Hoodoos Viewpoint

What visitors say

The Hoodoos Viewpoint sits on Tunnel Mountain Road just east of Banff townsite, above a bend in the Bow River. From the edge you look down on tall, eroded pillars of sediment, with the river and the valley stretching toward Mount Rundle. Several reviewers call it one of their favourite views in Banff.

A paved path leads from the parking lot to the first viewpoints in five to ten minutes, with benches along the way. There are at least three lookouts, each with a different angle on the hoodoos and the valley. One visitor suggests walking to the far end to escape the tour-bus crowd, and another found Parks Canada staff at the viewpoint with educational displays.

For a longer outing, the Hoodoos Trail continues along the river toward Surprise Corner, and the viewpoints make a good early-morning or sunset walk. Deer are often around, and one group noted a bear active in the area, so carry bear spray and keep your distance from wildlife.

The path narrows in places, has some inclines and tripping hazards, and isn't great for strollers. A few people scramble down off-trail toward the hoodoos, but it's steep and loose coming back up; staying on the trail is the safer choice.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 1,924 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.