Last Updated on June 20, 2022
Sunshine Meadows in Banff is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located in the Canadian Rockies, the meadows are blanketed in wildflowers in the summer and offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks in the winter.
Where Is Banff?
Banff is a town in Alberta, Canada. The town is located in the Rocky Mountains, just east of the province of British Columbia. Banff National Park, which is Canada’s first national park, is located just north of the town. The park is home to many glaciers, lakes, and peaks, as well as a variety of wildlife. Banff is a popular destination for both tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The town has a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as many hotels and resorts. In recent years, Banff has also become known for its nightlife and cultural scene.
Sunshine Meadows
The best way to experience Banff Sunshine Meadows is on foot. There are miles of trails to explore, and no matter which route you take, you’re sure to be treated to incredible scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife. deer, elk, and mountain goats are all common sightings in Banff Sunshine Meadows. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, a visit to Banff Sunshine Meadows is sure to be a memorable experience.
Incredible Scenery
Sunshine Meadows in Banff, Alberta is Heaven on Earth. It was a bit cloudy when we arrived at the top, but the view was still mind-blowing. It was hard to move on when you have such beauty around you; I could have admired that view all day. The Standish Viewing Deck had mind-blowing 360-degree scenery and you could take in the vistas of three high-alpine lakes; Laryx, Grizzly, and Rock Isle.
Getting Up The Mountain
On the day we went, they had a bus running up the mountain. They drop you off in the village near the Standish chairlift where you take your ride to the top 360 degree viewing area and trailheads to start your Sunshine Meadows journey. On other days, a gondola will take you for part of the ride. The kids had not been on a chairlift yet and they thought the ride was super exciting. I loved the views during the chairlift rides; more beauty to admire from up high. The chairlift will take you to over 2,400 M (7,875 feet) – the highest lift-accessed sightseeing elevation within the Banff and Lake Louise area. We loved how easily accessible the chairlift made the Sunshine Meadows area, especially since we had three kids under five with us.
Take A Guided Tour
Our adventure started at the Interpretive Centre to check in for our guided tour. We were early, so the kids were able to take advantage of their learning resources in the center while I took some time to read about the area on their informative posters around the room. The kids loved seeing how their hands compared to bear paws and getting in some coloring time. Our guide Karlee was excellent – she got right down on the girls’ level, showed them some animals that live in the area, and got them excited for what was to come at the top. The girls had such a great time that day that they raved about the experience for weeks.
During our one-hour guided tour, our guide Karlee told us all about the surrounding mountains, wildlife, and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our 1-hour guided walk took us up to the Standish Viewing Deck and back to the Village via the Standish Chairlift. Karlee was absolutely fantastic with the kids — they automatically took a liking to her and had a ton of questions and observations to make. The kids were having such a good time that I just took a step back, listened in, and enjoyed watching them have so much fun as they learned about the world around them. A guided tour was a fantastic way to learn about the Sunshine Meadows. There is also a longer 2-hour option, but kids must be at least six years old.
Continental Divide
Sunshine Meadows is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s also an important part of the continental divide between British Columbia and Alberta. The Continental Divide is a natural boundary that separates the two provinces, and Sunshine Meadows is one of the most scenic places to see it.
In the photos below, we actually have one foot in each province!
Wildlife Sightings
There is nothing quite like getting out into nature and enjoying some great wildlife sightings. It is so exciting to see animals in their natural environment. Sunshine Meadows is home to a variety of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pikas. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot a bear or two!
After our journey on top of the mountain, we spotted these guys on the side of the road. We love seeing animals in their natural habitat; regardless of how common they are. Living the city life has us extra fascinated with animals in nature. The staff at Sunshine Meadows were also keeping an eye on a bear while we were on our guided tour. Never assume it will not happen to you; always be bear prepared!
Sunshine Meadows is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Banff. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to take some time to check out the 360-degree views from up there–you won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: Our visit to Sunshine Meadows was sponsored by Sunshine Village, but as always, our opinions are our own.
Where is one of the most beautiful views you have ever witnessed?
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