The holiday season has come to a close and the new year is here. I know Janurary to March is kind of a crummy time of year in my opinion as the highs of the festive season end, bills roll in, and it seems like there isn’t much to look forward to. So, I am always on the hunt for things to do to keep the good times going. One of those things is Banffs newest attraction – Nightrise!
What Is Nightrise?
Nightrise is an immursive experience at the top of Sulphur mountain in collaboration with Moment Factory and the Stoney Nakoda Nation. The beautiful mountain is transformed into a spectacle of lights, sounds, and projections while you look down at the town down below.
Partnership
Key in creating Nightrise was the partnership forged with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, the Indigenous peoples who have called the Canadian Rockies home since time immemorial. The partnership saw the Stoney Nation contribute music, spoken word and a storied perspective to the creation process.
Another essential component was the inclusion of Stoney language, which can be found throughout Nightrise. “We’ve been in this area since time immemorial. This is the traditional land and territory that the Stoney have had their feet on top of,” says Cherith Mark, language and culture coordinator for Stoney Education Authority and a collaborator in Nightrise. “And so I think this will introduce visitors and guests to [one of] the Indigenous languages of this land.”
What Will You Experience?
As you ride the gondola to the top the mood is set as a voice tells the storey of the Stoney people over the speakers accompanied by different colored lights. When you arrive at the top of the gondola you’re able to grab a hot beverage or snack at the coffee shop and head out onto the deck. There you will see the stunning lights, interactive projections, and sounds that are constantly changing along with some fire pits to warm up by. Ensure you dress very warmly as the top of the mountain is much cooler than on the ground especially at night.
Inside on the next floor up you will find a dark room filled with comfy bean bag chairs and tiny moving lights. This is a great spot to relax and get some gorgeous photos and videos of the deck down below. Afterwards we went to grab some delicious dinner at the Northern Lights Apline Kitchen which I highly recomend. They also have the Sky Bistro which has some very tasty cocktails.
Cost
General Admission
$58/ Adult $29/ Child
Northern Lights Nightrise Dinner
$83/ Adult $49.50/ Child
Explore the wonders of Sulphur Mountain after sunset with Nightrise, then dine at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen.
Package Includes:
- Admission the the Banff Gondola
- Buffet
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and soft drinks
- Gratuities
Nightrise Sky Experience Dinner
$126/ Adult
Discover the summit after sunset with Nightrise, then dine on the mountaintop at Sky Bistro.
Package Includes:
- Admission to the Banff Gondola
- Your choice of appetizer and entrée at Sky Bistro
- Gratuities
Nightrise runs from December 2nd 2021 until March 12th 2022 so don’t miss out!
*Disclosure: I was hosted and recieved complimentary tickets in exchange for this article. As always all my opinions are my own*