Tunnel Mountain Drive is a scenic road in the heart of Banff NP

Tunnel Mountain Drive is a quieter drive you can enjoy in Banff, a picturesque resort town located in the province of Alberta in Canada.

How long is Tunnel Mountain Drive?

Located in the Bow River Valley, within the Banff National Park, this paved road is located on the east side of Banff. The drive is 8.1 km (5.03 miles) long, running from Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street to Banff Avenue. The scenic road winds its way around Tunnel Mountain.

Is Tunnel Mountain Drive open in winter?

This short drive just outside the town of Banff is closed in winters. During the winter months, Tunnel Mountain Drive is unmaintained, and used as a cross-country ski and snowshoe trail.

Is Tunnel Mountain Drive worth it?

This is a remarkable road trip. Remember to bring your camera. The drive is very beautiful with panoramic views of Bow Valley as it winds through pristine fir and pine forests. Often you will find wild life (deer, elk, bear) on this road. Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way. The highlight of this bike ride are the views on the descent from Tunnel Mountain.

Is Tunnel Mountain Drive challenging?

The road is very steep in parts (hitting an 11% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps) and tops out at 1.518m (4,980ft) above the sea level. This slow moving road is popular with cyclists and hikers, who use it to access trails.