Parking
Park at the signed Sunset Pass parking lot on the east side of Hwy 93N, 16.5 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing. The lot is a gravel pullout at the bottom of a hill; there are no toilets.
Overview
About Sunset Lookout
Sunset Lookout is a difficult out-and-back hike from the Sunset Pass parking lot on the Icefields Parkway. The route climbs through thick subalpine forest to the signed junction, then follows a steep 1.6 km branch to the former fire-tower site above the meeting of the Alexandra and North Saskatchewan rivers. The lookout route is about 4.5 km one way, or 5.6 miles round trip, with roughly 615 m (2,018 ft) of elevation gain. Expect a sustained climb with many switchbacks, exposed roots and rocks, and a final steep section that can feel airy near the viewpoint. The route is usually quiet by Banff standards, but the open lookout can be windy and cold. There are no toilets or reliable water at the trailhead. Grizzly bears use this corridor, so carry bear spray and make noise. Dogs are allowed on leash. The Sunset Pass Trail continues beyond the junction; this guide covers the lookout branch only. Park at the signed Sunset Pass parking lot, 16.5 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing on Hwy 93N. Best conditions are generally June through October, subject to current Parks Canada access and trail advisories.
Why go
- Dramatic view toward the Alexandra–North Saskatchewan river meeting
- Quiet route with wildflowers and subalpine forest
- Former fire-lookout site makes a memorable destination
Heads up
- Sustained steep climb with many switchbacks
- Final lookout section is exposed and can be windy
- No toilets or reliable water at the trailhead
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Banff map
Full mapElevation1,444–2,064 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Banff alerts
- ClosureRed Deer River valley bottom closed for ceremonial bison harvestThe Red Deer River valley bottom is closed to the public during an Indigenous ceremonial bison harvest taking place through November.Official details
- ClosureLake Minnewanka and Aylmer area closureLake Minnewanka Trail, Aylmer Pass Trail, and campgrounds Lm8, Lm9, Lm11, Lm20, Lm22 and Lm31 are closed to all users because black bears are displaying food-seeking behaviour.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Banff Tour Guide
Your drive to Sunset Lookout, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Banff National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
Recorded for this area
Sunset Pass: A Hard-Earned Hike for SolitudeListen
“The trailhead you're passing is for Sunset Pass. This one isn't a casual walk; it's a good choice if you're looking for a quieter trail and don't mind a challenge.”
Plays near this trailhead in the Parkwolf Banff Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
- Reading the Ridges: Moraines, Nature’s Dams of the Rockies
- The Parkway's Hidden Plumbing
- Tiny Carnivores by the Parkway: Sundews and Butterworts
- HI Rampart Creek: A Hostel with a Creekside Sauna
- 178 audio storiesacross Banff’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 177 trails, 236 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“…Loved the commentary as you drove thru. I’m sure the app can do more than I know but the tips were very helpful. I’m gonna use it when we go to Banff next month.”
Wildlife
Wildlife in Banff
122 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
150 sightingsBrown BearMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
44 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
12 sightingsRiver OtterMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
67 sightingsMooseMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
465 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 9 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
