Tunnel Mountain Trail
Tunnel Mountain Trail
4.5
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130 within 5 kms
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- Brooks WNew Orleans, Louisiana43 contributionsWinter Hike at Tunnel MountainI 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.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 26, 2023
- Kara DDidsbury, Canada27 contributionsNice HikeMy 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.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 23, 2023
- Cosmopolitan7666095 contributionsGorgeous view with a modest hikeNice 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!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 2, 2023
- tiaragirlCalgary, Canada93 contributionsThe perfect hikeOne of my favourite moderate hikes. Arrive early (9:00am was fine) to avoid a busy trail. Try the top parking lot as it avoids a steep stretch. Hiking boots not required, runners were just fine.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten August 10, 2023
- GPaCalgaryCalgary, Canada2,232 contributionsGreat ViewsAfter all these years of coming to Banff ( 50+ ), I have never seen the Hoodoos, or if I have, I had long forgotten them. On this occasion the friends from the UK that we were escorting around the park asked to see them, so we went up the Tunnel Mountain Road and took the trail to view the Hoodoos. What a great view of the valley below and Banff Springs Hotel.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 5, 2023
- eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬Singapore, Singapore689 contributionsJust Do It....From downtown Banff, we walked in the direction to Tunnel Mountain, hit Grizzly Street and turn right. Continue walking for 500m and you will see the trail head near a car park. It is an easy hike up the 1,692 meters Tunnel Mountain. I took 70 minutes to the summit and rewarded with a stunning view of Banff and Bow River. We had our lunch at the summit with views that is simply panoramic. I took 40 minutes to get back down to the trailhead.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 16, 2023
- cl mDublin, Ireland722 contributionsWell Worth itThis is a lovely short hike up to fantastic views. yes, there is a slight exertion to get there but nothing too strenuous. always people onit, so you feel perfectly safe if your heading up alone. soo worth it.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 7, 2023
- luv4phoodMarietta, Georgia810 contributionsEasy first day hikeThis was our first hike in Banff National Park. We arrived to Banff in the afternoon and we did not have much time for a long hike. This hike suited our purpose to get out and stretch our legs after a long flight and car ride. However, I would not carve out time in an itinerary to hike this trail. It is a busy trail with nice views but there are definitely better hikes in the area.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 17, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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luv4phood
Marietta, GA810 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
This was our first hike in Banff National Park. We arrived to Banff in the afternoon and we did not have much time for a long hike. This hike suited our purpose to get out and stretch our legs after a long flight and car ride. However, I would not carve out time in an itinerary to hike this trail. It is a busy trail with nice views but there are definitely better hikes in the area.
Written November 17, 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.
Robert W
Corvallis, OR306 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
The Tunnel Mountain Trail is very nice trail that has the advantage of being accessible from downtown Banff. The distance is just over three miles round trip from the trailhead with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. The surface is in very good condition. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view.
Written October 17, 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.
cl m
Dublin, Ireland722 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
This is a lovely short hike up to fantastic views. yes, there is a slight exertion to get there but nothing too strenuous. always people onit, so you feel perfectly safe if your heading up alone. soo worth it.
Written October 7, 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.
eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬
Singapore, Singapore689 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
From downtown Banff, we walked in the direction to Tunnel Mountain, hit Grizzly Street and turn right. Continue walking for 500m and you will see the trail head near a car park.
It is an easy hike up the 1,692 meters Tunnel Mountain. I took 70 minutes to the summit and rewarded with a stunning view of Banff and Bow River. We had our lunch at the summit with views that is simply panoramic. I took 40 minutes to get back down to the trailhead.
It is an easy hike up the 1,692 meters Tunnel Mountain. I took 70 minutes to the summit and rewarded with a stunning view of Banff and Bow River. We had our lunch at the summit with views that is simply panoramic. I took 40 minutes to get back down to the trailhead.
Written September 16, 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.
janetc7575
70 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
This was a challenging hike, but doable for someone with a moderate level of fitness because the trail is well marked and there are handrails in steeper places. The views from the top were amazing!
Written September 10, 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.
GPaCalgary
Calgary, Canada2,232 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
After all these years of coming to Banff ( 50+ ), I have never seen the Hoodoos, or if I have, I had long forgotten them.
On this occasion the friends from the UK that we were escorting around the park asked to see them, so we went up the Tunnel Mountain Road and took the trail to view the Hoodoos. What a great view of the valley below and Banff Springs Hotel.
On this occasion the friends from the UK that we were escorting around the park asked to see them, so we went up the Tunnel Mountain Road and took the trail to view the Hoodoos. What a great view of the valley below and Banff Springs Hotel.
Written September 5, 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.
tiaragirl
Calgary, Canada93 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
One of my favourite moderate hikes. Arrive early (9:00am was fine) to avoid a busy trail. Try the top parking lot as it avoids a steep stretch. Hiking boots not required, runners were just fine.
Written August 10, 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.
John S
Altoona, PA275 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
This was the first hike we did in the park. Great hike to get started with. Parking is limited, so get their early. Keep your eyes open, never know what wildlife your may encounter. Great views at the top, well worth the climb.
Written June 16, 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.
Gina O
17 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
5 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.
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, UK293 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, CA472 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, Canada14,382 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
212 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, Belgium56 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tunnel Mountain Trail
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tunnel Mountain Trail:
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Banff and Calgary (From C$8.76)
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Lake Louise and Calgary (From C$8.76)
- The Sights of Banff: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour (From C$8.76)
- Tunnel Mountain Trail: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour (From C$7.21)
- Banff Townsite Self-Guided Driving Tour - Explore the Rockies (From C$18.50)
- Hotels near Tunnel Mountain Trail:
- (0.87 km) Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea's House
- (0.84 km) Canalta Lodge
- (1.04 km) Banff Avenue B&B
- (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 & Fire
- (1.29 km) Una Pizza + Wine Banff