Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Tunnel Mountain

Red Adirondack Chairs at viewpoint looking west towards Banff Townsite just below summit of Tunnel Mountain

November 18, 2019

Tunnel Mountain is extremely accessible and popular after-work leg stretcher.  Regardless if you approach Banff from east or west, it is visible as low forested hill below Rundle Mountain just east of Banff townsite. It is hard to call it "Mountain", but it was named such in late 19 century by CP Rail that thought they would have to drill tunnel when laying rail tracks. They went around, but name stayed. In summer one can drive up Tunnel Mountain road and start from "upper trailhead", but after snowfall normal and official trailhead is from parking along Julien drive (that leads to Banff center and loops over on north side of Bow river).  Locals usually simply walk up from town, but there is also parking lot with limited space by trailhead.

Walk up from Julien to Tunnel drive, then continue up several wide switchbacks.  In winter this area will often be icy as result of trail popularity.  Please don't shortcut and follow official trail in order to prevent erosion.  After about 35-40 min trail reaches south shoulder then swings on shady east side.  Couple of excellent viewpoints are here with impressive Rundle Mountain towering above Banff Golf Course and distant Peaks of Fairholme Range across Bow Valley corridor on horizon.   Just below the summit is clearing with great view of Banff and peaks of Louise Corridor.  Red Adirondacks are perfect spot for break, but it will be unlikely nobody will be using them!  Finally loop around to rocky plateau highpoint, passing by Parks Canada sign congratulating you on reaching named summit in Canadian Rockies.

If busy surroundings on the summit are not to your liking, you can drop  NW on semi-forested ridge to lower meadow with great views of Cascade Mountain.  Return the same way. If you did not leave vehicle at one of Trailheads and walked from Banff, pleasant option -- if you have time -- is to walk around on Tunnel Mountain drive to Banff Springs Hotel viewpoint then loop back to Banff Avenue Bridge and refreshment in one of many eateries there.

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