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Banff Gondola Ride - Sanson Peak

Summit Elevation: 7,640 (2,440 meters)
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers)
Elevation Gain: 2500 feet (742 meters)

Sanson Peak is an easy walk from the top of the Banff Gondola or a tough trail hike up from the valley floor. If you hike up, you'll be switchbacking up below the Gondola line most of the route so be sure you are doing it for the workout. The top has fantastic views of the Banff townsite and valley, Mount Rundle and the Sundance Range. If visiting Banff as a tourist, the Banff Gondola Ride is a must do attraction.

Access:

In Banff go south through town on Banff Avenue. On the south side of town you will cross the bridge over the Spray River. After the bridge turn left, go a short distance, then turn right at the fork in the road up Mountain Avenue. (Left is the Banff Springs Hotel.) Look for Gondola signs up Mountain Avenue which will lead you to the upper and lower parking lots at the base of the mountain. The Gondola leaves from the lower lot and the trailhead is at the north west side of the upper lot.

The summit of Sanson Peak has a replica of the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station. The Cosmic Ray Station was originally constructed in 1956 to prepare for the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year. It was one of 99 reporting stations worldwide and considered significant because of its elevation. The original station was closed and dismantled in 1978.

Summit History: