The easiest way to get high above Banff [1] without breaking a sweat is on the Banff Gondola (Mountain Ave., 403/762-2523, 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. in summer, shorter hours the rest of the year, closed for two weeks in Jan., adult $28, child $13.50). The modern four-person cars rise 700 meters (2,300 feet) in eight minutes to the summit of 2,285-meter (7,500-foot) Sulphur Mountain.
From the observation deck at the upper terminal, the breathtaking view includes the town, Bow Valley, Cascade Mountain, Lake Minnewanka [2], and the Fairholme Range. Bighorn sheep often hang around below the upper terminal.
The short Vista Trail leads along a ridge to a restored weather observatory; back in the upper terminal there are three restaurants and a gift shop.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-banff
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-banff/sights/lake-minnewanka