Our second most recommended gondola experience in the Canadian Rockies, behind the Banff Gondola, Sunshine Meadows offers something quite different — and for visitors who want their gondola ride paired with genuine alpine wilderness rather than a summit boardwalk, it may actually be the better choice.

The gondola whisks guests up to Sunshine Village at 2,160 metres, from where the Standish Chairlift carries you a further 225 metres to the Standish Viewing Deck — the highest lift-accessed sightseeing point in the Banff and Lake Louise area — where 360-degree views take in six mountain ranges, including the iconic pyramid of Mount Assiniboine rising above the horizon.

Beyond the views, over 12 km of well-maintained trails wind through pristine alpine meadows connecting three picture-perfect lakes — Rock Isle, Laryx, and Grizzly — in a landscape that feels worlds away from the Banff townsite below. The wildflowers are the undisputed highlight. In late July, the meadows explode in a sweeping carpet of colour — purple fleabane, yellow arnica, pink paintbrush, and white anemone stretching as far as you can see — making it one of the finest wildflower displays anywhere in the Rockies.

The season is short, typically running late June through late September, so timing matters. A free shuttle runs daily from the Town of Banff for those without a car.

Tip: Mid to late July is peak wildflower season and the absolute best time to visit. Bear spray is required, and dogs are not permitted on the trails.