All About Banff Nightrise

Banff Nightrise is an interactive experience at the famous Banff Gondola, created by multimedia studio Moment Factory in collaboration with the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Banff Nightrise is one of the best activities to enjoy on a winter night in the Canadian Rockies. While many visitors venture indoors by the fire once the sun sets in Banff, Nightrise allows those who don’t mind the cold to “listen to the view.”

Nightrise runs from mid-November to the end of March and completely transforms Sulphur Mountain after dark with dazzling lights, projections, and captivating soundscapes.

Each level of the Banff Gondola complex is transformed. The outdoor viewing deck offers a new perspective of Banff, enriched by the contributions of Indigenous peoples through music, words, and stories. A highlight is the “Tales from the Elders” section, making it a truly enchanting experience.

Multiple scheduled events occur throughout the winter season, and if you are into astronomy, there is arguably no better place near Downtown Banff to watch the stars shoot across the sky or the full moon every month.
Banff Nightrise FAQ


- When: November 16, 2024, to March 30, 2025
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. Once the sun sets until closing time.
- Where: Banff Gondola
- How Long Does This Take? Plan to spend two hours enjoying all Nightirse has to offer.
- How much does it cost? Nightrise is included in the price of a Banff Gondola ticket. Tickets start at $60.
- Where to get tickets: Pursuit website or from third party Viator.
- Accessibility: The outdoor boardwalk is not fully accessible, while there are elevators inside to transport guests between floors.
- Good to Know:
- It is very cold in Banff in the winter, especially at night, so dress warm. This includes a hat, gloves, scarf, and thermals. See our winter packing list for Banff.
- We recommend booking 30 minutes before sunset to see the view during the daytime and staying until Nightfall begins. This way, you get the best of both worlds. You’ll also be treated to the “blue hour, ” a great time for photography.
- Banff Nightrise is included in the price of a gondola ticket. However, if you’d like to go up the Banff Gondola during the day and return to Nightrise later in the evening, you can do so with their Nightrise Ride Again offer for $30. This offer is valid 14 days after your visit.
- Sunsets occur at different times throughout the winter, with the shortest days in December. When booking, pay attention to sunset times.
- Public Transit: You can use Roam Transit Bus number 1, which runs from Downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola.
- Food: The Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Kitchen are in the Banff Gondola top station. The Northern Lights Kitchen is a buffet-style restaurant, while the Sky Bistro is an upscale restaurant in Banff. Reservations are recommended during the peak winter season.
You Can Book Tickets Here
Extra Activities

There are some special events to enjoy during Nightrise celebrations.
- Fridays & Saturdays: You can enjoy guided nighttime tours to Sanson’s Peak ($20).
- Snownights (January 17 – February 1, 6 – 10 p.m.): Part of the Banff Snowdays festival. During this time, there will be special live performances throughout the night.