Upper Stoney Lookout
Upper Stoney Access: Short hike from Mt. Norquay day-use area.Views: Overlooks Bow Valley with fewer crowds.
Upper Stoney Lookout Highlights: A quiet and rewarding spot close to town.
Upper Stoney Lookout is a captivating mountain vantage just above Banff, offering a rewarding mix of gentle wilderness and sweeping alpine views - perfect for a half–day adventure. Beginning at the Mount Norquay ski-area lot, the 4–5 km loop climbs about 240 m through dense lodgepole pine and spruce, which gradually open to reveal stunning landscapes. Early in the hike, occasional clearings tease you with glimpses of the Banff townsite and the Bow Valley far below. As you gain elevation, those views broaden, and the forest gives way to a rocky ridge lined with wildflowers in summer and adorned with snowy branches in winter.
Upon reaching the lookout - a rocky clearing accented by one or two signature Parks Canada red chairs - you’re treated to 360˚ panoramas. Cascade Mountain looms overhead, the Bow Valley and Vermilion Lakes stretch out beneath, and ridges toward Canmore and Sulphur Mountain unfold to the south and west. Flat rock ledges make natural seats, ideal for a snack, photo session, or a moment of stillness in the crisp alpine air. Wildlife sightings are common - keep an eye out for marmots, chipmunks, or even deer grazing on the slopes below.
The return leg of the loop winds gently back down through the woods, offering slightly different perspectives of the valley, wildflowers, and rock formations encountered on the ascent. In winter, the trail transforms into a charming snowshoe or micro-spike route that retains its peaceful ambiance even on colder days. Short enough to be accessible for most hikers yet rich in scenery and solitude, Upper Stoney Lookout is a beloved local gem that delivers impressive mountain views without demanding a long trek.
Upper Stoney Lookout is a gem of a trail located just above the Banff townsite, offering an easily accessible yet deeply rewarding escape into the surrounding alpine wilderness. This moderate loop hike begins at the Mount Norquay ski area parking lot and gradually climbs through a quiet forest of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir. The route totals around 4.3 to 5 kilometers depending on the loop configuration, with approximately 240 meters of elevation gain. It's well-marked and suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness, making it a popular half-day adventure for locals and visitors alike.
Upper Stoney Lookout
The trail begins with a gentle incline, then gradually steepens as you move higher along the wooded slope. The forest offers a cool, shaded retreat during the warmer months, and the scent of pine and the rustle of wind through the canopy create a soothing, immersive atmosphere. As you ascend, the trees periodically thin, revealing peek-a-boo views of the Bow Valley, the Banff townsite, and the winding Bow River far below. Wildflowers bloom along the trail in late spring and summer, while chipmunks and ground squirrels dart through the undergrowth, adding life and motion to the quiet forest.Eventually, the path leads to the lookout itself-a rocky outcrop perched on a ridge that juts out just enough to provide spectacular panoramic views. From this natural terrace, you can take in a sweeping vista that includes the Vermilion Lakes, Mount Rundle’s dramatic flanks, Sulphur Mountain, and the expansive Bow Valley corridor stretching out toward Canmore. Cascade Mountain looms directly overhead, its sheer cliffs and rugged face towering over the lookout and creating a powerful sense of elevation and exposure. The Parks Canada red chairs placed at the summit offer an inviting spot to sit and soak in the alpine majesty.
The summit area is not large but feels intimate and serene, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are on the trail and the light casts long, golden shadows across the valley. In fall, larch and aspen trees below the lookout flash shades of gold and amber, and in winter the trail is transformed into a peaceful snowshoe route. Snow-covered trees, frosty ridgelines, and crisp mountain air give the hike a magical, hushed quality-ideal for those seeking solitude.
After lingering at the top, hikers can complete the loop by descending through a slightly different stretch of forest that offers new perspectives on the surrounding ridges and occasional glimpses of wildlife. The trail eventually returns to the same parking lot, making the entire journey feel complete and self-contained. Take a quick outing with a big view or a longer stroll with frequent stops for photos and reflection and enjoy Upper Stoney Lookout. It delivers a rich and memorable experience-accessible, scenic, and deeply connected to Banff’s natural beauty.
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