Can you hike from the top?

Yes. One of the advantages of the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift is that it gives you easy access to several alpine hiking opportunities without requiring a long climb from the base. After stepping off the chairlift, you can continue exploring the mountain on foot and enjoy scenery that many visitors never experience.

The most popular option is the short walk around the summit area near the Cliffhouse Bistro. These informal paths lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the Bow Valley, Banff townsite, and surrounding mountain ranges. They require little effort and are suitable for most visitors who want to stretch their legs after the ride.

For more adventurous hikers, trails continue higher into the alpine terrain above the chairlift. These routes climb toward the ridgelines and summit areas of Mt. Norquay, offering increasingly expansive views as you gain elevation. The hikes are steeper and more rugged than the sightseeing area, making them better suited to experienced hikers with appropriate footwear.

The alpine environment above the chairlift is very different from the forests below. You'll encounter rocky slopes, wildflowers during the summer, open meadows, and dramatic limestone ridges. Because you're already at a high elevation after riding the chairlift, it takes much less time to reach spectacular viewpoints than it would from the valley floor.

Wildlife sightings are also possible along these trails. Bighorn sheep are regularly seen in the area, and visitors may also spot marmots, pikas, Clark's nutcrackers, and soaring golden eagles. As with any hike in Banff National Park, it's important to stay alert, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and carry bear spray if venturing onto longer trails.

Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, even during summer. A sunny morning can become cool, windy, or stormy in the afternoon, so it's wise to bring an extra layer, sturdy hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket if you plan to hike beyond the immediate summit area.

Many visitors choose to combine the chairlift with a short hike, lunch at the Cliffhouse Bistro, and plenty of time for photography. This combination creates a relaxed half-day adventure that offers much more than simply riding the lift up and down. For those looking to spend longer in the mountains, the chairlift serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Mt. Norquay's alpine landscape. Book the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing ChairliftBooking the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home