Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site image

Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Hiking area Heritage preservation

One of the Best Places To Visits in Division No. 15


Address

Sulfur Mountain Trail, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 0C0, Canada

Contact

+1 403-762-1550

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Banff (11) views (10) gondola (9) walk (7) boardwalk (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lisa C. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool little weather station that was used back in the day. Fairly easy walk at high altitude. Only the last little bit contains bigger/ steeper steps. Fantastic views. Well worth the walk. It's windy so would recommend bringing an extra layer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Preston B. 1 year ago on Google
    The boardwalk trail is impressively built. This is an easy hike up and down many stars. It’s a high elevation abandoned cosmic ray research station that sits at 7,490 feet. If you aren’t used to the thin air you may need to take a few breaks. The view is amazing though and it it totally worth the effort to get there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K W. 1 year ago on Google
    2022 June 5★ You've finally made it to the top. At this point, you've reached the weather tower at Sanson peak. This is the highest point in on Sulfur Mountain. This weather observatory operated in 1903 until mid 1930s. Technology changes made the towers obsolete and now it's primarily a tourist attraction. Walking to this location from the gondola takes about 30 minutes. Though I'm sure you'll agree, on a nice day, the views are spectacular.  Look carefully a d down below you can see Banff and the Fairmont hotel.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marco N. 9 months ago on Google
    This place is unique. If you are an adventurous type, you can reach the top trekking. In case not, take to gondola (pricy, but what else you can do?). The structure and the view up there will pay of.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry S. 6 months ago on Google
    Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station offers jaw dropping views, often found above the clouds. In valleys below are 2 commercially developed hot springs and the town of Banff, AB, Canada. Located nearby in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs, where the royals and celebrities alike would often frequent, can also be found within a stone’s throw. The spires towering above the trees as if seemingly out of nowhere. To reach the summit, cable cars/gondola’s are offered. People who prefer both feet on the ground are welcome to climb the summit, however it should be noted that the gondola’s significantly reduce the journey to the top. Once there, hikers can replenish their reserves with a visit to the local cafe as they take in all the beauty that Banff has to offer. Elevated walkways also distance hikers from the wildlife below, where both bears and moose can be seen frequenting the trail.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely recommend this short trail. This is a well maintained boardwalk trail that leads to some amazing views of Banff and the surrounding area. The trail can get a little icy right around the Ray Station itself but are otherwise quite easy to traverse with many spots to rest along the way. Make sure to bring a coat as it’s very windy once you make it to the station.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle R. 1 year ago on Google
    Worth the hike or bike ride up! $$$ if you take gondola up. Can get very busy in summer, especially on weekends. Be prepared for crowds and unprepared humans. The views are amàzing, you can see out to Minnewanka Lake. The trails from the bottom are often very quiet and peaceful. The top will be 5-10 degrees cooler than temps downtown Banff. Happy high trails!

  • 5/5 Sayana Veliyil R. 8 months ago on Google
    A very beautiful place on the top of the Banff gondola. Lots of stairs and some walking there. Great views. I We enjoyed it a lot.

  • 5/5 Peter J. 7 months ago on Google
    A short walk from the top of Banff Gondola via a well-maintained boardwalk. Amazing views.

  • 4/5 Laura S. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing sue to its location! The views are obviously incredible. The boardwalk is very well maintained and easily walkable. The place is very busy, even in the "off" season, so expect queues and people everywhere!

  • 5/5 Robin F. 6 months ago on Google
    It's was an amazing experience. Loved every moment of it ❤️ this is a must visit spot. Recommend to get there before 10 am to avoid the rush.

  • 5/5 Igor M. 5 months ago on Google
    Great pictures are taken from here! Sometimes temporary fog may make you lose the hope but don’t worry it goes away within 10 minutes or so. Easily walkable from the gondola access station.

  • 4/5 Andrew C. 1 year ago on Google
    A very safe walk and many stairs to get here. I would say it’s a leisurely 30 minutes walk. Near the top where the station is, you will find many people looking to get the best picture, but the view here is amazing. I mean, you’ve already paid so much to take the gondola. Why not get your money’s worth?

  • 5/5 mhelventure a. 1 year ago on Google
    Hike this last April 30 with my friend and the way up is a bit challenging, it was elevated all the way up with a mixed of slushy and slippery group and a thick snow. But it was all worth it when you reached the top.

  • 5/5 Milin N. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning views. Every time you visit this place you enjoy it most. Very nice and relaxing place.

  • 4/5 AHJ K. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice view from the top! Nothing else up there but worth the short easy walk! Can see all of Banff and the rocky mountains.

  • 5/5 Cirrus S. 1 year ago on Google
    I love it, you have to visit this place. It’s very nice, no problem to come here, they have prepared comfortable path to the peak. Very nice view of the around nature and mountains and also Banff city. It’s very touristic but when you come earlier there is not many people and you can take your time for everything.

  • 5/5 Sinthuja R. 1 year ago on Google
    This had some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. The pictures don't do it justice. I'm so glad we decided to do the gondola ride to the top and walk the boardwalk. The boardwalk was quite easy, though it was a bit chilly even in August. I would definitely recommend bringing a jacket if you go up there.


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