Banff Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner

Locally known as Surprise Corner (but there is no sign), this is the spot where most of the famous pictures have been taken of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel!

As you drive the Tunnel Mountain road from town, you get to Surprise Corner where it opens up suddenly and you can see the Banff Springs Hotel on your right. You may have seen this view somewhere already. typically in a book or on a postcard. The best time to take pictures here is late morning or mid-day.

Drive down Banff Ave. towards the Bow River, turn left at CIBC Bank (located on the left) onto Buffalo Street. You will see the parking space just after view opens up. You can park your car there and then cross the road to go up to the platform of view point. Be careful crossing the road as not all traffic is stopping at this location and are carrying through onwards up Tunnel Mountain or down to the town of Banff.

During the winter months the platform might be closed due to the snow and slippery conditions. If this is the case you can still get a good view from the road, but be careful.

You can ask for more details at the information centre in downtown Banff located at 224 Banff Ave.

Phone 403-762-1550

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Tunnel Mountain Drive »