Created by the renowned Canadian design studio Moment Factory, the Lumina Night Walks series offers a collection of immersive outdoor experiences that seamlessly blend multimedia effects, architectural design, and visual storytelling. Founded in Montreal in 2001, Moment Factory is now celebrated as one of the world’s leading immersive design studios, with over 400 projects worldwide, including offices in New York, Tokyo, and Paris. With its team of 350 experts, the studio has garnered global acclaim for its exceptional ability to combine architecture, visual effects, sound design, and creative lighting into unforgettable experiences.
Among Moment Factory's most successful projects, Lumina Night Walks invites visitors on a luminous journey, capturing the unique beauty of local landscapes while evoking emotional resonance. Each location is transformed into a magical environment, enhancing the visitor’s experience of the natural world through a blend of creative storytelling and multimedia innovation.
The Lumina Night Walks series has already attracted over 2 million visitors across 12 locations worldwide, winning numerous design awards. With seven installations in Canada, three in Japan, and others in Singapore and France, Lumina Night Walks has become a global phenomenon.
What makes Lumina Night Walks so captivating? Let’s take a closer look at one of its most iconic experiences—Vallea Lumina.
Project Background
Vallea Lumina, part of the Lumina Night Walks series, stands out as a premier immersive experience. Situated in the picturesque resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, it was co-developed by The Adventure Group and Moment Factory, debuting in 2018. This breathtaking night walk was designed to highlight Whistler’s natural beauty, and after two successful summer and fall seasons, it was transformed into a year-round attraction.
Location
Vallea Lumina is located 10 kilometers north of Whistler Village. The journey from Vancouver International Airport spans 145 kilometers, taking about 1.5 hours by car. Travelers are treated to one of Canada's most scenic drives, the Sea to Sky Highway, which offers a stunning backdrop of ocean views and mountainous landscapes as they approach the world-renowned ski destination, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Timings and Admission
Each evening, Vallea Lumina offers three time slots, starting as early as 5 PM and as late as 8 PM. Tickets for the summer season (April to October) are priced at CAD 34.99 for adults (16+), CAD 29.99 for youth (9-15), and free for children under 9. During the winter season (November to March), prices are slightly reduced at CAD 29.99 for adults and CAD 24.99 for youth, with the same free entry for young children.
The Storyline
At the heart of Vallea Lumina lies a mysterious tale. Legends speak of a hidden valley near Whistler, where stardust once descended, illuminating the landscape in a pure, magical light. Few know how to find this valley, but those who do are forever changed. Visitors are invited to follow the traces left by two hikers who journeyed here long ago, guided by a mysterious radio signal that leads them on a path through the forest. As they walk, they uncover the truth behind the myth and immerse themselves in a world where the legend of stardust comes alive.
The Experience
Vallea Lumina offers a 1.5-kilometer outdoor night walk, which takes approximately one hour to complete. The journey is divided into multiple thematic scenes, each crafted to enhance the overall experience.
Upon arriving in Whistler, visitors follow a series of signs directing them to the exclusive route leading to Vallea Lumina’s entrance. As night falls, the road becomes enveloped in darkness—until a glowing light appears in the distance, marking the first scene. From the moment visitors step into the glowing campfire area, the night walk begins. This transition from darkness to light is a brilliant design element that sets the tone for the rest of the experience. Without gates or walls, guests are seamlessly drawn into the atmosphere, unaware of how gradually they’ve left reality behind.
As they move forward, visitors become enveloped in the immersive nighttime camp environment. This atmosphere is meticulously maintained throughout the experience, providing an uninterrupted sense of wonder from start to finish.
While waiting to enter, visitors gather at the expansive campsite, where 3-4 bonfire pits surrounded by seating areas provide a cozy spot for rest. In addition to relaxing by the fire, guests can explore the nearby gift shop, purchasing souvenirs, drinks, and snacks to enhance their wait.
After following the guiding signs for a few minutes, guests arrive at the second scene—the Journey Outpost. Here, the ambiance of an outdoor camp is immediately felt, with tents in the distance casting silhouettes of people, their conversations faintly heard. The setting is enhanced by the looming sound of thunder, signaling an approaching storm. Within the tents, a young girl and an older man can be heard playing guitar and engaging in conversation. As their discussion draws to a close, they pack up and leave, inviting visitors to follow in their footsteps. This scene, lasting only a few minutes, expertly sets the mood, deepens the storyline, and piques visitors’ curiosity.
The third scene takes place in a dimly lit area where a wooden forest watchtower stands tall. Below, a control panel offers an interactive element, where guests respond to radio signals to trigger special sound and light effects. This interactivity, paired with the stage-like special effects, gives the scene a cinematic quality, reminiscent of futuristic sci-fi films. The forest backdrop, illuminated by projections on the surrounding trees, enhances the atmosphere. The opportunity for interaction further immerses visitors into the unfolding story. (Photos and videos are allowed in all scenes, but flash photography is prohibited.)
As guests move forward to the fourth scene, towering trees reveal faces that slowly come to life, telling a story that connects to the legend of the land. These projections represent the "Forest Guardians," embodying the mystical power of nature. The lighting, projected onto trees near and far, gradually reveals the faces, encouraging visitors to walk further along the trail.
Throughout the journey, the trail follows the natural rise and fall of the terrain, resembling an outdoor hiking experience with its uphill and downhill sections. The scenic design is masterfully integrated into the landscape, with wooden benches and handrails offering rest points. Rope barriers at key turnoffs ensure visitors don’t stray into darker, unmarked areas.
In the fifth scene, the protagonists—a young girl and an older man—reappear. These are the same individuals featured in the tent projections and on the missing person posters from earlier in the story. Their appearance coincides with the first instance of the night projection show, accompanied by music. It is at this moment that visitors realize their journey has been about following the footsteps of these two characters, culminating in an awe-inspiring visual and auditory finale.
In the sixth scene, "The Sleeping Nebula," the atmosphere quiets, preparing visitors for the next chapter of the journey. The lighting here mimics a gentle breathing effect, blending with the natural surroundings. Rather than mere projections, the scene features physical installations integrated with the forest, allowing guests to approach and even touch elements, which deepens the sense of immersion. The storyline continues to develop, hinting at mysterious events that once took place in this valley.
The seventh scene marks the climax of the entire journey. This is where the legend of "The Starlight Descent" comes to life in the valley. The stillness of the previous scene transitions into a vibrant, dynamic spectacle, with glowing dots of light spread throughout the space. Paired with immersive sound effects, this scene leaves a lasting impression. Many visitors pause here the longest, captivated by both the story and the mesmerizing experience, which is truly unforgettable.
The eighth scene, "The Star-Chasing Fish," incorporates water elements into the design. A small creek is crossed as part of the trail, where numerous fish-shaped lights are installed along the water. This design reflects the cultural significance of the salmon's seasonal upstream migration in North America, adding a regional touch to the experience.
The ninth and final scene is set in the most open area of the trail, where everyone gathers. Wooden benches are provided for seating, offering visitors a chance to relax and reflect. Here, the story reaches its conclusion as the two protagonists from earlier reappear. A large projection screen displays a nearly five-minute film that revisits key moments from the journey and hints that the legend of the valley will live on. Accompanied by the recurring guitar theme, the atmosphere turns joyful, underscoring the sense of familial bonding—an essential element of this experience.
After the final scene, visitors are led to a designated photo spot, where they can take pictures to commemorate the experience. From here, two paths are available: one leads back to the campfire rest area at the entrance, while the other takes visitors directly to the parking lot. Remarkably, the hour-long experience doesn't leave guests feeling fatigued. Despite the uphill climbs and steps, the well-paced transitions between scenes keep the journey enjoyable and engaging.
Project Summary
Vallea Lumina masterfully leverages the natural environment and local cultural elements, blending the scenic beauty with interactive storytelling through vivid sound and light displays. Whether under a starry summer sky or amidst a snowy landscape, the immersive experience fills a gap in Whistler’s nighttime activities. Its year-round availability makes it especially appealing to families seeking a unique vacation adventure.
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