Sulphur Mountain (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sulphur Mountain |
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The Gondola on Sulphur Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,451 m (8,041 ft) |
| Prominence | 670 m (2,200 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Sulphur Mountain
Location in Alberta
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| Parent range | South Banff Range, Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 82O/04 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Walking trail Gondola lift/Hike for Sanson's Peak (2,256 m or 7,402 ft) |
Sulphur Mountain is a cool mountain located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. It stands tall over the town of Banff, Alberta, Canada.
The mountain got its name in 1916 because of the warm hot springs found near its base. A long time ago, in 1886, a person named George Dawson called it Terrace Mountain. A part of the mountain, called Sanson's Peak, was named in 1948. It honors Norman Bethune Sanson, who worked at an observatory on the mountain for almost 30 years!
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Fun Things to Do
Sulphur Mountain is a popular spot for visitors. There are two hot springs at the base of the mountain. These are the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. You can relax and swim in the warm mineral waters.
Riding the Gondola
A special cable car, called a gondola, takes you up the eastern side of the mountain. At the top, there's a building with restaurants and a gift shop. You can also find several viewing decks there. From the top, you get amazing views of the Bow Valley.
Exploring the Summit
Once you are at the top, you can walk along a boardwalk. This path leads you to the very top of Sanson's Peak. Sanson's Peak is about 2,256 m or 7,402 ft high. It's a great place to see all around you!
Hiking Trails
If you like hiking, there are two main trails to reach the summit. One trail is an old fire road, about 5.8 km long. It starts near the Bow River. Another trail is 5.4 km long and goes under the gondola. This trail starts near the Banff Hot Springs parking lot.
Mountain Science
Sulphur Mountain has been important for scientific studies.
Weather and Space Research
In 1903, a building was finished on Sanson Peak. It was a weather observatory. This building is still there today. Visitors can look inside and see how it used to be.
Later, in 1956-1957, a small lab was built on Sanson's Peak. Scientists used it to study cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are tiny particles from space. This lab was part of a big international science project. It stayed open until 1978. A sign now marks where the building once stood.
Special Animals
The hot springs at the bottom of Sulphur Mountain are home to some unique creatures. One is the endangered Banff Springs snail. This snail is very rare and only lives in these hot springs. Sadly, another fish, the Banff longnose dace, used to live here but is now extinct.
