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Awesome hike just a short walk from the center of downtown Banff. Though there is typically a bus that takes you to the base of the trail, the parking lot was under construction on our visit and we had to take an alternate route through town. There was a lot of signage directing us which made finding the starting point easy. The trail starts out pretty steep before turning into a lot of switchbacks, even some of the switch backs are on the steeper side. Once you get closer to the top they seem to level out a bit more. As you get closer to the top there are a few viewpoints of the back side of town, looking over the Bow River and out to the golf course, truly a majestic view. Once almost to the peak there's a set of Adirondack chairs looking out to downtown. The perfect pit stop before you make it to the summit or to rest your legs before you head back down. The trail is pretty highly trafficked and dogs are welcome, so expect to see a lot of pups! There are no bathrooms on the trail or at the current starting point so be sure to go before you come! I would also recommend bringing some layers, it can get pretty windy towards the top, and even rained on us a little bit.
The views during and at the end of this hike were so worth it. Much of this hike is uphill, some parts rather steep and rocky, but there are periodic flat spaces where you can catch your breath before continuing if necessary. The path was very well traveled and were saw at least a dozen people coming or going as we went up on a Sunday afternoon, despite the snow and cold. The mountains are unbelievably impressive at this elevation, and I really loved the photo opportunity with the red chairs at the top. I would recommend this hike if you've got good knees, and being in and out in only a few hours, it was a great way to spend an afternoon in Banff.
Hiking Tunnel Mountain was a great way to start my morning. I hit this trail just before 7 am and for the most part, had it to myself on the way up, there was only one other person at the top when I arrived. On the way down is when I hit the traffic coming up. But there is plenty of mountain to go around, and I am sure it is worth hiking at any time of the day. The hike is not super tough, but it took this Fatman a few stops to catch my breath on the way up. You will find some amazing views of the town, and the lodge, and on the other side of the mountain is the golf course area. Truly spectacular vistas!
Mountain Trail close to downtown Banff. Google map directions to the trailhead are spot on. You do have to drive through a neighborhood to get there but trust the directions. We did not have any issues parking at the trailhead but as always lock up your valuables. The start of the 1.5 mile ascent is pretty steep but doable for beginners. The trail levels off more to a steady climb after .75 miles. The views are amazing and offers views of the Bow River, downtown Banff, and the Fairmont Hotel. Wildlife is abundant. I saw plenty of birds and even chipmunks but thankfully no bears. The trail was pretty crowded so I imagine the noise kept them away. Two Adirondack chairs greet you at the top. It is a nice break and a cute photo opportunity. We had an amazing time taking in the beautiful weather, sights, sounds, and smells. The entire trail is 3 miles and about a 1,000 foot climb.
1st off, don't get this mixed up with Tunnel Mountain Village I & II Campgrounds. Tunnel Mountain itself is a hike. Its trailhead is located pretty much in the city of Banff. Miles: Less than 3 miles round trip Elevation Gain: Less than 1000 ft Parking: There are 2 areas to park for this hike, a lower lot, which is more suited to park RVs, and a small upper lot if you keep going up the road, but it's only a few spots, so better luck to park below. Hike is pretty straight forward. It has great views of the city of Banff, and also great views from the other side of Bow River, I think it over looks a golf course? The trails are pretty crowded, but if you have time it's worth the hike up!
Someone asked me to go Tunnel Mountain... Someone told me that it is a great photo spot... But that someone never even hike up Tunnel Mountain, she just asked me to take a photo of Fairmount Banff Spring Resort at the trail head. A nice walk uphill, a little challenging if you are not prepare. But the walk is enjoyable and without the usual tour bus crowds. Parking at the upper trail head can be problematic as there is less than 10 parking spots. Worth coming if you want to get away from the hustle of Banff and some peace and quiet without venturing too far from Downtown.
Background: we are NOT seasoned hikers. I'm moderately fit: regularly swim, weekly crossfit and spin, and occasional free weight and kettlebell training. The wife - not too active but she enjoys occasional hikes and swims. Tunnel Mountain is great for a beginner's hike that's easy to start from downtown Banff. You can drive up to a small parking area at the base of the mountain trail. Or if you're real hardcore you can hike all the way up from downtown Banff! Its about 3 miles round trip, with gentle slope that will take you up just over a mile-high elevation. The views throughout the hike are definitely worth it! You'll see the Banff Center, golf courses, and lots of trees, rivers, and mountains. Did not see any wild animals, only pets that fellow hikers brought up. Upon completion of this hike, you can claim that you've climbed one of the Canadian Rocky mountains! Tunnel Mountain happens to be the smallest peak, but it still counts!
In the late 1800s, tunnel mountain got its name from the original plans to put a tunnel through it as a part of the construction for the Canadian Pacific Railway. They eventually found an alternative route that would take less time to build and also shorten the railway. The name though, stuck. This is the mountain that sits in the Bow River Valley and is easily accessible from downtown Banff. Great views here. You could drive into the parking lot, sit there, and get a nice view. Hike a little more and it opens up. Tunnel mountain road will take you to a few options to get out for a hike. You can drive the loop that takes you from the main highway through the hiking trails and then into downtown Banff. Easy to access.
I first viewed the most distinctive Tunnel Mountain (5500' in Altitude) for the first time when I was on my 1st Honeymoon during February of 1994. We were staying at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (on Tunnel Mountain Road) and it was hard to miss that large, beautiful and snow covered peak. I have returned several times since, and this 5500 foot peak remains a familiar and welcome marker welcoming me back to the Canadian Rockies. The Mountain is located within the the Bow River Valley of Banff National Park and is nearly completely encircled by the town of Banff and the Banff Springs Hotel grounds. The Stoney people had long called the mountain "Sleeping Buffalo", as it resembles a sleeping buffalo when viewed from the north and east. In 1858, James Hector named the small peak "The Hill", likely in reference to its status as the smallest peak adjacent to the Banff town site. The name itself was derived from a failed proposal to build a tunnel through the Mountain as part of the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway starting in 1882. Tunnel Mountain, likely due to its easy grade and location in the heart of Banff, has been a very popular hike for me and others. The trail has a gentle grade for most of the way, with a few mildly steep sections, and is only a 3 mile round trip. The top offers a panoramic view of the town site, the Bow valley and the surrounding wilderness, and many recommend it as an easy introductory hike to the area.
Some reviews for the listing of Tunnel Mountain refer to the campgrounds or hotels in the area ... this review is for the available hiking that is a notable feature. This a nice little hiking adventure in the beautiful Canadian Rockies - specifically the Bow Valley of Banff National Park. This trail which is just off the city center of Banff is open to the public and managed by Parks Canada, in fact when we hiked it we ran into one of the park rangers. By the way, there is no tunnel at Tunnel Mountain. The hike up Tunnel Mountain is only a two or three hour roundtrip adventure (maybe 4.5 km or 3 miles roundtrip) but can easily be extended. We were staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel nearby, so we walked from the hotel and then hiked the trail and returned - probably 7 or 8 kms in total when you include the walk to the trail. You just leave the hotel, cross over the Bow River at the bridge to enter the city center of Banff, and turn right and head for the mountain. The hike has a rise of less than 1,000 feet in elevation over its length. It is a moderate trail and does not require hiking boots, but they would facilitate your hike. The hike is rustic as there are no facilities on the trail ... so come prepared and bring water. This is an out and back trail. If you are driving to the trailhead, parking may be problematic, but this hike is worth the effort.
One of the following does not exist at Tunnel Mountain: 1. Tunnel 2. Mountain When I got up a flight of stairs at the base near the 8-10 spot parking, I turned to ask how far a hike up is it? The response... It's short. ...1.5 kilometers after, we ask a downhill hiker how far is the hike up? Almost there... It's worth the hike, it's beautiful at the top. ...1.8 kilometers. Breathless, Speechless, and... @ the top of a Canadian Rocky Mountain!
We did this for our last hike of our trip to Banff. Another couple we had met told us it was pretty tough so I was a little worried, but it really wasn't bad...or perhaps I was just used to it after a week of hiking. It was steep, but not nearly as steep or long as the lake agnes tea house hike. Like everything else in Banff this hike was pretty crowded, but at least i knew we were in good company if a bear decided to join us. I forgot to bring bear spray so assumed one of the other 800 people on the trail had to have it. The view from the top was gorgeous - so we sat for awhile and enjoyed it. My legs were definitely tired when I made it down, but had enough energy to walk back to the Fairmont. For those staying at the Fairmont it's an easy walk to and from tunnel mountain. read more
Awesome hike just a short walk from the center of downtown Banff. Though there is typically a bus that takes you to the base of the trail, the parking lot was under construction on our visit and we had to take an alternate route through town. There was a lot of signage directing us which made finding the starting point easy. The trail starts out pretty steep before turning into a lot of switchbacks, even some of the switch backs are on the steeper side. Once you get closer to the top they seem to level out a bit more. As you get closer to the top there are a few viewpoints of the back side of town, looking over the Bow River and out to the golf course, truly a majestic view. Once almost to the peak there's a set of Adirondack chairs looking out to downtown. The perfect pit stop before you make it to the summit or to rest your legs before you head back down. The trail is pretty highly trafficked and dogs are welcome, so expect to see a lot of pups! There are no bathrooms on the trail or at the current starting point so be sure to go before you come! I would also recommend bringing some layers, it can get pretty windy towards the top, and even rained on us a little bit. read more
3 years ago
Amazing views! Anywhere your eye wonders, there is nothing but natural beauty. Mother Nature sure did good on this one. read more
1 year ago
The views during and at the end of this hike were so worth it. Much of this hike is uphill, some parts rather steep and rocky, but there are periodic flat spaces where you can catch your breath before continuing if necessary. The path was very well traveled and were saw at least a dozen people coming or going as we went up on a Sunday afternoon, despite the snow and cold. The mountains are unbelievably impressive at this elevation, and I really loved the photo opportunity with the red chairs at the top. I would recommend this hike if you've got good knees, and being in and out in only a few hours, it was a great way to spend an afternoon in Banff. read more
2 years ago
News flash there is no tunnel! Great hike to the top Spikes on your shoes in winter and poles too! Spectacular views from the top and on the way up! read more
Hiking Tunnel Mountain was a great way to start my morning. I hit this trail just before 7 am and for the most part, had it to myself on the way up, there was only one other person at the top when I arrived. On the way down is when I hit the traffic coming up. But there is plenty of mountain to go around, and I am sure it is worth hiking at any time of the day. The hike is not super tough, but it took this Fatman a few stops to catch my breath on the way up. You will find some amazing views of the town, and the lodge, and on the other side of the mountain is the golf course area. Truly spectacular vistas! read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
Mountain Trail close to downtown Banff. Google map directions to the trailhead are spot on. You do have to drive through a neighborhood to get there but trust the directions. We did not have any issues parking at the trailhead but as always lock up your valuables. The start of the 1.5 mile ascent is pretty steep but doable for beginners. The trail levels off more to a steady climb after .75 miles. The views are amazing and offers views of the Bow River, downtown Banff, and the Fairmont Hotel. Wildlife is abundant. I saw plenty of birds and even chipmunks but thankfully no bears. The trail was pretty crowded so I imagine the noise kept them away. Two Adirondack chairs greet you at the top. It is a nice break and a cute photo opportunity. We had an amazing time taking in the beautiful weather, sights, sounds, and smells. The entire trail is 3 miles and about a 1,000 foot climb. read more
1st off, don't get this mixed up with Tunnel Mountain Village I & II Campgrounds. Tunnel Mountain itself is a hike. Its trailhead is located pretty much in the city of Banff. Miles: Less than 3 miles round trip Elevation Gain: Less than 1000 ft Parking: There are 2 areas to park for this hike, a lower lot, which is more suited to park RVs, and a small upper lot if you keep going up the road, but it's only a few spots, so better luck to park below. Hike is pretty straight forward. It has great views of the city of Banff, and also great views from the other side of Bow River, I think it over looks a golf course? The trails are pretty crowded, but if you have time it's worth the hike up! read more
8 years ago
Someone asked me to go Tunnel Mountain... Someone told me that it is a great photo spot... But that someone never even hike up Tunnel Mountain, she just asked me to take a photo of Fairmount Banff Spring Resort at the trail head. A nice walk uphill, a little challenging if you are not prepare. But the walk is enjoyable and without the usual tour bus crowds. Parking at the upper trail head can be problematic as there is less than 10 parking spots. Worth coming if you want to get away from the hustle of Banff and some peace and quiet without venturing too far from Downtown. read more
Background: we are NOT seasoned hikers. I'm moderately fit: regularly swim, weekly crossfit and spin, and occasional free weight and kettlebell training. The wife - not too active but she enjoys occasional hikes and swims. Tunnel Mountain is great for a beginner's hike that's easy to start from downtown Banff. You can drive up to a small parking area at the base of the mountain trail. Or if you're real hardcore you can hike all the way up from downtown Banff! Its about 3 miles round trip, with gentle slope that will take you up just over a mile-high elevation. The views throughout the hike are definitely worth it! You'll see the Banff Center, golf courses, and lots of trees, rivers, and mountains. Did not see any wild animals, only pets that fellow hikers brought up. Upon completion of this hike, you can claim that you've climbed one of the Canadian Rocky mountains! Tunnel Mountain happens to be the smallest peak, but it still counts! read more
In the late 1800s, tunnel mountain got its name from the original plans to put a tunnel through it as a part of the construction for the Canadian Pacific Railway. They eventually found an alternative route that would take less time to build and also shorten the railway. The name though, stuck. This is the mountain that sits in the Bow River Valley and is easily accessible from downtown Banff. Great views here. You could drive into the parking lot, sit there, and get a nice view. Hike a little more and it opens up. Tunnel mountain road will take you to a few options to get out for a hike. You can drive the loop that takes you from the main highway through the hiking trails and then into downtown Banff. Easy to access. read more
I first viewed the most distinctive Tunnel Mountain (5500' in Altitude) for the first time when I was on my 1st Honeymoon during February of 1994. We were staying at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (on Tunnel Mountain Road) and it was hard to miss that large, beautiful and snow covered peak. I have returned several times since, and this 5500 foot peak remains a familiar and welcome marker welcoming me back to the Canadian Rockies. The Mountain is located within the the Bow River Valley of Banff National Park and is nearly completely encircled by the town of Banff and the Banff Springs Hotel grounds. The Stoney people had long called the mountain "Sleeping Buffalo", as it resembles a sleeping buffalo when viewed from the north and east. In 1858, James Hector named the small peak "The Hill", likely in reference to its status as the smallest peak adjacent to the Banff town site. The name itself was derived from a failed proposal to build a tunnel through the Mountain as part of the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway starting in 1882. Tunnel Mountain, likely due to its easy grade and location in the heart of Banff, has been a very popular hike for me and others. The trail has a gentle grade for most of the way, with a few mildly steep sections, and is only a 3 mile round trip. The top offers a panoramic view of the town site, the Bow valley and the surrounding wilderness, and many recommend it as an easy introductory hike to the area. read more
Some reviews for the listing of Tunnel Mountain refer to the campgrounds or hotels in the area ... this review is for the available hiking that is a notable feature. This a nice little hiking adventure in the beautiful Canadian Rockies - specifically the Bow Valley of Banff National Park. This trail which is just off the city center of Banff is open to the public and managed by Parks Canada, in fact when we hiked it we ran into one of the park rangers. By the way, there is no tunnel at Tunnel Mountain. The hike up Tunnel Mountain is only a two or three hour roundtrip adventure (maybe 4.5 km or 3 miles roundtrip) but can easily be extended. We were staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel nearby, so we walked from the hotel and then hiked the trail and returned - probably 7 or 8 kms in total when you include the walk to the trail. You just leave the hotel, cross over the Bow River at the bridge to enter the city center of Banff, and turn right and head for the mountain. The hike has a rise of less than 1,000 feet in elevation over its length. It is a moderate trail and does not require hiking boots, but they would facilitate your hike. The hike is rustic as there are no facilities on the trail ... so come prepared and bring water. This is an out and back trail. If you are driving to the trailhead, parking may be problematic, but this hike is worth the effort. read more
One of the following does not exist at Tunnel Mountain: 1. Tunnel 2. Mountain When I got up a flight of stairs at the base near the 8-10 spot parking, I turned to ask how far a hike up is it? The response... It's short. ...1.5 kilometers after, we ask a downhill hiker how far is the hike up? Almost there... It's worth the hike, it's beautiful at the top. ...1.8 kilometers. Breathless, Speechless, and... @ the top of a Canadian Rocky Mountain! read more
8 years ago
They say it is easy but is a moderate trail. I went with my 60 years old parents who are not active people but they could achieve the summit in a slow pace - at it has some considerable elevation sometimes. But it worth a lot - the 360 view from the top is a wow all the time. There was some snow melting in the top of the mountain so some parts were very slippery with the mud. read more
A lot less loved than its big famous sister, sulphur mountain, tunnel mountain provided a great short hike and you get some AMAZING views! I was here for a day trip from Calgary mid November. As this time is not a peak season it was not very busy so I ended up getting this hike almost to myself! I ended up going here on recommendation from the information centre who said it was too slippery to hike up sulphur. It was a comfortable walk about 2 hours return and I was only wearing gumboots (it was a spur of the moment trip so I hadn't packed for hiking!) and I was fine, only one small slippery patch. I walked to and from the mountain from the town easily enough as well. In a day I managed to do this hike, lunch, see the famous old hotel and get the gondola up sulfur with plenty of time to get the 5pm bus back to Calgary. Now for the views... the beauty of this hike is you get the southern(?) Views which you don't get as well from sulfur.... although you are not nearly as high up I can tell you the views were absolutely breathtaking... I actually said wow out loud when I got to the views on the back side of the hike (ie the side opposite looking over Banff). The photos do not do it justice. It is just so vast and frames perfectly by the mountains in the background. If you have some time to do a hike, this is a must!!! read more
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Tunnel Mountain Road
Banff, AB
Canada
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Tunnel Mountain - campgrounds - Updated May 2026
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