Banff Jasper Collection

The Banff Gondola will be closed for maintenance on October 29 – 31 and November 4 – 15. We look forward to welcoming you back November 16!

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.

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The summit in a whole new light

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? 

Illuminating Indigenous History

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.

Created by Moment Factory

With the Participation of Stoney Nakoda

Presented by Banff Gondola

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

ROAM Transit Local Route 1

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).

Driving

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.

Yes, Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen are both open on the summit during Nightrise. We offer packages to combine your experience with a meal at either restaurant.  

Nightrise will be returning to the Banff Gondola from November 18, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Please check online for the current sunset time before your visit here Sunrise and sunset times in Banff (timeanddate.com)

Land Acknowledgement

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-Wesley First Nations; 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, Region III within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland, and many others whose histories, language, and cultures have existed here since time immemorial.

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