Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tunnel Mountain
• Length: 2.3 kilometers/1.4 miles (30-60 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 300 meters/990 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
• Trailhead: St. Julien Road, 350 meters (0.2 mile) south of Wolf Street
Accessible from town, this short hike is an easy climb to one of the park's lower peaks. It
ascends the western flank of Tunnel Mountain through a forest of lodgepole pine, switch-
backing past some viewpoints before reaching a ridge just below the summit. Here the trail
turns northward, climbing through a forest of Douglas fir to the summit (which is partially
treed, preventing 360-degree views).
Bow River/Hoodoos
• Length: 4.8 kilometers/3 miles (60-90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: minimal
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: Bow River Viewpoint, Tunnel Mountain Drive
From a viewpoint famous for its Fairmont Banff Springs outlook, the trail descends to the
Bow River, passing under the sheer east face of Tunnel Mountain. It then follows the river
a short distance before climbing into a meadow where deer and elk often graze. From this
perspective the north face of Mount Rundle is particularly imposing. As the trail climbs,
you'll hear the traffic on Tunnel Mountain Road long before you see it. The trail ends at
hoodoos, strange limestone-and-gravel columns jutting mysteriously out of the forest. An
alternative to returning the same way is to catch the Banff Transit bus from Tunnel Moun-
tain Campground. It leaves every half hour; the trip costs $2.
Sundance Canyon
• Length: 4.4 kilometers/2.7 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 100 meters/330 feet
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Sundance Canyon is a rewarding destination across the river from downtown. Unfortu-
nately, the first three kilometers (1.9 miles) are along a paved road that is closed to traffic
(but not bikes) and hard on your soles. Occasional glimpses of the Sawback Range are
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