- October 17, 2016
- 34 comments
- Posted by Chloe Hibbert
- Blog
Banff Gondola: Grand Opening

Offical Brewster Photography by Christopher Amat featuring the new facility and breathtaking views over the Canadian Rockies
Last week I attended the grand opening of the new Banff Gondola facility in Banff National Park. It wasn’t the best day to capture the views but it was snowy and atmospheric on the ride up the gondola which made for some great frosty tree snaps. The upper terminal facility has not seen substantial renovations since it was established in 1980, so Brewster took this opportunity to significantly remediate the structure and revolutionize the mountaintop experience. Construction began in September 2015 and was completed in less than a year.
Above is the official photograph taken by Christopher Amat, a Calgary photographer (click the image to be linked to his website), featuring the beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies and the newly opened facility.
Year round this facility has always been a hot spot for tourists, photographers and the locals. With the opening of the new facility however, visitors can now experience a fine dining experience or a cup of coffee at the summit. With the new observatory deck and cafe, visitors can enjoy the 360 degree views from the comfort of a chair inside or out.
When we arrived at the summit, we were guided through a hallways complete with images of Banffs most popular sights and arrived in the foyer where the Northern Lights Cafe and Sky Bistro were located. Sky Bistro took my breath away, I love the rustic design and dark tones. You can book a table online for both lunch and dinner and the menu features delicious dishes like P.E.I steamed mussels, foie gras and Alberta Beef shortrib. Raise a glass of craft beer from Banff or Canmore. Sip vodka and gin from Banff’s only distillery. Taste fruits from farms across Alberta and B.C. and savour naturally-raised meats from Canmore and Central Alberta. Every dish is designed to embody the unique flavours of Canada and the Rocky Mountains for a dining experience that is as spectacular as the views.
The menu is classically Canadian and can be found HERE.
The Northern lights cafe wraps around the other side of the main floor with floor to ceiling windows to best showcase the view. It has an exceptional menu ranging from burgers and panini’s to fresh salads and snacks, so you’ll have no shortage of temptations. The casual, self-serve concept of the café gives you the freedom to enjoy a comfortable break from sightseeing or take a quick snack with you as you walk along the winding boardwalk.
The design is minimal, but clean to best showcase the beautiful views. Although my pictures don’t feature the views, it still goes to show that a gloomy day in the rockies still can be beautiful and atmospheric. The frost was sticking to the trees and the boardwalk up to the top of sulphur mountain was quiet and refreshing.
I managed to capture a couple photos when the clouds broke momentarily and in my opinion, a cloudy day is the best day to go up if you are prepared to wait around for the clouds to break. It feels as if you are floating above the mountains as you stare off toward the distant peaks poking up through the fluffy, cotton clouds. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what kind of day it is, thanks to the new facility and the interactive exhibits, you and your family will enjoy a day of learning, food and fun.
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October 17, 2016 2:25 pm /
WOW! The new restaurant looks phenomenal! Cant wait to take my fiancee up there. Hopefully we get more sun that you did though… 🙂
October 17, 2016 2:59 pm /
The menu is amazing. I love that it’s classically Canadian and features ingredients from all over the country. Even if its cloudy, there is plenty to do! Hope you have a wonderful time!
October 17, 2016 2:50 pm /
I love your photo of the gondola! I was up there at the end of August, and I really loved the interactive exhibits! Too bad I missed out on the new restaurant. I guess another visit is in store soon!
October 17, 2016 3:01 pm /
Thank you so much! I agree, the interative exhibits are awesome, great for kids as well. Its also nice to just be able to grab a cup of coffee, especially in that chilly weather! Thanks for commenting, I hope you enjoy your next visit up! 🙂 🙂
October 17, 2016 8:15 pm /
This looks amazing. I hope I can talk my buddies into making a trip here next summer!
October 19, 2016 9:12 pm /
Thanks for commenting! I hope you make it up here, its definitely worth it… Jasper is another great place to hit up as well!
October 17, 2016 10:17 pm /
I am putting Banff on my bucket list! Lovely photos!
October 19, 2016 9:12 pm /
Thanks for commenting! It’s worth it, glad you like my photos!
October 17, 2016 10:48 pm /
The restaurant looks so nice! Definitely on my must visit list
October 19, 2016 9:13 pm /
The menu is absolutely amazing. Uft. Im definitely booking myself in for christmas sometime. Thank you for commenting!
October 18, 2016 3:15 am /
Looks beautiful and your photography is amazing! I was lucky enough to visit Banff twice last year (my boyfriend’s family is from Alberta), and although the forest fires made it difficult to see the mountains, it was still the most beautiful place I’ve ever been! Hope to be back one day 🙂 and forever dreaming of moving closer to the mountains!
October 19, 2016 9:14 pm /
Thank you for your comment 🙂 I hope you make it back soon. There has been early snowfall, especially by Lake Louise so it looks absolutely stunning! I really appreciate your support, thanks again!
October 18, 2016 3:19 am /
Thanks for sharing. I have very fond memories of taking my future in laws up for their first ever gondola ride some 33 years ago. Will have to do this again. It can be a very magical ride on overcast days when you rise above the clouds.
October 19, 2016 9:17 pm /
Thats awesome! I imagine it was just as beautiful then as it is now 🙂 You’ll have to make another visit up there soon, the restaurant is so lovely and its nice to be able to grab a coffee for the the boardwalk.
October 18, 2016 3:20 am /
So beautiful! Didn’t get a chance to go up the gondola this summer. Will definitely make a trip up there next time 🙂 thanks for all the great pictures that you take and post
October 19, 2016 9:18 pm /
Thanks for commenting! I hope you get the chance to go up next summer, although i have to say that on a crisp winters day it looks spectacular from the top 🙂 just a little bit chilly!
October 18, 2016 3:20 am /
One more reason to return. One of the most beautiful spots on earth!
October 19, 2016 9:19 pm /
Agreed! Such a lovely location! Thank you for commenting! 🙂
October 18, 2016 6:54 am /
I love minimalism and this place is definitely on my list when I finally do go to Canada 😀
October 19, 2016 9:19 pm /
I hope you make it up here soon! Thanks for commenting!
October 18, 2016 8:25 am /
Always wanted to go to Banff and this is more of a reason to do so! ☺️
October 19, 2016 9:20 pm /
Thank you for commenting! Hoping to give you more incentive to come visit Canada when i visit Jasper next month! 😀
October 18, 2016 5:40 pm /
I was just there in early September. We hiked up and had no idea what to expect so needless to say we were amazed with the exhibits, views, cafe, free wifi, etc. They seriously thought of everything! P.S. I love your photography- huge inspiration to me while I was visiting/taking photos in Banff. Thank you!!
October 19, 2016 9:21 pm /
I agree, its phenomenal. Its such a wonderful facility. Really glad you enjoy my photography, I appreciate the support. Thank you for commenting!
October 18, 2016 10:08 pm /
Will have to check it out soon
October 19, 2016 9:22 pm /
Hope you make it up there! Thanks for commenting 🙂
October 18, 2016 10:43 pm /
Awesome post! I absolutely love Banff! Can’t wait to check out the new renovation. Beautiful pictures as well!!
October 19, 2016 9:22 pm /
Thank you! I promise you will really enjoy it. Thanks for commenting!
October 19, 2016 1:15 am /
Wow. Very classy and amazing captures of such a beautiful place! I look forward to visiting soon! Keep up the amazing work.
October 19, 2016 9:23 pm /
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the support. I hope you enjoy your time there whenever you go. Its an AWESOME facility. Thanks for commenting!
October 19, 2016 1:20 pm /
That looks like such a nice place! Reminds me of the Sea to Sky gondola in Squamish!
October 19, 2016 9:23 pm /
So true. I’ve seen loads of pictures of that place so i think i need to make another PNW visit. Thank you for commenting!
October 19, 2016 7:45 pm /
So darn beautiful!!!
October 19, 2016 9:22 pm /
Agreed! Thank you for commenting! 🙂