Youll know its the correct trail if you can see the wooden viewing platform through the large Douglas Fir trees. Guess I need to figure out how to add that in any event, that's the trail you would take before walking along Tunnel Mountain Drive to the upper TM trailhead. The rule of hiking in Banff is what goes down, must go back up. Youll find more mountain bikers as you get closer to Tunnel Mountain Road. How To Visit Surprise Corner Viewpoint in Banff, Surprise Corner Viewpoint into Google Maps. To continue your hike from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos, go left. Not only does this relatively unknown Banff hiking trail connect two of the town of Banffs best viewpoints, but the hiking trail itself is very scenic. Including hike info and off-season travel information. Again, there are some really big Douglas Fir trees along this stretch of trail. What will the weather be like tomorrow, next week, next month, next year? Answer 1 of 9: Hello just wondering if anybody had any information on the possibility/ time it may take to hike from the surprise corner, following the hoodoos trail until it turns into the tunnel mountain trail? You can reach Surprise Corner from downtown Banff in a 4 minute drive or a 20 minute walk. The Surprise Corner Viewpoint to Hoodoos Interpretive Trail is 4.6 kilometres, 60 metres elevation loss and gain, and should take about 1.5 hours to complete. If youre seeking the best time for photographs that would be in the morning when the sun lights up Sulphur Mountain. Parks Canadas rating of the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos viewpoint as moderate. Its a great spot to soak in the views and look at how far youve come. Mountain bikers typically ride down Star Wars and back up Return of the Jedi. If you go right, youll walk along the shores of a tributary of the Bow River for a short distance. They'll take a while to show up on OCM (per the link above), but should be pretty quick on OSM (switchable-to via Layers tab.). Surprise Corner is very close to the Banff Springs Hotel, which you can see from the red chairs near the hoodoos. Its a fifteen-minute walk from town and there is a short tail for half the walk along the Bow River. Hoodoos to Surprise Corner. However, it is not the famed photo location as the Bow River is not visible down below. Tell me about the national park pass/entry fee for Banff National Park & other parks! It's a popular spot for social media and tour buses. Surprise Corner is found at the corner of Buffalo Street and Tunnel Mountain Drive. There is a small parking lot with enough space for about 10 cars. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. How Long is the Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail? There are a couple of short sections that will get your heart pumping as you ascend from the Bow River up to Tunnel Mountain Road, but then it flattens out again. Dont miss these as the views are worth it! 4.8 km one way Elevation gain 115 m, elevation loss 90 m Trailheads: Hoodoos Viewpoint and Day Use Area or Surprise Corner. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. NOT OKAY! You can expect to drop about 250 feet in the first mile through the forest down to the Bow River from the Hoodoo parking area. This is about an injury or accident Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. The hike itself is known as the Banff Hoodoo Trail, and leads from "Surprise Corner Viewpoint" and leads to a little carpark along the Tunnel Mountain Road. They are a combination of hard rock with soft rock left in a rare combination leaving these rare and unique structures. Surprise Corner to Hoodoos. We are a local Canmore family who can't get enough of exploring our own backyard. We rate the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos hike as easy. The parking lot is large for good reason; this is an excellent, and accessible stop for all visitors to Banff, complete with toilets and paved walking trails. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. As the final section of trail ascends, views open up across the Bow Valley . Shortly after the junction, there is an unmarked trail on the left. Should we not bother eating on Sulphur Mountain? The Hoodoos Trail is nice and flat here with a thin forest, which allows a lot of light to reach the forest floor. Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Banff area / Banff National Park / Alberta / Canada 7.0 /10 1 rating Length: 4.8 km / 3.0 mi One way Gain: 90 m / 295' Duration: 3 h Round-trip on foot Trailhead: Surprise Corner parking lot at the end of Buffalo Street This trail starts at the Surprise Corner parking lot. Rating a hike is difficult, as everyone has different physical abilities. We parked at Surprise Corner. Great map, but it doesn't show the trail that joins the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Weve been exploring these mountains for decades and are excited to be sharing our insider knowledge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with you. I just added two trails to the map, including (I think) the one you mentioned. Know before you go ! How Long Does the Banff Hoodoos Trail Take? You can see Surprise Corner Viewpoint to the bottom left corner and the Banff Hoodoo Viewpoint to the top right, right off Tunnel Mountain Road. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. Surprise Corner is a spectacular viewpoint of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Spray Valley. As with most hiking trails around Banff, youll encounter a moderate amount of rocks and roots, but they are easy to navigate. Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos This scenic hike in Banff (its described more as a walk) is 4.3km trail that, at a decent pace, should take 1 to 1.5 hours. We took the Bow River Hoodoos trail to the Hoodoos viewpoint. Carry your bear spray in an easily accessible location. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, we're Cameron and Natasha and have been writing about travel for the last decade. However, wed recommend other easy hikes around Banff like the Bow Falls, Cascade Gardens, or Hoodoos. Plan a stop at the Hoodoos on a day out. We recently hiked the Banff Hoodoos trail and it took us 2 hours. I have seen what I think is the connecting. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-71493434', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Banff was speaking of, as I don't quite know what I'm looking for or if my version has refreshed. If they would have had it their way, they would have spent the entire time playing near the river and climbing on every large boulder along the way. Banff National Park Trip Report last week of September 2022. Follow the Hoodoos Trail. Chances of a dangerous wildlife encounter in Banff are very low, but you never know what will happen with Banff wildlife, so be prepared. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. As locals, its one of our favorite hikes around the Banff Townsite and we return to enjoy it often. I have seen what I think is the connecting hoodoos/tunnel mountain trails connecting on google maps, but I can't seem to find information about this combined hike, so thought I'd ask if anyone has done this combination- I just thought it would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone. Theres also a small parking lot at the corner, with access to the Hoodoo trail. That being said, its still important to educate yourself onBear Safety in Banff National Park. Since the platform was closed, we walked about a fifty meters along the shoulder of Buffalo Street to take in the popular sight. 15.2 km Where should I base myself -- in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper, or even Field? All support is much appreciated! Most visitors are probably familiar with the view as the iconic scene is often shared across social media and used for marketing. Morant's Curve Viewpoint. Take a second to remember this junction as it tends to get a little confusing on your way back to Surprise Corner. The official trail to the Banff Hoodoos is on the left, but the one on the right is an acceptable option too. For hiking in Banff, we typically wear. This is a relatively easy trail following the Bow River and around Tunnel Mountain. Do I need a passport? Bear spray is a must. Share Create a Copy of This Tour Edit a Copy loading Export To GPS Device Print Tour Overview Starting Point 9.56 km Destination Map loading Expand The trail is flat or slightly uphill for the most part, and very gentle terrain throughout. The trail to the right leads back to the road where you joined the trail initially. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. The Hoodoos are right across from the campground and we could walk over to the Hoodoos and then down the trail to the trailhead by the Bow River. Mostly singletrack trail along the Bow River that connects Surprise Corner viewpoint to the Hoodoos Viewpoint parking lot on Tunnel Mountain Road. At the bottom of the stairs, there are trails leading in all directions. After 1.7 km of hiking from Surprise Corner, Cascade Mountain, another of Banffs iconic mountains, comes into view. There are a number of walks and hikes that are nearby Surprise Corner. By this stage, youve walked far enough north to start to see the east-west slopes of Mount Rundle. TheBanff Hoodoos trailheadis found in the Surprise Corner viewpoint parking lot. 1,838' Down Its not often that you can see you entire hiking trail below when you reach the end of your hike. Just minutes from downtown Banff, Surprise Corner is one of Banffs most scenic lookouts. This is a connector trail coming off one of the most fun mountain biking trails in Banff Star Wars. As long as you can manage the distance, you shouldnt have any issue completing the entire Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos Viewpoint hike. jaytappa Hoodoo Trail View profile jaytappa It should already show the trails I just added. This should entail carrying bear spray, hiking in a group and making plenty of noise on the way up. If you are feeling uncertain, you can use the AllTrails app. The Surprise Corner - Hoodoos trail goes around the "back" of Tunnel, and the trail to the summit of Tunnel goes up the "front", so I wouldn't say that one turns into the other. Banff Gondola and Columbia Icefield Tours? You could walk the trail around the back in about half an hour, spend another fifteen minutes walking on the road between the Douglas Fir Resort and the upper trailhead . If you want to find the scenic spot head up the road a short distance until you see a barricade and a small area for pedestrians. 511' Down On-leash dogs are allowed on the Banff Hoodoos Trail. Book a Tour. Girouard from the top of the stairs. Its another of the many reasons we consider this one of the best easy hikes near the Banff townsite. Hoodoos Trail: Walk from surprise corner to the Hoodoos - See 296 traveler reviews, 176 candid photos, and great deals for Banff, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Stop for snack and return to hoodoos for lunch break. What are the "must-sees"? Thanks for your help on this one :) great tool. Good fitness required. Once you reach the river, the trail is pretty flat and at times you are mere feet from the river and at one point can ride right into the river if you wish. Its super easy to find Surprise Corner as it signposted off of Buffalo Street. Hoodoos to Surprise Corner Date/Time Date (s) - Wed Jul 20 8:30 am Notes: Hike starting at Hoodoos Carpark up at Tunnel Mountain. If you wait until late enough in the evening a photo with all the Banff Springs lights can also be very nice. When you reach the top, youll see the Tunnel Mountain campground, with the majestic Cascade Mountain peeking out behind. Most of the handful of parking spots were taken up by construction vehicles and supplies, all for the rebuild of the Surprise Corner viewing platform that provides a great view of the Banff Springs Hotel. Here are a few items that we recommend bringing on every Banff hike: The Banff hoodoos trail has sections covered in roots or rocks. We hiked the Banff Hoodoos Trail with kids (who are 8 and 6 years old) recently and our kids had no issues completing this hike. Look through the trees on the far shore of the river and youll see the famous Banff Springs Golf Course. Walking on the Corner's steep and unstable cliffs above Bow Falls is strictly prohibited and an extreme . The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youll also notice the moss growing on the north and west side of the trees. Surprise corner to hoodoos to tunnel mountain trail hike? Look for the sign on the left, which signifies where the trail to the Banff Hoodoos begins. As quickly as you went up the stairs, you descend back down to the Bow River flood plain. Local Club: Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance, Land Manager: Parks Canada - Banff National Park, 13.4 mi Perfect, I can see the trails you added! Can you help me with an itinerary for X days? It also provides a nice, elevated view of the Bow River flowing towards Calgary and onwards to the Hudson Bay. From here you will enjoy an excellent view of Tunnel Mountain, the Rimrock Hotel on Sulphur Mountain and, of course, your ever-present companion for this hike Mt. Fairmont Lake Louise VS Fairmont Banff??? But then we would have end the hike by climbing the hill back to the campground. Banff and all its majestic peaks will be the perfect backdrop for lunch or a snack. There is a good uphill ascent at the end as you climb up from the river to the Hoodoos viewpoints on the ridge. Getting There. For more information, please contact us: Banff: 403-762-1550 Lake Louise: 403-522-3833 Share your trail pictures Expect incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the river below, along with a short exposed ridge section on Tunnel. What to Bring for Hiking the Banff Hoodoos Trail, Banff Hoodoos Trail Footwear Recommendation, Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos trailhead, 30+ Amazing Things to do in Banff in Winter, Christmas in Banff 33 INCREDIBLE Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit, The Ultimate Travel Guide to Banff National Park. Get answers to your questions about Banff National Park. Bring or buy a Park Pass as this is in the National Park. . As you take your first steps on the Banff Hoodoos Trail, take a moment to listen to the power of the water rushing down the nearby Bow Falls. As youd expect, there are outstanding 180-degree Banff mountain views here, looking all the way across the Bow Valley from Mount Rundle to Mt. You will join the Bow River Trail, and the best way to do this is to start on Banff Avenue and head south until you reach the Bow River Bridge. The walk starts at a car park at Surprise Corner, and winds its way through pretty forest between the Bow river and Tunnel Mountain. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Amazing that you can do that and share it so quickly!! The Banff hoodoos trail offers two outstanding viewpoints in Banff that shouldnt be missed! The parking lot for Banffs smallest mountain is not far from Surprise Corner. Surprise Corner to Hoodoos. At the 1.1 km mark of the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos hike, youll finally meet up with the Bow River. Take a moment to enjoy them as its rare to see bigger trees anywhere in Alberta. Inglismaldie and Mt. Since its only a few minutes outside of town along Tunnel Mountain Road its an easy stop for visitors to Banff. (Starting at Surprise Corner the carpark is too full) Lovely walk through forested areas and meadow down to the Bow River and up to Surprise Corner. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-71490635', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tunnel Mountain back meadows up to the junction of TM Road with TM Drive at the Douglas Fir. The easy walking comes to an abrupt halt 100 m later when you encounter a set of stairs which takes you over a short rocky hill next to the Bow River. Watch for an unmarked trail 300 m later which leads to the second Banff hoodoos viewpoint. Re: Surprise corner to hoodoos to tunnel mountain trail hike? A visit to the viewpoint is great any time of year, but our favorite time is after a fresh snowfall when the trees have a dusting of snow. BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Hoodoos Trail, Vermilion Lake, Surprise Corner, Bow Falls, Alberta, CANADA, Travel, 4K UHDBANFF NATIONAL PARK - , Hoodoos Trail,. It is easily one of the most famous photo spots in Banff. Some popular hiking apps, like AllTrails, suggest that hikers make this trail a loop by walking 3 km down Tunnel Mountain Road back to downtown Banff. Views are really nice. Look down and to the left at the base of Tunnel Mountain and youll see the Banff Springs Hotel. There is limited parking and we were lucky to get a spot. Get there in time to start hiking at 10:00 am. Just minutes from downtown Banff, Surprise Corner is one of Banff's most scenic lookouts. And take an appropriate action, but they are easy to find Surprise Corner is one of the most photo. You went up the stairs, there are trails leading in all directions a few minutes outside of town Tunnel! Minute drive or a snack the distance, you shouldnt have any issue completing the entire Surprise is! 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