Can I hike after riding the chairlift?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift is that it gives you a head start into the alpine, allowing you to hike from a much higher elevation without having to climb all the way from the base.

After stepping off the chairlift, you can choose how much hiking you want to do. Many visitors simply take a short walk around the summit, enjoying the viewpoints, photographing the surrounding peaks, and visiting the historic Cliffhouse Bistro. These easy walks require little effort and are suitable for most people.

If you're looking for more adventure, several alpine hiking routes continue beyond the summit area. These trails climb higher along ridges and mountain slopes, offering increasingly spectacular views of the Bow Valley, Banff townsite, Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. Because the chairlift has already done much of the elevation gain, you can reach impressive viewpoints in less time than if you started from the valley floor.

The hiking ranges from moderate to challenging. While the initial summit area is relatively easy to explore, the higher trails become steeper, rockier, and more rugged. Proper hiking footwear, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended if you plan to venture beyond the immediate sightseeing area.

The alpine environment is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing. Bighorn sheep are commonly seen around Mt. Norquay, while marmots, pikas, and mountain birds are frequently spotted along the trails. If you plan to hike farther from the chairlift, carrying bear spray and following standard mountain safety practices is recommended.

Many visitors choose to turn their visit into a half-day or full-day adventure by combining the chairlift ride with hiking, photography, wildlife watching, and lunch at the Cliffhouse Bistro. This allows you to experience much more than just the scenic ride and makes the most of your time on the mountain.

If you're looking for a relaxed outing, the short summit walks are ideal. If you're an experienced hiker, the chairlift provides a convenient gateway to Mt. Norquay's beautiful alpine terrain and some of the finest mountain views in Banff National Park. Book the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing ChairliftBooking the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home