Tunnel Mountain Trail
Tunnel Mountain Trail
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
783 reviews
Excellent
493
Very good
244
Average
45
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Gina O
9 contributions
May 2023
Lovely hike just out of town. Perfect length and difficulty, and great views from the top. Really enjoyed it and highly recommend.
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cosmopolitan766609
4 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
Nice hike to a great view. Multiple places to stop and catch your breath (for us 50 something year olds). Took about an hour and 15 minutes to get all the way up there and our thighs are burning up today, but it was worth it!
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kara D
Didsbury, Canada27 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Couples
My husband and I did this hike. We are by no means in shape and I'm sure we'll be sore for a few days, but it was worth it. It took us about an hour to get to the top (with several rests along the way) and only about half an hour to get down. Great view at the top. It was muddy in spots and a bit snowy at the top. Wish we had brought our hiking boots. We did the whole thing in running shoes.
Written April 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooks W
New Orleans, LA43 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Couples
I saw this listed as an “Easy” hike in Banff. While it was doable, I’d probably say it would be more enjoyable if you are in shape. We were worn out after doing it.
It probably took us about 2:20hr to do this hike.
In the winter time, crampons are a MUST, because it was so icy. We had them and it sured up our footing. But others did not, and we saw them slipping allover the place.
Views were good, though you may get similar views from ski slopes or other hikes. Where there are rails is typically the best view points. And then at the top there were 2 red chairs to take photos in.
Additionally this was one of the closest hikes to town. So if you don’t want to venture too far (or you’re in a time crunch) this could be a good option for you.
It probably took us about 2:20hr to do this hike.
In the winter time, crampons are a MUST, because it was so icy. We had them and it sured up our footing. But others did not, and we saw them slipping allover the place.
Views were good, though you may get similar views from ski slopes or other hikes. Where there are rails is typically the best view points. And then at the top there were 2 red chairs to take photos in.
Additionally this was one of the closest hikes to town. So if you don’t want to venture too far (or you’re in a time crunch) this could be a good option for you.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsay T
3 contributions
Jan. 2023
An easy hike (2-2.5 up hill) and such amazing views of both sides of the valley in Banff! I would highly recommend. Even in winter it wasn't that icy but clamp ons would have been a bit better.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unelma333
Karlsruhe, Germany1,228 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
It is an easy hike, without having to leave Banff. The trail starts from Tunnel Mountain Road. The climb is not difficult, about 300 meters ascent. It took about two hours in total. It wasn't crowded at the end of October. The views of Banff from the top are beautiful, just as well as of the mountains on the other side during the climb. An easy and rewarding hike when visiting Banff.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine W
Chippenham, UK251 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
The parks information office suggested we did this trail as we only had a couple of days in Banff and we did it starting in the town. It is all uphill but zigzags easily and is wide with views on the way up. The views in all directions at the top are interesting and it wasn’t too crowded. Wandering round the top we overshot the path down and had to retrace our steps!
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JandR101219
Virden, Canada17 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Friends
It was so fun to be able to climb a mountain even though I am not an experienced mountain hiker. It was such a great view!
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
Summit, NJ17 contributions
Aug. 2022
go early. we got to the gondola when it opened. walked around the alpine lakes and then over to monarch view. hordes of people were arriving as we were leaving. get there early!!!
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candice T
manila, philippines207 contributions
Jun. 2022
This is pretty much an all uphill climb. A total of about 2.5 kms one-way. I think it took us about 1.5 hours in total. There were many people on the trail, but it didn't feel crowded as the path was wide in some areas. There were many viewpoints to take pictures in and a wonderful view up top. As usual, there were red chairs at the end of the trail where you can relax and chill for a while. I enjoyed this wonderful short hike with my family. Would definitely recommend it.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMHOK
Edmond, OK16 contributions
Hello.
Planning an itinerary for a trip to Banff in September 2020. Once at the trail head, how long should we allow to hike to the top, linger to enjoy the view and return?
Thanks in advfor you assistance.
Tried and Tested Travel
Mansfield, UK22 contributions
A couple of hours should be plenty of time. An hour on the way up, 30 mins at the top and 30 mins to come back down. The views are totally worth it!
Is this hike okay if you have a baby with you?
cocostravelsdotcom
Chelmsford, UK287 contributions
If you are used to hiking with a baby on your back then you will be fine. It is steep in places and ascends in a zigzag. We did meet a couple of unfit people who didn't quite make it but if you can take your time the views are worth the hike.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA457 contributions
When hiking in the Banff area do you see many people with bear spray or bells. They say to hike in groups but there are only two of us. Seniors but in good shape
Ben B
Calgary, Canada14,381 contributions
For Tunnel Mountain Trail, the likelihood of a bear encounter is low, not impossible, but low. We have bear spray always with us, but always rely on our own noise (chatter, and just calling out frequently) to alert all animals that we are about. The jury is out on bear bells. They are quite faint, and when you're hiking, you'll notice how close people are before you actually hear them. They are excellent reminders, though, for hikers wearing them that they are in bear country and must make lots of noise, be aware of your surroundings, and be extra cautious in noisy places like streams or rivers. There are good brochures on this subject at the Information Centre, and the experts at there can also give you other tips. Have fun!
Bet543210
209 contributions
I'm staying at Buffalo Mtn Lodge mid January and it looks like it's right on this trail. Has anyone hiked this in winter with snow on the ground? Do you recommend traction cleats or just snow boots? Snow shoes? Thanks!
Ivo J
Tongeren, Belgium55 contributions
I hiked this tunnel trail in June but I am pretty sure you can do it easily with only snow boots during snow Saison as it is all on gravel roads.
4familyCalgary
Calgary23 contributions
How likely are we to run into a bear at this time of the year (Sept 19th or 20th) on this trail? I am absolutely terrified of running into one and in the past this has stopped me from going on hikes. I am looking for a hike to do this weekend with my kids. The Tunnel Mountain trail sounds like a good one. I was also considering the Sulphur Mountain trail.
Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
gfmOhio
Cleveland, OH55 contributions
Saw very little wildlife. Tunnel Trail was a gentle uphill. It was done at 10 in morning. We crossed paths with others who lived in area. It was our first hike upon arriving in Banff.
Again. Very little wildlife viewing whole trip Sulphur Mt up to gondola is about 1 :hour 35 or longer walk. We took gondola both ways. The views are spectacular if it is a clear day. We had a wonderful trip 👍🌈
aliali P
Calgary, Canada
I'll arrive Banff by greyhound and plan to tour around the town by walking. Can I go to the starting point of Tunnel Mountain Trail by walking from Banff town center?
lauriebrandon
Atlanta, GA53 contributions
Yes, there are signs directing tourists from the city center to the trail. We were staying in a hotel in town and walked to the trail head from there.
TUNNEL MOUNTAIN TRAIL - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tunnel Mountain Trail
- We recommend booking Tunnel Mountain Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Tunnel Mountain Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tunnel Mountain Trail:
- (0.87 km) Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea's House
- (1.04 km) Banff Avenue B&B
- (0.90 km) Canalta Lodge
- (0.65 km) Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground
- (0.86 km) Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity - Hotels
- Restaurants near Tunnel Mountain Trail:
- (0.81 km) Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
- (1.23 km) Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant
- (1.30 km) Hello Sunshine Banff
- (1.18 km) Farm and Fire
- (1.36 km) Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse