh ride?

Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.

Where is the meeting point for the Banff Gondola?

The Gondola Station is located at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff, about a five minute drive from downtown. Detailed driving directions will be included with your booking confirmation.

Alternatively a free shuttle bus runs in the summer from downtown Banff, or guests can catch the Roam Transit bus.

When should I arrive for the Banff Gondola?

Plan on arriving 20 minutes prior to your departure time, and please ensure you are in line 10 minutes prior to your departure.

How long is the gondola ride?

The gondola ride is approximately eight minutes each way. The suggested total visit time is 1.5 – 2 hours.

What's at the top of the Banff Gondola?

Step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet) and stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Then warm up in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility with new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck.

Several scenic hiking trails lead away from the summit complex. One of the most popular is the self-guided interpretive Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak on which you can follow in the footsteps of Norman Sanson, who walked to the top of the mountain about every week for 30 years to check the weather.

There are no age restrictions for the sleigh ride and children 3 years and under are free. However, children 3 years and under are not guaranteed a seat (they may have to sit on your lap).
Sleigh rides are weather dependent, and may not operate in certain conditions (eg: -35C).
All minors under 18 years old participating in a horse activity must have a parent or legal guardian on the ride with them.
All adults must sign a waiver prior to the sleigh ride. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 (documentation may be required to confirm the signatory’s authority) for sleigh rides.
Reservations are required to guarantee your timeslot for the Banff Gondola. Please show the bar-code voucher for entry, for the specified time reserved.