Can I fly a drone?

No. Drones are not permitted at the Banff Gondola or anywhere within Banff National Park unless you have a special permit issued for approved purposes such as scientific research, conservation work, or authorized commercial filming.

For recreational visitors, flying a drone is prohibited. This rule applies to the entire park, including the Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain, the summit boardwalk, parking areas, hiking trails, and surrounding valleys.

The ban exists for several important reasons. Drones can disturb wildlife, including nesting birds, elk, bighorn sheep, and bears. They can also interfere with the peaceful experience that visitors expect when enjoying the mountain scenery. In addition, drones present safety concerns around the gondola's moving cables and cabins, as well as helicopters and other aircraft that occasionally operate within the park.

Because the Banff Gondola is located in a busy visitor area with thousands of guests each day, launching or landing a drone from the summit or base station is not allowed. Rangers and park staff actively enforce the regulations, and visitors who fly drones illegally may face substantial fines and have their equipment confiscated.

Fortunately, you don't need a drone to capture incredible aerial-style photographs. The gondola ride itself provides elevated views over the Bow Valley, while the summit observation decks and boardwalk offer sweeping panoramas of Banff town, Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, Vermilion Lakes, and the surrounding mountain ranges. These viewpoints provide some of the finest photography opportunities in the Canadian Rockies without the need for an unmanned aircraft.

If you're hoping for dramatic aerial scenery, the Banff Gondola already delivers many of the perspectives that drone pilots seek, while helping protect the park's wildlife, visitors, and natural environment. Book Banff Gondola Ride AdmissionBooking the Banff Gondola Ride Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home