Banff Gondola Winter Nightrise

Nightrise transforms the Banff Gondola summit into a nightly winter wonderland of light, sound, and storytelling. After dark, Sulphur Mountain comes alive through immersive multimedia installations created in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, blending modern artistry with Indigenous perspectives. Visitors ascend into a glowing mountaintop experience featuring vibrant projections, atmospheric soundscapes, and stunning night views across Banff. With dining options and a uniquely elevated setting, Nightrise offers an unforgettable winter evening that redefines the classic gondola experience.
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Banff Gondola Winter Nightrise Experience

Nightrise is an immersive, after-dark winter experience at the summit of Sulphur Mountain, accessed by the Banff Gondola. Once the sun sets, the entire Gondola summit complex transforms through multimedia installations that blend dynamic lighting, projection, sound, and ambient storytelling.

Upon arriving at the top of the Banff Gondola, you will move through a series of indoor and outdoor zones featuring synchronized light shows, projection art, colour-washed viewpoints, and immersive soundscapes. The Gondola Summit's terraces glow with shifting patterns that respond to the landscape, while indoor areas host atmospheric lighting and interactive features. The boardwalk and observation decks remain open, inviting visitors to step into the cold mountain air and enjoy expansive views enhanced by the nighttime design.
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Banff Gondola Nightrise Winter Star Gazing, Aurora, Shows and Dazzling Lights

Nightrise runs during the winter season, typically from late November through late March. It operates in the evening hours, allowing Gondola visitors to experience the summit after dark even early in the season when daylight is limited. The gondola ride itself becomes part of the experience, lifting guests from the lights of the townsite into the quiet, illuminated summit environment.

Banff Gondola Nightrise

Nightrise is a winter evening attraction at the Banff Gondola that transforms the summit of Sulphur Mountain into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. After dark, dynamic lighting, projections, original soundscapes and interactive art installations create a unique environment to see and hear the Sulphur Mountain Summit in a new way. The Nightrise Gondola experience was developed in partnership with multimedia designers and the Stoney Nakoda Nation, and it incorporates cultural storytelling alongside visual and audio elements.
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The Nightrise Experience

Once guests board the Banff Gondola in the evening and ascend to the summit, original soundscapes and spoken words set the tone within the gondola cabins. At the summit, the space is transformed by four primary installation zones-each themed around a sensory element such as light patterns, interactive projections or sound engagement. These zones offer opportunities to lounge, explore and absorb the atmosphere through both indoor and outdoor areas. On the Gondola summit observation deck, audio "sonic binoculars" and other features amplify ambient sounds to encourage visitors to literally "listen to the view." The outdoor boardwalk and terraces are also part of the experience, allowing panoramic views of the night sky and surrounding Rockies.

Nightrise Gondola Summit Dining

Summit restaurants such as the Sky Bistro and the family-friendly Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen remain open during Gondola's Nightrise evenings. Dining packages are available that combine the gondola ride, summit meal and Nightrise experience.

Winter Nightrise Considerations

Winter weather at the Gondola summit can be very cold, especially at night, so warm clothing and winter gear is essential. Foot traffic areas outside may be icy depending on weather conditions; pathways and boardwalks are maintained, but caution is advised. Because lighting and projections are part of the experience, individuals sensitive to flashing or coloured lights should consider this when deciding whether Nightrise is suitable for them. Indoor areas and main summit facilities have elevator access, but some outdoor boardwalk sections are not fully accessible.

Cultural and Artistic Elements

Nightrise features original audio that includes Indigenous voices and perspectives, and traditional language and storytelling appear as part of the soundscape and visual elements throughout the summit installations. On select nights, additional cultural performances or activities may be offered.
Book the Banff Gondola Winter Nightrise