Hoodoos Trail
While the Hoodoos viewpoint near Tunnel Mountain Road is marked, many overlook the trail itself. This quiet hike winds through forest and open slopes above the Bow River, with expansive views and unusual sandstone formations.Hoodoos Trail is a charming and accessible outing just minutes from downtown Banff, offering a perfect blend of riverside strolling, forest paths, and grand mountain vistas. Beginning at Surprise Corner, hikers descend from a scenic overlook into a shaded stand of evergreens hugging the Bow River, with early glimpses of sultry Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and Mount Rundle. The well-maintained trail gently meanders alongside tranquil side-channels and mossy forest, punctuated by occasional steeper sections and wooden staircases that elevate the experience without overwhelming. After a few kilometers, the path climbs more boldly onto the slopes of Tunnel Mountain, opening dramatic views over the river, valley floor, and the iconic hoodoo formations - tall, slender pillars of eroded sedimentary rock that lean into the valley like natural sculptures.
Hoodoos Trail
At the hoodoos viewpoint, interpretive signs explain their geological origins - soft glacial sediment capped by harder rock - while painted Parks Canada red chairs invite you to linger amidst the panorama of Banff Springs Hotel below, the meandering Bow River, and the distant mountain ranges. The round-trip spans roughly 9–10 km with about 90–355 m of elevation gain (depending on which loops or connectors you include), and typically takes 2–3 hours for an out-and-back experience. Along the way, wildlife sightings - elk, deer, squirrels, and various birds - are common, and in winter the trail remains popular with microspikes underfoot. Seeking this quiet yet rewarding mountain escape close to town, the Hoodoos Trail delivers with its riverfront charm, forest ambiance, sculpted rock vistas, and sweeping valley views.Tours and Attractions in Alberta
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