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. End your evening under the stars with a visit to the rooftop Nightrise Bar for a sky-high nightcap.
Various Dates | 5 PM – 10 PM
Join us at the summit for celestial celebrations throughout the season, with stargazing, marshmallow roasting and cocktails at our rooftop Nightrise Bar.*
November 17 – 18: Leonids Meteor Shower
December 7: Jupiter at Opposition
December 13 – 14: Geminid Meteor Shower
December 21 – 22: Ursids Meteor Shower
January 3 – 4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower
January 13: Full Moon
January 16: Mars at Opposition
February 12: Full Moon
March 14: Total Lunar Eclipse
*Weather dependent
See Nightrise for $30/adult or $20/child with your daytime Banff Gondola ticket. Valid 14 days after visit.
Explore the wonders of Sulphur Mountain after dark with Nightrise, then dine at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen.
Discover the summit after sunset with Nightrise, then dine on the mountaintop at Sky Bistro.
Albertans can explore Nightrise for less with Pursuit Rewards. Sign up and save up to 20% on your evening at the top.
Stay at Banff’s Mount Royal Hotel or Elk + Avenue Hotel and receive two complimentary adult tickets to Nightrise.
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 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)
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.
