Destinations

Banff Gondola To Get $26 Million Upgrade

aaa-gondola-small-Sept4

Brewster Travel Canada is investing $26 million to enhance its flagship attraction, the Banff Gondola, which will the see the compete redevelopment of its upper terminal building.

Brewster has partnered with PCL Construction and sister-company Global Experience Specialists to design and build the new facility. Although the footprint will remain unchanged, officials say the existing structure will be retrofitted into a modern building with modern amenities including welcoming, elevated public spaces, new food and beverage outlets and improved washroom facilities.

“Generations of explorers have visited Banff National Park to discover all it has to offer. The enhancements we announced today will ensure all future guests are able to harness their spirit of adventure with a world-class mountaintop experience unlike any other in the Rocky Mountains or around the globe,” said David McKenna, president of Brewster Travel Canada.

Highlights of the project include:

  • The addition of a holistic and interactive family friendly interpretive experience that will ignite each visitor’s understanding of and passion for Banff National Park and its unique ecosystems. A cornerstone of the interpretive experience is the addition of a 40-seat cinema showcasing a curated theatre presentation;
  • An expanded rooftop viewing deck providing unparalleled 360 degree views of the Banff town site, the Bow Valley and the surrounding Rocky Mountains;
  • A conference space that will accommodate weddings, corporate events and other groups of up to 150 people.
  • New culinary offerings including both grab-to-go and full-service sit down options that provide a well-rounded menu for locals and visitors alike.

To ensure minimal impact on the surrounding wildlife of Sulphur Mountain, scheduling of potentially disruptive activities has been planned to avoid the most sensitive period for wildlife species. Construction is set to begin on Sept. 8 at which time the existing upper terminal facilities will no longer be accessible to the public.

The Banff Gondola will be fully operational and the Banff SummitWalk will be fully accessible through Oct. 25 after which time it will close to the public for the rest of the year. Limited facilities in the new upper terminal will re-open to the public on May 1, 2016 with full project completion anticipated for Aug. 1, 2016.

(http://www.banffgondola.com/elevate)

aaa-gondola-2