Jump into a gondola or airtram for panoramic mountain scenery and alpine vistas. Big views are guaranteed, hiking boots are optional, and a camera is a must.
Four gondolas or airtrams offer summer sightseeing tours: PEAK 2 PEAK in Whistler, Grouse Mountain Skyride in North Vancouver, Hell's Gate Airtram near Boston Bar, and Golden Eagle Express in Golden.
Three of these gondolas are at ski resorts and lead to summer hiking trails that wind along ridgelines and mountain peaks. In winter, take a ride for snowy sightseeing or access to epic skiing and snowboarding.
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Airtram and Gondola Highlights in BC
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler
PEAK 2 PEAK is a record-breaking gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It’s the highest lift of its kind (436m/1,430ft above the valley floor) and also has the longest unsupported span in the world (3km/1.9mi).
Thick cables carry 28 cabins between the two mountains. The alpine and valley views are stupendous and the eleven-minute ride allows plenty of time for photos. Thrill-seekers: jump into one of two silver cabins for a bird’s eye view through the glass bottom.
In summer, ride the gondola for sightseeing, hiking, or mountaintop dining. In winter, enjoy easy access between ski runs on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, or hop on to enjoy the snowy landscapes.
Grouse Mountain Skyride in Vancouver
See mountain ranges, the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf Islands from the top of Grouse Mountain – no hiking necessary. Year-round, the Grouse Mountain Skyride climbs 1.6km (1mi) to the peak, where views, restaurants and a host of activities await.
In summer, use the Skyride to reach forested trails, ziplines, grizzly bear viewing and scenic chairlift rides. In winter, snowshoe, ice skate, ski or snowboard at the top.
Or, test your lungs and thighs up the Grouse Grind hiking trail (known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”) and enjoy a ride down the Skyride for only $5.
Hell’s Gate Airtram in the Fraser Canyon
During spring run off, more than 200 million gallons of water per minute – that’s twice the volume of Niagara Falls – surges through a skinny gorge known as Hell’s Gate. Here, the Fraser River squeezes through its narrowest point (35m/115ft) and Hell’s Gate Airtram soars above it, making for thunderous sightseeing.
Hell’s Gate Airtram descends 152m (500ft) from highway level and crosses the Fraser, ending at a small collection of buildings at river level. Walk the suspension bridge across the roaring Fraser River, sample fresh fudge from the Fudge Factory, learn about salmon at the Fisheries display or pan for gold.
Rumour has it that Hell’s Gate is haunted by a few paranormal entities, so keep watch for “Edward,” “The Smoking Man,” or any strange sights – it could be a resident ghost. 
Golden Eagle Express Gondola in Golden
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the 20-minute Golden Eagle Express gondola ride offers an eagle’s eye view of the Rocky Mountains, Columbia River Wetlands and the town of Golden.
In summer, gondola admission includes a visit to the grizzly bear refuge, so allow for enough time to learn about Boo the bear as well as snap photos from the peak. At the top, soak in the view, enjoy a meal at the highest elevation restaurant in Canada, or hike along mountain ridgelines.
In winter, take a sightseeing gondola ride for incredible views of snowy peaks or use it to quickly access incredible ski and snowboard runs.