Take a Cable to the Best Spots in the Canadian Rockies This Summer

The view from a mountaintop is unforgettable. But, let's face it, not everyone is up for a climb to a summit. A much easier (and faster) way to the top is to take one of the sightseeing gondolas in the Canadian Rockies. Sit back, relax and soak in the scenery. Plus, the photo ops along the way are unlike anything else.

A tip for any gondola visit: It's always cooler higher up, so dress in layers – even in the summer.

Banff Sightseeing Gondola

Get to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes flat. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is a short drive (about five minutes) from the town of Banff. This makes it an easy add-on to a day spent exploring the hotspots around town. The gondola ride is offered year-round and takes you 2,281 m (7,486 ft) up in an enclosed four-person cabin.

The quick ride means you'll have more time to explore what's waiting for you atop Sulphur Mountain. Once the initial awe of the panoramic mountain views subsides, you can explore the boardwalk. Here, you'll discover even more epic views on the way to Sanson's Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Give yourself time to take photos along the way.

Back at the state-of-the-art gondola building, you'll find delicious food you'll want to savour as much as the views. Who doesn't want to check mountaintop dining off their bucket list? Award-winning Sky Bistro is perfect for drinks, appetizers or multi-course dinners featuring the best in locally-sourced Canadian cuisine.

Lake Louise Gondola

You've seen the breathtaking shoreline photos of Lake Louise, but the view is equally impressive a little higher up. We're talking 2,085 m (6,840 ft) up, to be exact. Situated across the valley from the famous lake, the Lake Louise Gondola is open year-round at Lake Louise Ski Resort. The gondola provides seriously stunning views of Victoria Glacier (that's the wide glacier you see in the background of all the Lake Louise photos). Even better? The chairlift offers a great opportunity to spot wildlife – it's not uncommon to see grizzly bears down below.

Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola

The gondola cabins at Banff Sunshine can fit up to eight people, making them the largest in the area. The base elevation for this ride begins at 1,659 m (5,442 ft) and whisks you to the top village terminal at 2,159 m (7,083 ft). But there's still more to see. Once you reach the top of the sightseeing gondola, hop aboard the Standish Chairlift. This open air chairlift sweeps you up to 2,385 m (7,825 ft) to take in the beauty that is Sunshine Meadows. Book a spot on a one- or two-hour hosted trail walk or explore the 360-degree mountain scenery at your own pace.

Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift

Want to follow in the footsteps of Marilyn Monroe? Head to Mt. Norquay. The iconic actress paid the ski resort a visit in the summer of 1953 while filming The River of No Return. She rode the North American Chairlift and visited the Cliffhouse Bistro. The historic tearoom-turned-modern bistro now serves up Rocky Mountain-inspired dishes and local craft beer and wine. The open-air ride to an elevation of 2,133 m (7,000 ft) delivers views of Banff you won't find anywhere else. The chairlift only offers sightseeing trips during the summer, which is prime time for a bird's-eye-view of wildlife.

If you're looking for an added thrill, test your skills on Mt. Norquay's Via Ferrata, Italian for "iron road." It's an assisted-climbing experience along routes that range from two-and-a-half to six hours. You’ll be led along a steel cable pathway complete with ladders and suspension bridges by an expert guide. It's one of those experiences adrenaline lovers can't miss. But don't worry, it's safe and secure, because you're attached to the pathway.

Jasper SkyTram

See Jasper from the best seat in the house. The Jasper SkyTram will take you up 2,263 m (7,424 ft), with unbeatable views of Jasper townsite and the untamed mountain scenery. You'll even have a trained operator along for the ride, who'll share their knowledge of the area's cultural heritage, geology and wildlife. At the top, spend some time strolling along the boardwalk and exploring the surrounding hiking trails. The Summit Trail will take you to the top of Whistlers Mountain, where 360-degree mountain views await. Before you head down, savour the views and refuel at the Summit Restaurant.