Tunnel Mountain is one of the most accessible hiking spots in Banff National
Park, Alberta. Located close to Banff town, this relatively short and well-marked
trail offers impressive views of Bow Valley, Banff town, and surrounding Rocky
Mountain peaks.
Hiking Tunnel Mountain allows travelers to enjoy a rewarding summit
experience without committing to a long or difficult trek. It is an ideal choice for
visitors looking for a moderate hike with excellent panoramic scenery.
For travelers, Tunnel Mountain provides a perfect introduction to hiking in the
Canadian Rockies, combining convenience, safety, and spectacular views.
- 🥾 Hike the 2.4km ❄️ well-maintained switchback trail to a 1,692m summit
- 🔭 Enjoy 360° panoramic 📸 views of the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle
- 🏙️ Capture unique birds-eye 🤳 photos of the historic Banff townsite below
- 🦌 Spot local wildlife 🐾 such as elk, deer, and winter bird species
- 🪑 Relax at the summit 🏔️ in the famous Parks Canada Red Chairs
- 🚶 On Foot: A 15-minute 👣 walk (1km) from downtown via the Grizzly St steps 🏁
- 🚗 By Car: 5 minutes from town; use the 🅿️ Lower Parking Lot on St. Julien Road 🛣️
- 🚌 By Bus: Take Roam 🚍 Transit Route 2 (Tunnel Mountain) to nearby hotels 🏨
- 📍 Starting Point: Lower 🗺️ St. Julien Road trailhead is the primary winter access 🏁
- 🚧 Note: The “Upper Parking Lot” 🚗 on Tunnel Mountain Drive is CLOSED in winter 🛑
- 🧊 Wear ice cleats 👟 or crampons; the trail is extremely icy in February 🛑
- 🛡️ Stay on the 🛤️ official trail; off-trail travel is illegal until March 31, 2026 🚫
- 🐺 Carry bear spray 🎒 and know how to use it; carnivores are active in winter 🐾
- 🧤 Dress in layers 🧣—the summit is exposed and significantly windier than town 🌬️
- 🧴 Wear sunscreen ☀️; the sun’s reflection off the snow can be intense ❄️
- 08:30 – 🏁 Arrive at the 🅿️ Lower St. Julien Road trailhead and gear up 🧊
- 09:00 – 🥾 Begin the hike; enjoy the 🌲 quiet forest switchbacks and early light ✨
- 10:00 – 🏔️ Reach the summit, 📸 take photos, and relax in the Red Chairs 🪑
- 11:00 – 🚶 Descend carefully and 🥙 head back to town for a well-earned lunch 🍲
