When the sun sets, a whole new adventure begins at the Banff Gondola. This winter, explore the “Wonders of the Sky” and rediscover Sulphur Mountain’s summit beneath the moon.
Explore the mountaintop beneath the moonlit sky during Nightrise, a Banff Gondola experience created alongside the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Connect with Sulphur Mountain through the Four Wonders — a series of immersive, interactive art displays that reimagine the summit. Throughout the winter, join us for special events exploring the lunar cycle and the stories of each full moon, from the December Cold Moon to the January Wolf Moon, February’s Snow Moon and March’s Worm Moon.
Let the magic of the night ignite your senses. What will you discover at the top?
Your adventure begins as the sun sets. Make your way to Sulphur Mountain, located south of the Banff townsite. You have several options for getting here, including Banff ROAM Public Transit.
The gondola’s ascent up Sulphur Mountain sets Nightrise into motion. Music, narration and original soundscapes fill the gondola cabin as you soar more than 2,000 feet in the air. Look out at the mountain views on the way to the top and watch as daylight dims and night rises.
Step onto the summit and embrace the night. Cosmic Rays (Apenene Garharhagach), Diamond Dust (Wiyapta Ptach), Alpenglow (Aîthîya Eya) and Frosted Waves (Yowatha) make up the Four Wonders — stations of light, sound and projections throughout the summit building. Join us during each full moon for a special celebration, highlighting the stories inspired by the lunar cycle.
Pair your moonlit adventure with a meal before or after Nightrise. Reserve a table at Sky Bistro for elevated Canadian cuisine or enjoy a buffet-style dining experience at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen.
Experience Nightrise with a warm beverage in hand. Join us daily at Castle Mountain Coffee Co. on the summit building's first level or visit the Nightrise Bar on the rooftop patio (open Fridays and Saturdays) for a sky-high drink.
February 21 – March 30 | 7 – 10 p.m.
Join us for Alpenglow. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the sky transforms into a breathtaking display of Alpenglow. An enchanting moment when the peaks are illuminated in a soft, ethereal glow. Hues of pink, blue, and violet sweep across the horizon, creating a stunning contrast against the deepening night sky.
This natural phenomenon is a magical prelude to the wonders of the evening, setting the stage for the celestial beauty of Nightrise. Pause, take in the view, and let the glow of the mountains ignite your sense of wonder.
Experience Alpenglow at the Banff Gondola and witness the sky’s transformation like never before.
Created by Moment Factory in participation with the Stoney Nakoda Nation and presented by Banff Gondola, this unique winter gathering merges immersive multimedia and nature for a new take on a familiar location. Nightrise was the recipient of the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Allyship Award in 2022 and earned top honours in the Industry Innovators category at the 2023 Skift IDEA Awards.
There's no right or wrong way to discover Nightrise — the four stations can be explored in any order and at any pace. Many of the elements of Nightrise, however, are best experienced after the sun has completely set.
If you are dining on the summit before 8:30 p.m., we recommend exploring Nightrise after your meal. If your reservation is after 8:30 p.m., we recommend arriving 45 to 60 minutes early to fully experience Nightrise ahead of dinner.
Yes, the boardwalk remains open for guests to explore. However, please note that the Nigthrise’s lights and sounds are only displayed inside the building and on the area immediately surrounding the building (1st and 4th floor terraces). As stewards of our National Parks, our aim is to reduce our impact on the dark sky and local wildlife population.
Anticipate cold weather: During the evenings, it's particularly important to dress in proper winter attire. Our gondola cabins are not heated, and it can get cold and windy at the top. For your safety, a winter jacket, warm socks and winter footwear are required.
The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre.
Take advantage of the Banff ROAM Public Transit Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola (one way cash fare: $2 per person).
From Banff Ave, head south towards the Bow Bridge. Make a left turn after the Bow Bridge onto Mountain Ave and keep to the right lane. Follow Mountain Ave to the very end where you will arrive at the Banff Gondola parking lot on your left.
Nightrise features moving and coloured lights that could trigger individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. It also includes fog/smoke machines.
Nightrise will be returning to the Banff Gondola from November 16, 2024, to March 30, 2025.
Please check online for the current sunset time before your visit here Sunrise and sunset times in Banff (timeanddate.com)
Yes! Hot chocolate, teas and other cafe favourites are available daily at Castle Mountain Coffee Co. on the summit building’s first level. On Fridays and Saturdays, beverages are also available at the Nightrise Bar, located on our rooftop patio.
You are welcome to visit at any time. Please note that the transition to Nightrise begins at 5 PM. If you're at the top of the Gondola at this time, you may miss some of the interactive elements. We recommend planning your visit accordingly to enjoy the full experience!
For guests who wish to experience both daytime and evening visits, we offer a "Ride Again" ticket that provides a discounted rate for a same-day visit to enjoy the Nightrise experience. The Nightrise Ride Again Offer at the Banff Gondola allows guests with a daytime ticket to return for Nightrise at a special rate: $30 per adult and $20 per child. This offer is valid for 14 days following their daytime visit.
*This offer can only be booked on-site at the Banff Gondola.
In the spirit of reconciliation and gratitude, we honour and acknowledge that Banff is located on traditional Treaty 7 territory. These sacred lands are a gathering place for the Îyârhe Eyithkabi of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nation; the Niitsitapi from the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; the Ktunaxa First Nation; the Secwepmc First Nation; the Métis Nation of Alberta, Metis District 4 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland, and many others whose histories, language, and cultures have existed here since time immemorial.
