Ascending the ski slopes of the Slate Range aboard the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola offers a spectacular, panoramic view of the entire valley and one of the best opportunities to spot wild grizzly bears in Canada. The gondola lifts passengers over 2,000 vertical feet, offering a choice between fully enclosed cabins or open-air chairlifts. As you glide up the mountain, you are treated to sweeping views of the Bow Valley, the winding Bow River, and the distant, snow-capped peaks surrounding Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier.
What makes this experience highly rewarding is the resort’s status as a key grizzly bear habitat. The open, grassy ski runs serve as natural alpine pastures where wild grizzly bears—including mothers with cubs—frequently graze on wild berries and dandelions directly beneath the lift lines. At the top, you can explore the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, join a guided nature walk led by local naturalists, and enjoy outdoor dining at the panoramic Whitehorn Bistro. It is a safe, spectacular way to view Alberta's wild apex predators in their natural habitat.
One fun fact people love:
The ski runs at the Lake Louise Ski Resort are recognized as one of the absolute best locations in the Canadian Rockies to spot wild grizzly bears during the summer months.
Where in Lake Louise is it?
Located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort on Whitehorn Road, situated directly across the highway from the main Lake Louise hamlet.
How to reach:
Easily reached by a short, 5-minute drive from the Lake Louise hamlet, or by taking the complimentary resort shuttle bus that connects local hotels to the gondola base.
Best time to visit:
June to September for summer sightseeing, alpine hiking, and to view active grizzly bears grazing on the slopes.
Best time of day:
Late morning around 10:30 AM when temperatures are comfortable for sitting on an open-air chairlift, and wildlife is highly active.
Entry fee:
Approximately 60 CAD for adults, with discounts available for youth and children.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; the experience involves sitting on a modern gondola or chairlift, requiring minimal physical exertion to reach the top.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Peak mountain temperatures can be significantly colder and windier than the base area; bringing a windproof jacket or sweater is highly recommended even in July.
- Grizzly bear sightings are wild and natural; while highly common, they are never 100% guaranteed on any given day.
- If riding the open-air chairlift, you must secure all loose articles like hats, phones, and sunglasses so they do not fall into the forest below.
