The Tunnel Mountain hike is a wonderful stroll of simple to medium problem that may be hiked from downtown Banff. It is a good exercise for households. Tunnel mountain is Banff’s smallest peak to summit with an elevation acquire of about 300m, some average switchbacks lead up the mountain.

On the summit there are two pink Parks Canada chairs, that’s nice for a break and makes good pictures sitting trying on the nice view.
Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, the Canadian Pacific Railway had plans to blast a tunnel by way of the mountain within the 1800s. The tunnel was by no means constructed, however the title caught. The mountain is also called ‘Sleeping Buffalo’, since that’s what it resembles. Seen from a distance the mountain is formed like a sleeping buffalo. From the summit of Tunnel mountain there are good views of the encompassing Spray and Bow river valleys.




Tunnel Mountain Hike Particulars
- Distance – Distance 4.8 km (2.8 miles) return hike from the path head.
- Strolling time –The return hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours relying on health.
- Whole ascent/descent – 270 meters (885 ft)
- Issue. Simple to Average.
- Trailhead. Tunnel Parking Lot
It is a fairy simple hike near Banff city heart, appropriate to do with youngsters. It’s not a flat hike, you do climb a mountain, with about 300m enhance in altitude. See our Information to Mountain climbing in Banff Nationwide Park for a spread of hikes from simple flat trails to tougher routes.


Attending to Tunnel Mountain Trailhead
There are three choices to get to Sthe Tunnel Mountain trailhead from downtown Banff; drive, take a public bus or stroll.
- Stroll – The trailhead may be very near the middle of downtown (1km) so you’ll be able to simply begin mountain climbing on the town.
- Drive – There are two parking areas on the trailhead, an higher and decrease parking space, they’re lower than 5 minutes drive from Downtown Banff.
- Bus – Take the Roam Transit Route 2 bus from downtown to Tunnel Mountain.


The Tunnel Mountain Path Description
The Tunnel mountain path is a busy path that’s simple to observe and it’s a comparatively protected path to hike alone as a result of there are such a lot of different hikers. A wide range of animals together with; black bears, wolves and cougars are typically seen on the mountain (hardly ever), so for security it’s endorsed to hold bear spray and a bell and hold it someplace the place you might have quick access.


The Tunnel Mountain path is properly marked and heads up the jap slope of the mountain with average switchbacks all the best way to the highest of Tunnel Mountain. The path begins within the forest however there are some good views of the city from break within the timber on the path. On the best way take pleasure in views of the Banff Springs Lodge and Bow Valley. Nearer to the summit there are some good viewpoints with glorious views of Mount Rundle. From the summit there good views of surrounding mountains together with Sulphur Mountain and Cascade mountain.
On the summit there are 2 pink chairs positioned by Parks Canada, the Tunnel Mountain Pink Chairs. 11 Pink chairs have been positioned all through the nationwide parks, together with the Banff pink chairs as a solution to get folks to to attach with their environment.


Finest Time to Hike Tunnel Mountain
The Tunnel Mountain path will be hiked all 12 months spherical. The path will get very busy in summer time. It’s doable to hike right here in winter, however ice cleats are advisable when the path will be frozen and really slippery. Since it is a very fashionable path I might advocate you begin mountain climbing early within the day to keep away from heavy visitors.
Mountain climbing in Banff Nationwide Park
Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park, with greater than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of properly marked and maintained mountain climbing routes it’s a dream location for mountain climbing lovers. See our information to mountain climbing in Banff Nationwide Park.
Most trails within the park are simply accessible from 2 totally different cities, each situated contained in the nationwide park, the City of Banff and the village of Lake Louise 57 km aside by street. The Regional Service is a fast and low cost bus service that runs 5 occasions per day between Banff and Lake Louise for $6.
Banff City is surrounded by loads of simple accessible hikes of various problem. Simple low elevation strolls on boardwalks subsequent to the river to extra strenuous full day hikes by way of stunning alpine passes within the Rocky Mountains. There are many simple hikes that begin contained in the city and you can even mix a number of trails. The Sulphur Mountain mountain climbing path is a well-liked 11 km mountain climbing route round Banff city if you’d like a bit extra of a problem.
Packing to hike round Banff
Ice crampon/cleats essential for strolling on ice on chilly days (when the snow freezes).
My Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch a incredible mountain climbing software; measuring pace, elevation, coronary heart charge, mapping and extra.
Mountain climbing within the snow, waterproof gaiters hold snow and dirt out of your boots and hold your ft dry!
My Salomon X Extremely Prime gortex boots, nice pair of shoes, all seasons. Retains mud, snow and rain out. Comfy, mild and fully waterproof.
Girls mannequin, Alya loves her Girls Salomon X Extremely boots .
I all the time carry a lightweight rain jackets in my daypack, the North Face for women or North Face Resolve for males
BUFF Multifunctional Headwear – for solar and wind safety (doubles as a face masks).
Received any questions or feedback? We’d love to assist! Be happy to help our website by shopping for us a espresso!
Please observe and like us:


The sturdy half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that will be joyful to spend all his life within the water diving, browsing and spearfishing however typically has to compromise with Alya and go mountain climbing as an alternative. Campbell is chargeable for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves touring, braai (BBQ in South Africa), pink wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));