Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground — Hotel in Alberta

Definitely my go-to campground when I want to unwind.

Amazing location, has great washroom that is kept clean all the time. Has sinks you can wash your utensils. Also another faucet for washing feet or tools nearby.

The hot showers also do not take a long time to get hot, like 20 seconds? That's fast.

Only downside is the showers do not have doors, just plastic blinds so sometimes you get kids opening it for no reason. Does not help that the men's shower is facing the door so if someone opens the blinds while the door is open....you get the point.

Lots of sink to wash your face and brush your teeth. Huge mirror that encompasses the whole wall. Think washroom in malls? It's basically that.

No electricity on camp sites. If you need to charge, you have to go to the washroom building to do so.

I stayed in "A" site and there would always be people charging their phone in the washroom.

Regarding the actual camp site, you get a huge bench with chair that can easily sit 6-8 people (though max is 6 person per site).

The site is bigger than what the picture shows (I used google maps to look at them, it looked small on the pictures). You can easily fit in 2-3 cars on each site, that's how big it is (though their rule is only 1 car per site).

There is an enclosed campfire that you can use and unlimited wood that you have to get nearby. I recommend using your car to grab some.

11pm is the quiet time, as well as no fires allowed passed that.

Although I find that this rule is very flexible as there were people still noisy at 1am (Teenagers amirite). I myself had the campfire going till around 12am. I think they meant no "unattended fire" after 11pm since the park ranger passed by my site multiple times but did not ask me to put out my fire.

The views...oh my the views are just amazing. I suggest looking at the pictures on google maps to find the best site. I know a couple but I will gatekeep them for myself hehe.

It is also across hoodoos trail which is just an amazing place to go to and have your morning jog or coffee.

There is a small hike path that is easily accessible for those staying in "H, J and G sites". It's called "Tunnel Mountain Trail" and the views are amazing.

Banff is also a short 8-10 min drive. There is also a bus that goes around if you are using your car as your tent.

If you want to freely walk in Banff, I recommend going there early morning as it get's pretty busy in the afternoon and at night time.

For people with RV, you should go to village 2 as those are for the RV as they have an electrical slot for RVs. Although I do see people still going to Village 1 with their RVs as it is just a better place tbh.

All in all, a solid 4/5. Minus 1 star cuz of the washroom issue and no...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Tunnel Mountain Village 1 Campground in Banff, and I can confidently say that it was an amazing experience that surpassed all my expectations.

Location: The campground's location is simply breathtaking. Nestled amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, it offers unparalleled views of nature's beauty. Being so close to Banff town while still feeling immersed in nature is a unique and wonderful aspect of this campground.

Campsite: The campsites were spacious, clean, and well-maintained. I appreciated the level ground for setting up tents and the privacy that each site offered. The proximity to nature made the camping experience feel authentic and peaceful.

Facilities: The campground provided all the essential facilities needed for a comfortable stay. The restroom and shower facilities were clean and well-stocked, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic experience. Additionally, the availability of potable water and fire pits added to the convenience and enjoyment of the camping trip.

Scenic Trails: One of the highlights of staying at Tunnel Mountain Village 1 was the access to scenic hiking trails. Exploring the nearby trails allowed me to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Banff National Park. The ease of access to these trails from the campground made it even more appealing.

Wildlife: Being in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, encounters with wildlife were frequent and awe-inspiring. I had the opportunity to see various animals, including deer and birds, which added an extra touch of magic to the whole experience.

Staff and Atmosphere: The campground staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the area. They provided useful information about the trails, safety precautions, and things to do in Banff. The overall atmosphere at the campground was welcoming and family-friendly, making it an ideal destination for campers of all ages.

Quiet and Serene: Despite being a popular campground, Tunnel Mountain Village 1 managed to maintain a sense of tranquility. Even during peak season, the campground felt peaceful, allowing for a good night's rest and a chance to disconnect from the busy outside world.

Overall, my stay at Tunnel Mountain Village 1 Campground in Banff was truly amazing. The combination of breathtaking scenery, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff created an unforgettable camping experience. Whether you're an avid camper or a first-timer, I highly recommend visiting this campground for an exceptional getaway in the heart of the Rockies. I can't wait to return for another...

Banff is beautiful. There are moments where the mountains will take your breath away. You have Mt Cascade looking over you the entire time you're there.

I'll start with my complaints, the pads are uncared for rock and silt. They are supposed to be tent sites but you need 8" steel nails and a 2 lb hammer to stake your tent out. The officers are not kind to you setting up off of the pad, this isn't dispersed camping. It's common sense you set up a tent on nearly flat ground. My recommendation to the park is spend 5 minutes a site with a front loader and smooth the old solidified pads. You could even be a real hero and till the large rocks out. Just look at B loop, there are more people off pad than on. Don't you think that points to you being the problem?

All the complaining aside, they do a wonderful job at the theater with family friendly music and teachings about local wildlife. All the acts are custom for the local area.

The wild life is wild here! We spent several hours our last night listening to a coyote chase something around the grounds. We saw an elk, some goats, a lone coyote but sadly no bears. Though that's for the best I guess.

The weather in August is variable, cool mornings, hot sunny mid day, hot and possibly storming afternoons, as soon as the sun goes down the wind starts whipping and the temperature drops. So plan to have many light layers of clothing that you can add or...