Hoodoos Trail
Hoodoos Trail
4.5
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4.5
309 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
131
Average
33
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Catherine W
Chippenham, UK271 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We walked this trail from Surprise corner and it was very peaceful going through woods and by the river. We wondered when we were going to see the hoodoos but eventually reached the view points well past the first car park we came to. It was peaceful in the woods and looked a fun mountain bike trail.
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gra
Ruthin, UK60 contributions
Jun 2022
We stopped here by chance as we were passing on our way to our hotel. The views across to Banff, Sulphur mountain and teh surrounding peaks was stunning, and we were equally thrilled to watch a herd of Elk crossing the raging river, all of us cheering the youngsters on as they battled the water. A very easy trail and quick stop for photos.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark K
Edmonton, Canada385 contributions
Sept 2020
What the heck is a hoodoo is listed on the information sign by this beautiful landmark. hoodoos are very neat and you can even hike to see them upclose. We just took the path and saw the amazing Bow Valley for a short 10min walk. Worth the walk, and snap, snap pictures.
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Golden_Amik
Red Lake, Canada135 contributions
Jul 2019
We took this hike, starting from our campsite at Tunnel Mountain Trailer Park. It is an easy walk, without too much change in elevation. There are 'red chairs' along the way, that are perfect for a rest and a photo opportunity. We walked with our dog along the path and could see that horses frequent part of the trail. The hoodoos are few and not as spectacular as Drumheller, but interesting to see all the same. The lookout allowed for sweeping views of the Bow River Valley with signs that pointed out which peeks are which. If you have time and are able, I recommend this walk.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin D
London, UK897 contributions
May 2019
I started from the town centre taking the Bow River trail to Surprise Corner and then picked up the Hoodoo Trail towards Tunnel Mountain, finishing the 5km journey in about 3 hours, with dozens of photo stops along the way. You can take the No.2 bus from the camping ground back down the hill to town. It is free in that direction.
The Bow River trail (on the opposite side of the river to the Bow Falls trail) gives nice views of the Banff Springs Hotel from across the Bow River. I also spotted some Elk on the side of the road.
The Hoodoos trail section sees the river meandering through meadows and woods with more ease than me, as the last part is quite steep up towards Tunnel Mountain campsite. But it is worth it for the view at the top from any of the several viewing points. In the foreground are the strange rock formations known as the Hoodoos, but the backdrop of glistening water and towering mountains is quite possibly the most spectacular mountain view I have ever seen.
The Bow River trail (on the opposite side of the river to the Bow Falls trail) gives nice views of the Banff Springs Hotel from across the Bow River. I also spotted some Elk on the side of the road.
The Hoodoos trail section sees the river meandering through meadows and woods with more ease than me, as the last part is quite steep up towards Tunnel Mountain campsite. But it is worth it for the view at the top from any of the several viewing points. In the foreground are the strange rock formations known as the Hoodoos, but the backdrop of glistening water and towering mountains is quite possibly the most spectacular mountain view I have ever seen.
Written 12 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyrribrae
San Diego, CA17 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
So, let me start by admitting.. I didn't do the whole trail. There's actually a parking lot right at the end of the trail on the outskirts of town, by Campground 1, on Tunnel Mountain Dr. From there, you get just a short 5 minute walk filled with spectacular views of the Bow River and the valley. I came right around sunset, and it was just amazing. Highly recommended if you're not into doing the whole hike, but still want to experience the view. (In my defense, I didn't know it was a whole trail until I came here. The park ranger at Lake Louise told me to do it this way.. so.. you know.. her fault. She was cool, though, so it's not really her fault.)
The hoodoos themselves aren't super spectacular (especially compared to something like Hoodoo National Park in the US), but as one part of the natural scenery? Fantastic and well worth the detour. Highly recommended if you have a spare 20-30 minutes to burn somewhere in your schedule (we ended up spending close to an hour because it was at the end of our day and was just a great place to relax).
The hoodoos themselves aren't super spectacular (especially compared to something like Hoodoo National Park in the US), but as one part of the natural scenery? Fantastic and well worth the detour. Highly recommended if you have a spare 20-30 minutes to burn somewhere in your schedule (we ended up spending close to an hour because it was at the end of our day and was just a great place to relax).
Written 22 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara C
Canada97 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
I absolutely loved this trail, it was everything, that I had conjured up in my mind whilst planning our road trip, and more. But, I must admit we did have some issues locating the starting point of said trail... Mostly because our guide book called this trail "Bow River and Hoodoos Trail" and the "Bow Falls Trail" is in such close proximity that it got all muddled up in our heads, to the point that we ended up confusing one for the other and going in the wrong direction... Bright side: we got to see Bow Falls. So, Bow River and Hoodoos Trail starts before the bridge, NOT after it (you need not cross the bridge - not unless you want to see Bow Falls), near Banff Centre - Buffalo Street. You'll be walking riverside for the first portion, with some of the most grand houses' backyards facing the trail. After a slight incline and narrowing of the trail you'll have to walk on a paved road until you reach the parking lot (which everybody knew about but us, apparently) and from there you'll be taking the steps down into a mossy meadow riverside, from there it's fairly easy hiking with some alterations here and there. Keep your eyes open for amazing views across the river. Sadly, I must confess that we did not have enough time to complete this trail. It was already late when we started the trail and by the time we had gone 3/4 of the way it was nearing dusk. We decided to turn back instead of trying to find our way out in the dark. Nevertheless, what we saw, what we experienced was enough to leave a lasting impression. The lush greens, the riverside breeze, the mountain view across the river - it was all so calming and refreshing. The perfect place to recharge! Now, we did see the hoodoos the following day, when we stopped at a view point on Tunnel Mountain Dr., and yes, we kicked ourselves for not completing the trail the evening before. We were that close! But, safety trumps pretty. The hoodoos were an amazing sight, nestled on the side of the mountain. It's impressive and amazing what corrosion (from rain and wind) can create out of limestone overtime. Be prepared if you're hiking this trail in the evening, as we did, for cooling temperatures - due to riverside breeze and setting Sun.
Written 12 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel G
Vancouver, WA138 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a paved pathway to see a sweeping view of the Bow River Valley. There are signs that explain what 'Hoodoos' are and how they are formed. It's a walk, not a hike, so it's easily accessible to all.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy F
London, UK35 contributions
Aug 2019
We were staying in Tunnel Mountain campground so took the bus into town and hiked back up to the hoodoos. The trail is nice and varied, going through forests, along rivers and up a steeper hill towards the end. It was a nice peaceful trail with lovely views. When we reached the end, we saw the hoodoos but there weren't very many. Having seen loads in Bryce Canyon in the USA, this was a bit of a disappointment in comparison.
Written 16 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SurreyStargirl
Guildford, UK115 contributions
Aug 2019
Having walked up Tunnel Mountain earlier in the day in blistering sun, I was all hiked out and so we drove here following the instructions on Trip Advisor (thank you, Cyrribrae).
Coming from Banff, get on Tunnel Mountain Drive and head for Campground 1. Just before you get to Campground 1 on your left, there is a parking lot on your right signposted ‘Hoodoos’.
Stunning views.
Coming from Banff, get on Tunnel Mountain Drive and head for Campground 1. Just before you get to Campground 1 on your left, there is a parking lot on your right signposted ‘Hoodoos’.
Stunning views.
Written 7 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We would like to hike from Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos Viewpoint. Is there a way to catch a bus or take a taxi back to town? Thanks!
Written 6 February 2023
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