Tunnel Mountain Trail, Banff: A Summit You Can Walk to from Town

Tunnel Mountain is a useful first hike in Banff: close enough to reach on foot, short enough to fit into half a day, and high enough to show you how the Bow Valley fits together. The trail climbs through forest to viewpoints over town and across to Mount Rundle.

Allow around two hours for the steady climb and descent, plus time at the viewpoints and the walk from your accommodation.

At a glance

Parks Canada’s hiking guide gives 2.3 km each way and 275 m of gain from the lower approach. Starting at the upper trailhead shortens the walk.

Trail map

Through the forest above town

From the lower trailhead on St. Julien Road, follow the signed route uphill. The path crosses Tunnel Mountain Drive near the upper starting point, then continues in switchbacks through the trees. Watch for vehicles at the road crossing.

The switchbacks spread the climb across the hillside. It’s a steady uphill walk, with openings in the trees revealing more of the valley as you gain height.

Soil and gravel give way to roots and rock in places. Footwear with grip helps on the uneven surface, particularly after rain.

Views over Banff and Mount Rundle

Higher up, the views spread out towards the Bow River and Mount Rundle. From the designated lookouts, you can see how the river, forest and developed areas sit beneath the surrounding mountains.

There are steep drops around parts of the upper mountain. Use the established viewpoints and stay behind barriers where provided.

The summit area gives you a different perspective over Banff itself. Take time to pick out the streets below and the surrounding ridges. A small summit can be more useful for understanding a place than a distant peak that leaves the town as a tiny speck.

The return follows the same switchbacks, with those valley glimpses appearing in reverse as you descend towards town.

Walk from town and simplify the parking

For visitors staying centrally, walking to the lower trailhead is often the least complicated choice. Parks Canada places it about 1 km, or a 15-minute walk, east of downtown Banff. Allow additional time if you’re starting farther away.

The lower parking area is on St. Julien Road, on the Banff Centre campus, and has paid parking. The upper lot is on Tunnel Mountain Drive. Both have limited capacity.

Winter road access can affect the upper trailhead. The lower approach is the better starting point for a winter plan, subject to current road notices.

Our Roam Transit guide can help if you’re travelling from Canmore or staying beyond walking distance. Match the bus stop to the trailhead you intend to use; a service labelled Tunnel Mountain doesn’t necessarily leave you at the start of the summit trail.

Use a public washroom in town before the approach and carry your own drinking water.

Choose the day for the footing

National park admission applies separately from parking.

Summer and early autumn offer the simplest walking when the ground is clear. An early start gives you a quieter trail before the busier part of the day.

Spring and autumn can bring ice to the shaded switchbacks, even when the lower trail is clear. Meltwater may freeze across the path overnight.

Parks Canada’s winter walking guidance warns that Tunnel Mountain can be extremely icy and strongly recommends ice cleats and hiking poles. The descent can be harder than the climb on slippery ground.

Read current park trail reports and notices before departure. Turn around if ice or other conditions exceed your equipment or experience.

Bring water, a snack, warm clothing and rain protection, with a headtorch for a late finish. Carry bear spray where you can reach it and know how to use it.

Keep dogs leashed, give wildlife space and take food scraps and waste back down with you.

Families and shorter alternatives

Tunnel Mountain suits many active families with some uphill experience. The viewpoints partway up also make useful turning points for a shorter outing.

Roots, rocks, steps and the gradient make the full route unsuitable for conventional strollers or wheelchairs.

For a gentler riverside outing, our Bow Falls trail guide covers a shorter walk from town, including the steps near the falls.

Tunnel Mountain puts Banff in perspective without taking you far from it. From the summit, the streets you walked through become part of a much larger valley, with Mount Rundle across the river.

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