Going, Going, Gondola-ing
Posted by Outdoors N.W. on July 15, 2018
British Columbia is a land of natural beauty and gondolas galore.
For hikers, this melding of Mother Nature and modern technology means easy access to several of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor spaces. Descend to a raging river canyon by airtram near Hope; glide from sea to summit in Squamish; hike the famous Grouse Grind before downloading via gondie in North Vancouver.
To top it all off, Whistler and Golden gondolas access elevations above 6,000 feet for summer hikers and mountain bikers. From low to high, here are five of my favorite gondola rides in B.C.
Golden Eagle Express Gondola
Top Elevation: 7,700 feet
This one tops my list in terms of sheer altitude.
From the Day Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Golden Eagle soars more than 3,700 feet to Eagle’s Eye Restaurant — Canada’s highest dining experience with astonishing views of five national parks.
With endless panoramas from the wraparound deck, I didn’t feel the need to hit the trail during my visit. But you certainly can.
Two difficult ridge line hikes — Dogtooth and Terminator — provide countless hours of exploration for experienced hikers. The 2.2-mile Bowl Over Loop is an excellent intermediate option with Rocky Mountain and valley views all around.
It’s A Ten Trail drops 6.2 miles to the Day Lodge (only available for top-to-bottom hiking). Or simply breathe in your share of Alpine air before descending on the wings of the Golden Eagle