Banff National Park in Alberta is a Canadian treasure — there’s no need for us to tell you that. Home to staggering peaks, glacier lakes, and world-famous hiking, there’s a reason people come from all over the world to visit. Tunnel Mountain Summit trail is one such stunning hike, but it promises even more. According to a recent survey, this trail apparently boasts one of the most beautiful views in Alberta!
A study conducted by Remitly looked at over 483,000 traveller reviews of over 411 popular Canadian sights to find the most beautiful viewpoints in each province. While Tunnel Mountain Trail didn’t make the top 10 list, it’s among the top five rated lookouts in Alberta.
If you were curious, these were the top five views in the province, according to Remitly:
- Bear’s Hump, Waterton Lakes National Park
- Ha Ling Peak, Canmore
- Tunnel Mountain Trail, Banff
- Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park
- Fairview Lookout, Lake Louise
Here’s what to expect before braving the Tunnel Mountain Summit trail.
Tunnel Mountain Summit trail
Banff has a lot of beautiful trails to enjoy, from low-elevation boardwalk strolls to full-day hikes that would challenge even the most seasoned hiker. If you’re looking for something that falls comfortably in between, you’re in the right place.
Tunnel Mountain Summit trail is a local favourite thanks to its manageable distance and extremely rewarding view. Perched atop Banff’s smallest mountain, this trail eases its way up the hillside for a moderate ascent with ample scenery. The rocky outcrop at the summit is the perfect place to catch your breath and take in the sweeping views of the town below.
There’s no better way to see Banff than from up high.
What to expect
You can get to the Tunnel Mountain Summit trailhead from Banff. If you’re exploring downtown, walk for about 1 km until you reach the lower parking area on St. Julien Road to arrive at the trailhead.
The trail follows a series of switchbacks before reaching a low summit of 260 m elevation. There you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the town, Bow Valley, and the stately Mount Rundle to the south.
The trail is about 2.4 km one way and is considered moderately difficult. It takes most people around two hours for a round-trip.
With spring being a temperamental time of year, be warned that there might still be snowy and icy patches. Therefore, come prepared in warm layers, hiking boots, and micro-spikes to be safe.
As always, make sure to check the Alberta Parks website before you go for the most up-to-date advisories and trail conditions.
Take a hike – and have fun out there!
Where: Directions here
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Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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