Let’s face it, winter is dark. With the sun setting around 5 pm in December and early January, it can feel like the days are too short for all the amazing activities that winter has to offer. Here are some of the ways we like to enjoy the mountains at night.

Tube Time
We tried night tubing at Mount Norquay and absolutely loved spinning down the groomed runs under the floodlights while music was pumpin’ from an old snowcat. It was a cool party under the stars that everyone enjoyed. Nearby, skiers and boarders got in some nighttime runs, and it was fun to watch them take on obstacles. The chalet was open for refreshments and to warm up. A mid-evening hot chocolate boosted our energy so we could enjoy tubing well into the night!

Frozen History
We enjoyed an evening icewalk with Discover Banff Tours and were blown away by the experience. Our guide told us about the history and geology of Banff National Park while the frozen waterfalls sparkled under the light of our headlamps. We had a snack of hot chocolate and cookies before walking back under the light of the stars, which added a magical touch to the whole evening.

Mountaintop Moments
Nightrise at the Banff Gondola  is an entirely new way to experience the night. Prepare to be transported to a surreal space and time connecting with the starlight, the natural world, and the people who have called this place home since the beginning of time. In conjunction with Moment Factory and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, Nightrise uncovers the mountains through lights, sounds, and atmosphere in a multi-sensory exploration.

Kate Barker