Banff's Easiest Lookout Hike Is Perfect If You Haven't Exercised In Weeks
It is time to dust off your running shoes. If you have been skipping your daily workouts, then you might want to start to get back into your fitness routine. But couch potatoes should start small. This easy mountain lookout hike in Banff is perfect if you haven't exercised in weeks.
Banff's Tunnel Mountain Summit is what you want to do on days you want to take cute photos and get in a mini-workout.
It is a prime example of how not every mountain hike needs to leave you dripping with sweat. The trailhead is a quick 15-minute walk from downtown Banff, or you can drive up there to the Saint Julien Road parking lot.
The entire journey will take roughly two hours, but you are free to go at your own pace. Just remember to bring a water bottle and check the trail conditions before you leave.
It is 2.4-kilometres each way, which might sound like a lot, but you'll be surprised how easy it is. You can complete it in about the time it would take you to listen to three episodes of your favourite podcast.
Unlike other mountains, here you aren't going straight up. Instead, you'll follow the well-marked route up the switchbacks to the top.
The winding path makes the vertical climb so much easier.
Along the way, you'll enjoy some dazzling views of the town and wildflowers, but the sights get better the higher you go.
At the lookout, you can celebrate reaching Banff's smallest summit. Here you'll want to take a seat and enjoy the panoramic views.
You'll get to see the Bow and Spray River Valleys, Mount Rundle and surrounding mountain peaks. It is a picture-perfect sight that is well worth the short amount of time it takes to get there.
Are you ready to give this a try? Why not invite a friend to enjoy you for an afternoon in the sunshine?
Tunnel Mountain Summit
Price: Free
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can take some cute photos from the top on this laid-back hike.
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