Sulphur Mountain Trail — Attraction in Alberta

A nice hiking trail on Sulphur mountain, up through the lightly forested mountainside - with an incredible view of the surrounding mountains at the top, which makes every drop of sweat worth it! The trail is 5.5km long (3.4 miles) and has around 680m of height difference (2'200 ft); then you're at the top. As someone who casually enjoys hiking, it took me 2 hours up, and 1 hour back down. If you're not that used to hiking, assume 3 hours up and 2 hours down. I'd recommend it to everyone who can walk a couple of hours - we saw people of all ages, from children to seniors, on the trail. The trail is very nicely prepared, the only difficulty is the incline. Still, make sure to wear hiking or trekking shoes; there are obviously stones, roots, etc. It's not the most diverse hiking trail - it just goes up, up, up the mountain, in a zigzag pattern. But the scenery itself is nice anyway - the forest is not as dense as it looks from the outside, and on a sunny day, it's beautiful. You can sometimes see down into the valley, you'll pass below the gondola a couple of times, and there are many birds along the way. But once you reach the top, the view is magnificent. There are wooden walkways and stairs, which lead you to the old weather station on the actual summit. From that walkway, you get 360° views to the entire panorama of the Rocky Mountains. Truly spectacular. You can easily spend an hour or two up there, just enjoying the view. (Only downside: There are many more people up there than on the trail itself; those who just take the gondola up and down.) So here's my recommendation: Pick a sunny day, start early and take the hike up the mountain. You'll be exhausted, but you'll get rewarded with this amazing view. Spend some time up there, and eat your lunch. After that you can still decide whether you want to hike back down (it goes much easier and faster downhill), or if you're too exhausted, you can still take the gondola down. I would not recommend taking the gondola up and then walking down, that would feel rather...

The Sulphur Mountain Trail in Banff National Park offers hikers a moderately challenging ascent with breathtaking rewards. Starting from the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking area, the trail spans approximately 5.5 kilometers one-way, with an elevation gain of about 655 meters. The well-maintained path features 27 switchbacks, providing a steady climb through dense forests and occasional scenic viewpoints.

At the summit, hikers are greeted with panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The summit area includes a boardwalk leading to Sanson Peak, offering additional perspectives of the area.

Trail Details:

Distance: 5.5 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 655 meters

Estimated Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailhead: Banff Upper Hot Springs parking area

Tips for Hikers:

Start Early: To avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, begin your hike early in the morning.

Wear Proper Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential, especially in sections that may be icy or muddy.

Bring Essentials: Carry sufficient water, snacks, and layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.

Wildlife Awareness: Keep bear spray accessible and make noise periodically to alert wildlife of your presence.

Parking: Parking can be limited during peak times; consider using Roam Transit for access.

For those seeking a less strenuous option, the Banff Gondola provides a quick ascent to the summit, where visitors can enjoy the same stunning views. However, hiking the trail offers a more immersive experience of the mountain's natural beauty.

Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, the Sulphur Mountain Trail offers a memorable adventure with some of the best vistas in Banff...

While most tourists from around the world took the gondola to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain, my son and I decided to tackle it on foot, relying on our sturdy legs to carry us up. As we ascended, the altitude, nearing 2,500 meters, began to take its toll. We felt the effects of altitude sickness—headaches, light dizziness, and a staggering sensation as if we’d had a bit too much to drink. The enormous trees below us seemed to grow right out of the cliffs, reaching skyward with an impressive might.

At the summit, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the Rocky Mountains, their peaks and ridges stretching out in every direction. The wind was fierce up there, and though the joy of reaching the top was exhilarating, it was fleeting, leaving us with a strange emptiness. Perhaps life itself is like that—full of highs that are quickly followed by a quiet sense of longing.

Despite battling altitude sickness, we were rewarded at the summit with the surprise of a high-end bistro waiting for us. The experience was surreal yet incredibly satisfying. My son, who usually enjoys his steak rare, decided to try something new—an American bison tartare. The taste was unexpectedly good, a simple dish served with grilled baguette, but the chef’s attention to detail in the presentation added a special touch. It made the whole experience even more memorable, as we sat there, savoring the moment and the view, feeling like we had conquered not just the mountain, but a little piece of our own...