Tunnel Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
300 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.6
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of the Tunnel Mountain hike near Banff, Alberta

The Tunnel Mountain hike gives you a short respite away from the crowded streets of Banff. The viewpoint from the top of the trail is beautiful, making you feel like you’re immersed in nature, despite the hordes shopping on Banff Ave just a kilometer away.

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Route Description for Tunnel Mountain

After picking up your morning coffee and pastries (might we suggest Wild Flour Bakery), head out on Wolf Street to start your hike up Banff's Tunnel Mountain.

When you get to the “T”, continue right along St. Julien Road. Walk for 0.4 km (approximately 6 minutes) until you see a grass-covered parking lot on your left-hand side. If you come to the Banff Centre, you’ve gone too far. The path to Tunnel Mountain is well marked and continues up from the left-hand side of the parking lot.

Cutting through the forest, you quickly cross over another road (Tunnel Mountain Drive, which has another car park, though it’s smaller). From here on up, the hike consists of moderate switchbacks to the top of Tunnel Mountain.

While walking, you get glimpses of the Banff town site and adjacent mountains. You will notice that the noise of the roads quickly disappears to be replaced by the sounds of scurrying chipmunks and squirrels darting in the trees as well as the gentle songs of the birds.

At your final switchback there will be a ledge on your right-hand side, with several areas that have a high degree of exposure. There are railings put up for protection, but be aware, and keep young children close by.

The final push to the top of Tunnel Mountain rewards you with a beautiful smooth rock viewing area. This is a great place to enjoy the sun, fine views and have a snack. There is an additional opportunity to explore past this point, with a 5-10 minute walk leading to a grassy meadow.

To descend from Tunnel Mountain, make sure you go back on the route you came up on.

Insider Hints for Tunnel Mountain

  • This is a busy hike; so starting early or late increases the possibility for tranquility and solitude. We recommend this as an after-dinner hike in summer, though ensure you start early enough to finish while the light is still good.

Getting to the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead

This can be accessed on foot from Banff Avenue in the Banff town site. There is parking on St. Julien Road if you choose to go by car.

Route Information

  • When to do

    All Year

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Downtown Banff

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Tunnel Mountain Elevation Graph

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