Tunnel Mountain Drive
This is a scenic route to drive around.
Directions
You can take Buffalo Street to go to Surprise corner and keep going to the top of the hill. You can see town of Banff from a viewpoint on your left. Keep going North, once you get to the junction you can take a left to get back to the town or furthermore turn right to go towards the Hoodoos. After the Hoodoos, keep going and you will end up at a “T” junction, take a left to get on Banff Ave which takes you back to town.
Wildlife
Often you will find wild life (Deer, Elk, even Bears) on this road. Tunnel Mountain Drive is a quieter drive you can enjoy.
This drive is easily accessible from the town of Banff. The viewpoint at the top is an excellent place to take photos and gaze over the town of Banff and down the Bow Valley. With the Rocky Mountains on both sides this truly is a special place to visit.
For those who want to get some exercise in this is a popular spot to cycle. There are plenty of places to rent bicycles in Banff. This could be an excellent outing. The road is paved the entire way and you can stop and enjoy a refreshment at Tunnel Mountain Chalets where there is a gift shop with snacks.
It is also a good hike for those a bit more ambitious. Please be careful and aware, as with cycling, that you are on a road. Be cautious that cars are traveling at the same time. Please be safe.
If you are trying to get to the Banff Centre then you will be taking this road. There is also a lookout where you can park and look across the Bow River. From here you will see the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This viewpoint is one that is seen in many books, pictures as well as brochures. It is quite representative of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
Please note that the major section of this road is closed during the Winter months.
A longer and very scenic drive is the Bow Valley Parkway, Highway 1A.
