The Tunnel Mountain hike is a wonderful stroll of simple to medium problem that may be hiked from downtown Banff. It is a excellent exercise for households. Tunnel mountain is Banff’s smallest peak to summit with an elevation achieve of about 300m, some average switchbacks lead up the mountain.
On the summit there are two crimson Parks Canada chairs, that’s nice for a break and makes good images sitting wanting on the nice view.
Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel, the Canadian Pacific Railway had plans to blast a tunnel by means of the mountain within the 1800s. The tunnel was by no means constructed, however the title caught. The mountain is also called ‘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.eight km (2.eight 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
It is a fairy simple hike near Banff city heart, appropriate to do with children. It’s not a flat hike, you do climb a mountain, with about 300m enhance in altitude. See our Information to Mountaineering in Banff Nationwide Park for a variety of hikes from simple flat trails to more difficult 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 possibly can 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 observe and it’s a comparatively secure path to hike alone as a result of there are such a lot of different hikers. Quite a lot of animals together with; black bears, wolves and cougars are generally seen on the mountain (hardly ever), so for security it’s endorsed to hold bear spray and a bell and preserve it someplace the place you might have quick access.
The Tunnel Mountain path is nicely marked and heads up the japanese slope of the mountain with average 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 Lodge and Bow Valley. Nearer to the summit there are some good viewpoints with glorious 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 crimson chairs positioned by Parks Canada, the Tunnel Mountain Purple Chairs. 11 Purple chairs had been positioned all through the nationwide parks, together with the Banff crimson chairs as a approach to get individuals to to attach with their environment.
Finest Time to Hike Tunnel Mountain
The Tunnel Mountain path might be hiked all 12 months spherical. The path will get very busy in summer season. It’s doable to hike right here in winter, however ice cleats are really helpful when the path might be frozen and really slippery. Since this can be a highly regarded path I might suggest you begin mountaineering early within the day to keep away from heavy visitors.
Mountaineering in Banff Nationwide Park
Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park, with greater than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of nicely marked and maintained mountaineering routes it’s a dream location for mountaineering fanatics. See our information to mountaineering in Banff Nationwide Park.
Most trails within the park are simply accessible from 2 completely different cities, each situated contained in the nationwide park, the City of Banff and the village of Lake Louise 57 km aside by highway. The Regional Service is a fast and low-cost bus service that runs 5 occasions per day between Banff and Lake Louise for $6.
Banff City is surrounded by loads of simple accessible hikes of various problem. Simple low elevation strolls on boardwalks subsequent to the river to extra strenuous full day hikes by means of stunning alpine passes within the Rocky Mountains. There are many simple hikes that begin contained in the city and you can too mix a number of trails. The Sulphur Mountain mountaineering path is a well-liked 11 km mountaineering route round Banff city if you’d like a bit extra of a problem.
Packing to hike round Banff
Ice crampon/cleats necessary for strolling on ice on chilly days (when the snow freezes).
My Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch a implausible mountaineering device; measuring pace, elevation, coronary heart fee, mapping and extra.
Mountaineering within the snow, waterproof gaiters preserve snow and dust out of your boots and preserve your ft dry!
My Salomon X Extremely Prime gortex boots, nice pair of trainers, all seasons. Retains mud, snow and rain out. Comfy, gentle and utterly waterproof.
Girls mannequin, Alya loves her Girls Salomon X Extremely boots .
I all the time carry a lightweight rain jackets in my daypack, the North Face for women or North Face Resolve for males
BUFF Multifunctional Headwear – for solar and wind safety (doubles as a face masks).
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The sturdy half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that may be completely happy to spend all his life within the water diving, browsing and spearfishing however usually has to compromise with Alya and go mountaineering as an alternative. Campbell is chargeable for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves touring, braai (BBQ in South Africa), crimson wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.
