Categories: Travel

Celebrate summer amongst the clouds at the Banff Gondola Sunset Festival

Photo via Kendall Bistretzan / Curiocity

Alberta has no shortage of events and festivals happening throughout the summer, but very few take place at an elevation of 2,281 metres.

Until Sept. 1, 2025, visitors from near and far are welcome to visit Banff to experience the Sunset Festival — an alpine celebration featuring live music, tasty bites, delicious drinks, and more atop the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Best of all, the festival runs every single night.

Hazy days

Photo via Kendall Bistretzan / Curiocity

I had the pleasure of attending the festival on Sunday, July 20. Unfortunately, I booked my tickets far enough in advance that I thought the rain Alberta was experiencing would be over by then. I was wrong.

However, the drizzly weather allowed me to experience the Banff Gondola in a new way. Seeing the clouds surrounding the mountains until we were high above them was incredible, and I wouldn’t have been afforded that scenery if the skies were clear and sunny.

Navigating the boardwalk atop Sulphur Mountain felt like journeying through a fantasy world. Mountains peaked from beyond valleys of mist, and the light rain made the nearby greenery extra green. After taking in the views for a bit, I headed over to the gondola building, where the Sunset Festival was taking place.

Summer sunsets

I was greeted by the sounds of a musician performing a Tragically Hip song on guitar as guests milled about the upper landing. There was plenty of seating next to gas firepits, and a bin of blankets inviting visitors to stay awhile. And with the sun setting over the mountains, who wouldn’t want to stick around? (Okay, it was too cloudy to actually see the sunset on that particular day. But in theory, it would’ve been breathtaking!)

There were also games, activities, and a bar where you could purchase drinks. There’s usually food available for purchase as well, but due to the rain, that service was unavailable.

Admission to the Sunset Festival is included with the cost of a lift ticket, so if you’re thinking of checking the Banff Gondola off your summer bucket list, you may as well go between 6 and 9:30 p.m. Just be sure to check the weather before you buy your tickets.