Hoodoos Viewpoint

Hoodoos Viewpoint is a roadside lookout and day-use area on Tunnel Mountain Road, about 4 km northeast of downtown Banff. Pale rock pillars sit on the slope above a broad Bow Valley view toward Mount Rundle. If you’re driving Tunnel Mountain Road, this is an easy stop to add. The area has limited paved parking, including three accessible stalls, and four accessible gender-neutral outhouses. You can reach it on foot from Surprise Corner too, but that’s a proper hike.

The view drops over a bend in the Bow River, gravel bars and evergreen forest, with the hoodoos in front and Mount Rundle beyond. Some visitors find the pillars smaller than they expected, so take in the whole valley instead of judging the stop by the rocks alone. For a photo, try the far end of the guarded viewpoint and frame the pale spires low in the picture, with the river bend and Mount Rundle behind them. Stay on the viewpoint path; visitors who’ve gone down toward the pillars say the slope is hard to climb back.

The route follows below Tunnel Mountain’s steep cliffs, meanders beside the Bow River, then climbs to the lookout. Expect exposed roots, steep climbs and descents, and steps. It’s 4.4 km one way, with about three hours for the round trip, so use the road access if you only want the view. The trail is open year-round, but can be icy in winter; traction devices are recommended.