D25 - 05/23/24 TUNNEL MOUNTAIN WAS THE ANSWER

One of the interesting facts we have discovered is that there are 160 days of rain annually in Banff. We have had 12 days of rain so far in the 25 days on the road in this Epic Adventure. Tim and I thought it would be raining when we woke up this morning. It was not but very overcast. Could not see the mountain peeks. 

During breakfast the sun began to shine! We hurried along to take off for our hike. Today’s adventure took us to the peak of Tunnel Mountain. Tunnel Mountain Summit, considering the weather conditions, was what we thought to be our best option for great views today. I really wanted to take on Sulphur

Mountain but it was not in the cards. 

Our journey began in town at the lower trailhead. It had lots of switchbacks with sweeping views of both Banff to the west and Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course to the east. Directly opposite from

The Hoodoos. Watch three elk cross the river below. Temps were at least in the mid 30’s up top. The sun held on for most of our ascent. Then no sooner did we summit that lightning followed immediately by loud thunder roared over us. We knew it was time to get off this mountain and like now. Luckily for us we had packed our rain coats! As soon as we threw those on it began to rain … then sleet. The average time to hike this trail is two hours. Our time was 2 two hours and eight minutes. We survived and it was a fun adventure for the morning. Parking lot elevation 4,680’. Summit elevation 5,560’. 

The afternoon was busy as well. Our basecamp served as a dry and warm place for lunch. With it still raining we headed off to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.  Wow. Perfect mostly inside location for this afternoon’s weather. This is an amazing place. Not only for the natural thermal mineral springs, cave grotto and endangered Banff Spring Snails but so much history on Canadian National Parks. This is of course Canada’s first National Park. 

Next up was to swing by Fairmont Banff Springs. This is an upscale castle-like building that offers a golf course, refined lodging, restaurants and a spa. A very luxurious and grand hotel! 

And last on our list (should have been first) was to make a quick visit to the Banff sign. There is still so much to do this evening now that we are back at basecamp. Most importantly is to prepare for a travel day tomorrow! 

Sunrise: 5:39 am

Sunset: 9:38 pm

Wildlife sightings:

Elk 

Deer