Tunnel Mountain Trail, Banff: Address, Phone Number, Tunnel Mountain Trail Reviews: 4.5/5
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Tunnel Mountain Trail
4.5
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Top ways to experience Tunnel Mountain Trail and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
133 within 5 kms
Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
608
0.8 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Chili's Grill and Bar
1,005
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • Southwestern
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Banff Caribou
1,869
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
El Toro
797
1 km$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Steakhouse • Spanish
Farm and Fire
421
1.2 km$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Canadian • Dining bars
The Prow
13
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian
Whitebark Cafe
394
1.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Healthy
Maclab Bistro
153
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Block Kitchen and Bar
1,145
1.2 km$$ - $$$ • Asian • Fusion • Canadian
Carlito's Pizzaria
357
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Canadian
Attractions
46 within 10 kms
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
368
0.9 kmArt Galleries • Theatres
Roam Public Transit Service
561
1.1 kmPublic Transportation Systems
Surprise Corner
721
0.9 kmLookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
Banff Legacy Trail
171
0.9 kmHiking Trails
Banff Visitor Centre
1,109
1.2 kmVisitor Centres
Tunnel Mountain Drive
573
1.2 kmOff-Road & ATV Trails
Lake Minnewanka
3,759
1.3 kmBodies of Water
Banff Avenue
1,458
1.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Bow Falls
4,118
1.4 kmWaterfalls
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
579
1.3 kmSpeciality Museums
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Popular mentions
4.5
765 reviews
Excellent
479
Very good
240
Average
44
Poor
2
Terrible
0
JFLeBlanc
Moncton, Canada3,288 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Couples
Recently came here to do this hike. Hike is average, but steep in some places. There was a good amount of ice as well, so clamps is highly suggested as you could easily slip.
Views up the mountain is great and worth it!
You wont be disapointed.
Views up the mountain is great and worth it!
You wont be disapointed.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tina11
Cambridge, Ontario43 contributions
Jan. 2022
Decided to hike up Tunnel Mountain on our off day of skiing. I recommend wearing ice cleats and bring hand warmers as it is absolutely freezing at the top! Definitely worth the hike as you get to see the mountains on the other side when you reach the end of the trail.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wendy F
Winnipeg, Canada16 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.
Dale R
Pasadena, TX134 contributions
Oct. 2021
This hike was rated easy but for a 63 year old in average health it sure left me winded. Some parts were tricky to navigate with my big feet as well. Some of the locals ran all the way up and down multiple times while we struggled to make it once so if you are in above average shape that may be a great way to get your daily exercise. On the whole however, it was good exercise for us too and provided some great views. At the top there are two really big wooden red chairs to sit in while you survey the valley below. Nice touch.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Allen B
Regina, Canada93 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Family
We really enjoyed the gondola ride and the walk at the top. The kids are 4, 7 and 10 and they all did the whole walk. The views are stunning.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
namabeer
Toronto, Canada239 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.
LizzyB
Hamilton, Canada78 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Friends
NOT AN EASY HIKE as advertised. It is straight incline with no reprieve and the decline on way down is even more difficult. Amazing views. Saw deer and elk (a male with multiple females and babies who were being flushed back up the hill into the bush by Range staff, as male is in rut mode and protecting his ladies). Multiple entrance options: main one had good sized parking lot. For average person in average shape, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete back to starting point.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark K
Edmonton, Canada282 contributions
Aug. 2021
The hike was easy and quick to hike. The views at the top are amazing!!! We even did it on a rainy day and still found it wonderful!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lisammclean
Guelph, Canada42 contributions
Aug. 2021 • Family
Nice views of Banff from up high but the trail itself is dusty, steeper incline without much variation. This is clearly one of the more travelled hikes in Banff, but we preferred views from the more difficult version of Grassi Lakes in Canmore.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alexander H
72 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.
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, UK278 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, CA430 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
BenLar137
Calgary, Canada13,972 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
199 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, Belgium53 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
Calgary21 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 👍🌈
cafebear
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.
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
- (0.90 km) Canalta Lodge
- (0.65 km) Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court Campground
- (1.04 km) Banff Avenue B&B
- (0.86 km) Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity - Hotels
- Restaurants near Tunnel Mountain Trail:
- (0.81 km) Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
- (1.18 km) Farm and Fire
- (1.30 km) Hello Sunshine Banff Sushi
- (1.32 km) Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
- (1.22 km) Block Kitchen and Bar