Tunnel Mountain Hike is one of the most popular spots in Banff. It’s the ideal hiking place for anyone wishing to connect with nature. You might spot elk while hiking to the top of the mountain. The drive from downtown Calgary takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes to reach the Tunnel Mountain trailhead, where the hike begins. The elevation gain for this hike is 260m, and the trail to the top is 2.4 km long, offering a stunning, mesmerizing view. It is considered an easy hike, but there are plenty of spots along the trail to stop and catch your breath. It is moderate hike suitable for beginners and families.
There are two parking areas for this hike. One is at the Tunnel Mountain trailhead, which has plenty of parking spaces, though availability can depend on the season and the number of visitors. The second parking spot is on the upper level, reducing the distance to the top to 2 km. The view along the trail is amazing, including a glimpse of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which looks like a castle nestled in nature.
The mountain has various names in different Indigenous languages. In Blackfoot, it’s called Iinii Istako, while in Stoney Nakoda, it’s known as Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân. The Stoney people historically referred to it as “Sleeping Buffalo” because of its resemblance to a reclining buffalo when seen from certain angles. In 1858, James Hector dubbed a smaller peak nearby as “The Hill,” possibly because it was the smallest peak near the Banff townsite. During the 1880s, Canadian Pacific Railway surveyors considered tunneling through the mountain for railway tracks, but the plan was scrapped, and the name “Tunnel Mountain” endured.
Despite its name, Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, yet it attracts many visitors. Please stay on the trail and follow posted advisories to protect the mountain’s natural habitat. When you reach the top, you’ll join thousands of others who have hiked this trail before you, and many more who will hike it after you. At the summit, you can learn about Anne Ness, a local resident who hiked this trail over 8,000 times over 40 years, equating to climbing Mount Everest (68.7 km) over 275 times. Parks Canada has placed two red Adirondack chairs at the top to sit and enjoy the magnificent view of the Bow Valley, Banff town, and surrounding mountains.
You can watch my video on YouTube to see how nature can be peaceful, serene, and mesmerizing, showcasing the beauty of being close to nature.