DeirdreThe Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike nestled in Alberta’s Banff National Park.
Located conveniently near the town center of Banff, this short yet rewarding trail provides an excellent introduction to the Canadian Rockies.
Spanning a total distance of 4 kilometers on an out-and-back route, this hike is both straightforward and offers stunning views along the way.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail Information
- Distance: 4.3km
- Elevation Gain: 262m
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights Along the Route
From the upper trailhead, the path ascends the mountain via a series of switchbacks, allowing hikers to gradually gain elevation without feeling the steepness.
With an elevation gain of over 200 meters across 2 kilometers, this hike is short but rewarding.
The trail mainly winds through shaded, rocky forests, with occasional clearings offering breathtaking views.
Some of these clearings provide beautiful vistas of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Additionally, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Bow River and the Banff Springs Golf Course.
The Iconic Red Chairs
Canada has over 400 red Adirondack chairs scattered throughout its many national parks.
The aim is to encourage adventurers to explore lesser-known destinations and routes while enjoying the beautiful nature.
Banff is no exception, featuring 11 locations with these iconic red chairs.
Along the Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail, you can spot some of these chairs overlooking the town of Banff, just before the final ascent to the summit.
How To reach the Trailhead
The Tunnel Mountain Summit trailhead is located just 850 meters from the center of Banff.
From Banff: If you’re staying in Banff, it’s best to walk to the trailhead. A wide, paved sidewalk extends from the town center to the beginning of the trail, making it convenient and avoiding potential parking issues if the lots are full.
Directions: Driving/Walking from Banff
From Canmore: It takes about a 25-minute drive to reach the trailhead. You have two options: drive your own vehicle or take the bus.
The bus from Canmore to Banff runs frequently throughout the day and costs $6 each way for adults. This is a convenient choice for those staying in either region who want to explore the area.
Directions: Driving from Canmore
From Calgary: The most convenient way to reach the trailhead from Calgary is by driving. The 1.5-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway provides complete flexibility with your schedule.
Alternatively, if you plan to stay in Banff but need transportation from Calgary, you can arrange private or shared buses in advance.
Shared shuttles cost around $60 each way, while private shuttles are approximately $300.
Directions: Driving from Calgary
Book Here for your transfer to Banff
Trailheads and Parking
There are two trailheads for the Tunnel Mountain Summit hike: lower and upper. Each trailhead has its own parking area.
The lower-level trailhead is found on St Julien Road, and the parking area is rather large in size.
This gravel lot and trailhead connects to the upper trailhead and parking via a short, yet steep climb of half a kilometer through the treeline.
The upper parking lot and trailhead is located on Tunnel Mountain Drive and is significantly smaller.
While this area may be closer to the original trailhead, it tends to fill up more quickly than the lower lot. Parking is also on the side of the road, in a few spots. This road is closed to vehicles during the winter.
I’d recommend using the lower lot. We arrived just before 9:30am on the weekend and had plenty of room.
Facilities
One downside of this trail is the lack of facilities at the trailheads. There are no washrooms along the route or at the trailheads and parking areas.
Public washrooms are available in the Banff town center, approximately 800 meters from the lower parking area, at the corner of Wolf Street and Banff Avenue.
Although this is relatively close to the trailhead, finding parking near the washrooms can be nearly impossible during busy weekends.
Banff has seen a surge in traffic, especially post-COVID, leading to a shortage of parking, particularly free parking.
Best Time to Hike Tunnel Mountain Summit
The Tunnel Mountain Trail remains open year-round, making it a perfect hike in any season. The trail is mostly tree-covered, providing protection from the elements.
Due to its steepness, I recommend using microspikes during the winter months, as the trail can become very icy.
Tunnel Mountain Summit is a small mountain but an excellent choice for an early-season hike.
I’ve hiked it twice in May and encountered dry, snow-free conditions each time. Arriving at the trailhead early not only ensures you find parking but also helps you avoid potential crowds, especially during the summer months.
Banff National Park Pass
A park pass is required to visit Banff National Park and its surrounding trails and pathways.
There are two main options for passes, which include a daily pass or the annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
The daily pass costs $11/adult or $22/family/group and is valid until the evening of the next day. Daily passes are purchased at the national park gates.
The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is $75.25/adult or $151.25/family/group and is valid for 12 months.
This pass gives access to not only Banff National Park, but as well as 80 destinations throughout Canada. Passes can be purchased online here.
