Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint
Norquay Access: Drive up Mt. Norquay Road to the roadside turnout.Green Spot Views: Overlooks Banff townsite, Tunnel Mountain, and Bow River.
Norquay Highlights: Especially dramatic during golden hour or under fresh snow.
Norquay's "Green Spot" viewpoint, nestled on a grassy berm just off the Mount Norquay Scenic Drive, offers one of Banff's most accessible yet awe‑inspiring panoramas. Essentially a natural terrace, this open meadow is framed by whispering pines and wildflowers, and provides an unobstructed line-of-sight to the Bow River valley, the Vermilion Lakes, downtown Banff, and the majestic Mount Rundle rising beyond.
It's a destination beloved by photographers, sunset chasers, and anyone seeking mountain views without the hike. You can easily pull over, walk a few dozen metres across the grass, and suddenly find yourself immersed in a cinematic vista - often complete with a herd of bighorn sheep grazing nearby, especially at dawn or dusk. The spot is capped by a few rustic wooden chairs set out for visitors to relax, soak up the view, and linger in the silence.
On misty mornings, a dramatic inversion of clouds may cloak the valley below, leaving you perched above the clouds with only the peaks and blue sky visible - one traveller described it as feeling “like I could have been at 20,000 feet." In clear conditions, the layered forestry, river turns, and mountain ridges stretching beyond Banff make for a breathtakingly layered composition.
It's also a practical stop: being easily reached by car or the Norquay shuttle, many pair it with a meal or drink at The Juniper or Cliffhouse Bistro on Mount Norquay. Families, sunset-seekers, and wildlife lovers alike flock here for short visits that deliver big rewards - natural beauty, mountain magic, and the feeling of alpine escape mere minutes from town.
Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint
The Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint is one of Banff's best-kept secrets - an easily accessible vantage point that offers world-class views without requiring a hike or gondola ride. Located along Mount Norquay Scenic Drive, just a few minutes from the town of Banff, this grassy viewpoint is set on a gentle slope above the Bow Valley. From this natural perch, visitors are treated to sweeping, uninterrupted views that include the meandering Bow River, the reflective waters of the Vermilion Lakes, the Banff townsite nestled among trees, and the commanding profile of Mount Rundle stretching dramatically across the eastern horizon.The name “Green Spot” comes from the open, grassy knoll itself - a soft meadow surrounded by evergreens that creates a natural amphitheater for one of the most photogenic landscapes in the park. This is a favorite place for sunrise and sunset, when golden or pink light spreads across the valley and reflects off the mountains and rivers below. On early mornings, valley fog or low-hanging clouds can create spectacular atmospheric effects, leaving the viewer above a blanket of mist with only the mountain peaks emerging - an unforgettable sight that feels surreal and otherworldly.
What makes the Norquay Green Spot especially appealing is its ease of access. You can drive right to it via the switchbacking Norquay Road, park along the roadside, and stroll just a few steps to reach the open view. It's a popular place for locals to bring visitors for a quick but memorable introduction to the grandeur of the Rockies. Often, a few wooden benches or rustic logs serve as makeshift seating, allowing guests to sit, take in the silence, and absorb the scale and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Wildlife sightings are also common here. Bighorn sheep frequently graze near the roadside or even cross the pavement, giving visitors a chance for close, respectful observation. Golden eagles, hawks, and ravens can sometimes be seen soaring over the valley from this elevated vantage point. In autumn, the forested slopes below the viewpoint turn golden, adding another layer of visual richness to the scene.
Landscape photographers, a nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful place to reflect will find the Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint delivers. It's a rare blend of accessibility and grandeur - an easily reached location that feels like a high alpine lookout, perfect for moments of solitude, romantic sunset visits, or peaceful family stops, all just minutes from downtown Banff.
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