When we first told family and friends that we were heading off to Canada for a few weeks we were met with surprised looks. Not because we were heading to Canada but rather because we were heading to Banff and Sunshine Village, one of the best ski resorts in the world… during the summer. The general feeling was confusion around why you would want to head to a ski resort when there is no snow.
Sunshine Village
Out of the winter ski season Banff offers some of the most beautiful summer landscapes that the world has to offer. With picturesque mountain views, luscious green tree lined valleys, lakes and of course the Bow River there is a lot to experience here and no more so than at the hugely popular ski resort of Sunshine Village.
During the winter season Sunshine Village is heaving with skiers and snowboarders looking for fresh powder snow however in the summer the crowd here is completely different, drawing in hikers who make their way up the mountain using the gondolas (cable cars) and chair lifts. The destination? The stunning landscapes of Sunshine Meadows.
On arrival at Sunshine Village there is a huge car park, cafe, gift shop and ticket office where you can purchase your gondola tickets. Once you’re all set you can jump in a gondola and make your way up the mountain which is around a 20 minute ride to the top.
As you pass through the tree tops you’ll be amazed at how beautiful everything is in summer with stretching views across the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Make sure you take the time to take it all in as the views on this ride are some of the best you will see.
Once you arrive at the top of the mountain and depart the gondola you’ll be stood in the central location of Sunshine Village where many of the various ski runs converge. Here you’ll find a cafe, toilet facilities and a hotel.
Sunshine Meadows
From the main gondola you only have to walk a short 1 minute distance to the nearest chair lift which then takes you 10 minutes further up the mountain.
If you’re not used to sitting on a chair lift or if have a fear of heights this may not be a good option for you! however for the sake of 10 minutes to get the views from the top it’s more than worth it.
Once at the top you’ll find the temperature has dropped so be sure to wrap up warm with layers even if you are here in summer. From the chair lift it’s then about a 5 minute walk to the Sunshine Meadows viewpoint. And what a view it is.
You can make your way down to these lakes and hike around them which was our plan however due to the danger of forest fires during our visit unfortunately these walking routes were closed.
With the views taken in and 100 selfies later we headed back down the chair lift towards the gondola.
Hiking the ski runs
Once back down the chair lift you can start your proper hike for the day which takes around an hour to an hour and half each way (depending on your fitness levels). The trail runs straight up the middle of the main ski run and follows the route all of the way to the top around the sweeping bends and various jumps.
There’s definitely something strange about hiking up a route that looks like a ski run but is filled with streams, flowers and wildlife but it’s completely beautiful. The hike to the top is challenging at times however the views that you get along the route are incredible.
After some time you will reach the top of the trail where you can take a seat at the viewpoint overlooking the mountains.
You can walk a little further from here as we did, around 10 minutes, which will take you to a better viewpoint slightly off the trail. This offers spectacular views across the mountains. With few people walking this extra distance it is well worth heading down to for undisturbed panoramic views.
From here you can explore the area a little more or as we did head back down the ski runs to Sunshine Village and jump back in the gondola down the mountain to the car park.
As with any hike you should make sure you are prepared. This one can be quite remote at times so make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, layers of clothing (it gets cold at the top!) and keep your wits about you and carry bear spray – you are in bear country here so don’t take any chances with your safety.
If you are considering heading here in the summer or indeed if you a regular visitor in winter for the ski season you should absolutely consider heading out for a summer experience. The hiking trail at Sunshine Meadows was one of the best we experienced in Banff National Park and the views were second to none.
Add this stop to your itinerary, don’t miss out on something incredible special.
Are you planning a trip to Sunshine Village/Sunshine Meadows this year or been previously? Let us know in the comments!
