The Tunnel Mountain hike is a superb stroll of simple to medium issue that may be hiked from downtown Banff. This can be a good exercise for households. Tunnel mountain is Banff’s smallest peak to summit with an elevation achieve of about 300m, some reasonable switchbacks lead up the mountain.
On the summit there are two purple Parks Canada chairs, that’s nice for a break and makes good images sitting trying on the nice view.
Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, the Canadian Pacific Railway had plans to blast a tunnel via the mountain within the 1800s. The tunnel was by no means constructed, however the title caught. The mountain is also referred to as ‘Sleeping Buffalo’, since that’s what it resembles. Seen from a distance the mountain is formed like a sleeping buffalo. From the summit of Tunnel mountain there are good views of the encompassing Spray and Bow river valleys.
Tunnel Mountain Hike Particulars
- Distance – Distance 4.8 km (2.8 miles) return hike from the path head.
- Strolling time –The return hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours relying on health.
- Complete ascent/descent – 270 meters (885 ft)
- Problem. Simple to Average.
- Trailhead. Tunnel Parking Lot
This can be a fairy simple hike near Banff city heart, appropriate to do with children. It isn’t a flat hike, you do climb a mountain, with about 300m enhance in altitude. See our Information to Climbing in Banff Nationwide Park for a variety of hikes from simple flat trails to tougher routes.
Attending to Tunnel Mountain Trailhead
There are three choices to get to Sthe Tunnel Mountain trailhead from downtown Banff; drive, take a public bus or stroll.
- Stroll – The trailhead may be very near the middle of downtown (1km) so you’ll be able to simply begin mountaineering on the town.
- Drive – There are two parking areas on the trailhead, an higher and decrease parking space, they’re lower than 5 minutes drive from Downtown Banff.
- Bus – Take the Roam Transit Route 2 bus from downtown to Tunnel Mountain.
The Tunnel Mountain Path Description
The Tunnel mountain path is a busy path that’s simple to comply with and it’s a comparatively protected path to hike alone as a result of there are such a lot of different hikers. A wide range of animals together with; black bears, wolves and cougars are generally seen on the mountain (not often), so for security it is suggested to hold bear spray and a bell and maintain it someplace the place you’ve quick access.
The Tunnel Mountain path is nicely marked and heads up the jap slope of the mountain with reasonable switchbacks all the best way to the highest of Tunnel Mountain. The path begins within the forest however there are some good views of the city from break within the bushes on the path. On the best way take pleasure in views of the Banff Springs Resort and Bow Valley. Nearer to the summit there are some good viewpoints with wonderful views of Mount Rundle. From the summit there good views of surrounding mountains together with Sulphur Mountain and Cascade mountain.
On the summit there are 2 purple chairs positioned by Parks Canada, the Tunnel Mountain Crimson Chairs. 11 Crimson chairs have been positioned all through the nationwide parks, together with the Banff purple chairs as a strategy to get individuals to to attach with their environment.
Greatest Time to Hike Tunnel Mountain
The Tunnel Mountain path may be hiked all 12 months spherical. The path will get very busy in summer time. It’s potential to hike right here in winter, however ice cleats are really useful when the path may be frozen and really slippery. Since it is a extremely popular path I’d suggest you begin mountaineering early within the day to keep away from heavy visitors.
Packing to hike round Banff
Ice crampon/cleats vital for strolling on ice on chilly days (when the snow freezes).
My Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch a incredible mountaineering device; measuring pace, elevation, coronary heart charge, mapping and extra.
Climbing within the snow, waterproof gaiters maintain snow and dust out of your boots and maintain your ft dry!
My Salomon X Extremely Prime gortex boots, nice pair of shoes, all seasons. Retains mud, snow and rain out. Comfy, mild and fully waterproof.
Girls mannequin, Alya loves her Girls Salomon X Extremely boots .
I at all times carry a light-weight rain jackets in my daypack, the North Face for girls or North Face Resolve for males
BUFF Multifunctional Headwear – for solar and wind safety (doubles as a face masks).
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The robust half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that might be pleased to spend all his life within the water diving, browsing and spearfishing however typically has to compromise with Alya and go mountaineering as a substitute. Campbell is chargeable for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves touring, braai (BBQ in South Africa), purple wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.
