Are you looking for an easy mountain hike in Banff National Park? The Tunnel Mountain hike offers Rocky Mountains views for fairly minimal effort, not too far from downtown Banff. On this short and sweet trail, come prepared for decent leg workout with the promise of impressive views on a clear day. As one of the best easy hikes in Banff, Tunnel Mountain is an excellent choice for fresh mountain air any time of the year. Don’t miss out on Banff’s shortest mountain summit!
Last Updated: February 12, 2024
I loved frequent trips to the Rockies when I lived in Calgary, and I found myself on the Tunnel Mountain hike more than once. As an fairly easy hike in Banff, Tunnel Mountain is probably the best option for visitors with limited time. After a short hike through the forest, the Tunnel Mountain Trail provides an exceptional vantage point of Banff town to the west and Mount Rundle to the east. If you’re looking for a great reward-to-effort ratio, you’re going to be happy with the Tunnel Mountain hike. Keep reading to see what I mean.
This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase through one of the links, I may receive a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Table of Contents
About Tunnel Mountain Hike
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 4.5 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (slippery in the winter)
Elevation: 260 metre gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: As the smallest mountain summit in Banff, Tunnel Mountain features a well-groomed forest trail leading toward impressive views of the Town of Banff, Mount Rundle, and the surrounding area. The Tunnel Mountain hike is accessible year-round and provides an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of Banff Avenue. During the peak season, you’ll very likely cross paths with several other hikers on this popular path.
(leash hidden behind her while I snapped a photo…)
Tunnel Mountain Trail Map
Finding the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead
If you’re driving from Calgary, head west on the Trans Canada Highway and take the exit for Banff Town. Depending on where you’re starting, the drive will take somewhere between 1.5 to 2 hours. When you’re in Banff, follow Banff Avenue through the town and turn left onto Buffalo Street, which quickly turns into Wolverine Street. Turn left onto Otter Street and take a right onto St. Julien Rd. You’ll find the Tunnel Mountain Trailhead (Lower Parking Area) on your righthand side. Visitors can also access Tunnel Mountain Trailhead from the Lower Parking Area or Upper Parking Area (slightly shorter overall distance). However, the Upper Parking Lot is closed during the winter months.
Read next: The Lake Minnewanka Hike in Banff, Alberta
Hike Tunnel Mountain in Banff National Park
I remember feeling awestruck by the mountainous landscape on my first trip to Banff, eyes bouncing between the towering Rockies and Trans Canada. It’s no secret that Banff National Park is breathtaking, and if you have to choose, Tunnel Mountain is a great hiking option close to Banff’s downtown. The Tunnel Mountain hike is a family-friendly summit that takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. As Banff’s shortest summit, you’ll gain around 260 metres in elevation before reaching the top, with views of Banff town, Mount Rundle, the Bow River, and the surrounding landscape.
After strolling the wintery streets of Banff Avenue, Bella and I drove over to the lower Tunnel Mountain Trailhead. On the snow-packed trail, we made our way through the forest for about 2 km to the mountain summit. As we got closer, views of the Bow Valley opened up and I found fantastic views of Mount Rundle above the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course below. Take a load off with two iconic Parks Canada red chairs close by. At about 1,692 metres high, Tunnel Mountain is considered one of the easy hikes in Banff National Park.
Read next: XC Skiing Moraine Lake Road in Banff National Park
What To Bring — Tunnel Mountain Hike
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter (or somewhere in between), bring day hiking essentials for an enjoyable Tunnel Mountain hike. Even though it’s a short trail, I would still suggest bringing a day pack with a water bottle and snacks, and a little first aid kit just in case. On a hot summer’s day, don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe even a hat (though I’ve never been a hat guy…). In the winter season, I always bring trail crampons or microspikes in my pack, and pop them on my boots for extra traction (not essential but certainly helpful). If you’re new to the area, picking up a map or downloading from Google Maps is advisable — and you’ll get the lay of the land from the summit. Tunnel Mountain is well maintained and marked, so navigation is pretty straightforward.
Check out the Tunnel Mountain hike in spring, summer, winter, or fall. I’ve enjoyed hiking Tunnel Mountain in the shoulder season and winter months, and have always found a quick and refreshing exercise here. Tunnel Mountain is an easy introduction to Banff National Park and a stepping stone to other mountain summits nearby.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Parks Pass: Before arriving in Banff National Park, visitors must purchase a parks pass and display in your vehicle. You can purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass (season pass) or day pass online or in person at the entrance kiosk or visitor centre.
Parking: Visitors can park in the upper or lower parking lots to find access to Tunnel Mountain. However, the upper parking lot is closed during the winter season.
Trails: It’s always a good idea to check weather and trail conditions before heading out.
Pets: Dogs are welcome on Tunnel Mountain and other hikes in Banff National Park. Please pick up after your pets. Check out this smell-proof bag to carry out pet waste.
Toilet: No outhouses or toilets at the Tunnel Mountain trailhead or along the trail. Banff town has several public restrooms available near Banff Avenue.
Leave No Trace: If you’re not familiar with Leave No Trace principles, take a look before you head out and practice these principles on the trail. If you pack it in, remember to pack it out.
Safety: There’s nothing technical about Tunnel Mountain, but there are some safety considerations. Pay attention to the rails on the west side of the summit, and keep an eye on young children on the summit.
Wildlife: Banff National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, and deer. Keep a safe distance and never feed or approach wildlife.
Have you hiked Tunnel Mountain in the wintertime? What winter hike would you recommend in Banff National Park? Leave a comment below!
Save this for later? Hover over the image to add to Pinterest!
Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
