Tunnel Mountain Trail
Tunnel Mountain Trail
4.5
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Seth D.
Prince Edward Island, Canada26 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Coming from the east coast (PEI), this trail was recommended to us as a fairly easy beginner/intermediate trail. While we aren’t avid hikers, we often hike trails back home that are both longer and more narrow than Tunnel Mountain. However, we were inexperienced with hiking mountains or other steep inclines.
While the trail is mostly made up of switchbacks, which limits the steepness slightly, there are still some very steep parts of the trail, especially at the beginning. If you’re experienced climbing relatively steep terrain, this trail shouldn’t be difficult, but personally, we were exhausted by the time we reached the top.
As to the trail itself, it is fairly wide and well maintained. It is quite popular, so you’ll likely meet quite a few other people on the way up. While the views at the top are breathtaking, the rest of the trail is a bit repetitive. Overall, this is a nice trial if you have the time, but far from a must-see attraction.
While the trail is mostly made up of switchbacks, which limits the steepness slightly, there are still some very steep parts of the trail, especially at the beginning. If you’re experienced climbing relatively steep terrain, this trail shouldn’t be difficult, but personally, we were exhausted by the time we reached the top.
As to the trail itself, it is fairly wide and well maintained. It is quite popular, so you’ll likely meet quite a few other people on the way up. While the views at the top are breathtaking, the rest of the trail is a bit repetitive. Overall, this is a nice trial if you have the time, but far from a must-see attraction.
Written August 19, 2020
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.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We, being somewhat middle-aged, huffed and puffed our way up, up, up the +2 km of Tunnel Mountain, until we reached the top with its stunning view of Banff (which is actually prettier at street level), the green valley, the blue river, and the surrounding mountains...
...while children aged 4 and up cheerfully jogged alongside their sweating parents, enjoying the unfamiliar surroundings.
The hike is highly recommended for anyone in reasonably good shape. And, seemingly, no one else experienced the mild bouts of vertigo that I did near the top (and I made it; just with a bit of a racing heart).
The +2 km descent takes less than half the time of the climb, and the sweat quickly dries off as you go down.
...while children aged 4 and up cheerfully jogged alongside their sweating parents, enjoying the unfamiliar surroundings.
The hike is highly recommended for anyone in reasonably good shape. And, seemingly, no one else experienced the mild bouts of vertigo that I did near the top (and I made it; just with a bit of a racing heart).
The +2 km descent takes less than half the time of the climb, and the sweat quickly dries off as you go down.
Written August 11, 2024
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.
Tristan
59 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Tunnel Mountain Trail is a beautiful, scenic hike with amazing views at the top! Completed it easily without any spikes/cleats, though they would make it safer. Worth the short hike for the amazing views. Bring a jacket for when you get to the top, because the wind can be very cold!
Written January 26, 2020
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.
Alexander H
81 contributions
Jul 2021
It's a good trail to do on like arrival day...it's not super long nor super difficult (rated moderate) and it is close to downtown Banff...I would not make a point of doing this on anything other than like a partial day in the city.
Written August 2, 2021
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.
trimess
Brookfield, CT187 contributions
Jan 2020
I did a run up to the top. It's a good workout, but the steepest parts are at the bottom. Snow on the trail was very well compacted, with only a couple of slick spots near the top. Great views! This is a fairly short trail, so well worth fitting into your schedule when you can.
Written January 28, 2020
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.
Jodel
Los Angeles, CA298 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a good starter hike/climb when you arrive in Banff. Its walking distance from downtown Banff, has a moderate start, then gets challenging just before the summit. The view include the town below, surrounding mountains, and the Banff Springs Hotel.
Written October 13, 2020
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.
Wendy F
Winnipeg, Canada89 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
We parked at the high spot near the outlook of the Fairmont. We didn’t know there were 2 lots. Incredibly icy at the onset of the stairs and many people turned back. We forged ahead, in runners, and it was well worth it. After the first 5mins or so the trail was packed and easily navigable. Views were beautiful. We saw only one way finding sign on the way in which we continued past. We eventually hit the highway and here is where we lost track of the trail. We turned back at this point and followed the trail back along the highway but still very nice and we encountered about 12 elk along the way which was incredible. We didn’t come across any other way finding signs and came out at the road which unfortunately took us over an hour to find our way back to the car and we had to ask directions. GPS and All Trails were no help at this point and took us to the lower parking lot. Unfortunately we missed most of the return trail and we didn’t come across the red Adirondack chairs or a waterfall as others mentioned. Not sure where things went wrong but more signage is needed. Otherwise a beautiful trail and we would try again,
Written December 3, 2021
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.
Dan M
Calgary, Canada708 contributions
Aug 2020
Depending on your ability, this is an easy hike. It is very steep but only 1.8 km each way. Nice view at the top of the mountain. Whole hike took about an hour including some short stops to appreciate the many views. If you are not a good hiker, plan for 2 hrs. and a couple of cold ones after.
Written August 29, 2020
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.
namabeer
Toronto, Canada530 contributions
Oct 2021
This is a quick hike up to the top. You can start higher up but few parking spots in the upper parking lots (maybe like 7 cars) If not then start lower. There is a few switch backs the quick walk to the top. The backside is Mt Rundle and golf course. There are some cliffs where you may see rock climbers. Further up to top gets you a nice unobstructed view of Banff town below and Banff Hotel and Sulfur mountain . Nice place to pack a lunch. there's even 2 red Muscoka chairs up there. Quick walk back down. It's a great little hike if you need to kill a few hrs.
Written October 7, 2021
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.
Sandy G
10 contributions
Aug 2022
This Hike is always on our must do when we visit Banff.
It takes about one hour to hike and has a great switchback trail.
I like it as you have great views of the golf course and MT Rundle to the back and Banff and vermillion lakes to the front.
Parking spaces are limited but lots of people were parking on the road on the mountain side as there was room.
It takes about one hour to hike and has a great switchback trail.
I like it as you have great views of the golf course and MT Rundle to the back and Banff and vermillion lakes to the front.
Parking spaces are limited but lots of people were parking on the road on the mountain side as there was room.
Written August 15, 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.
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.
Written January 2, 2020
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!
Written January 17, 2020
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.
Written May 9, 2018
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
Written March 14, 2018
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!
Written March 14, 2018
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!
Written December 10, 2017
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.
Written December 10, 2017
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.
Written September 18, 2015
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 👍🌈
Written September 19, 2015
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?
Written June 22, 2015
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.
Written October 12, 2016
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