Rocky spires shoot out from the sloping earth, surrounded by the forest of the Banff National Park. Hiking to the Banff Hoodoos is an easy trail with high rewards of scenic views of mountains, river and wide-open valleys.

There’s plenty of unreal sights in Canada, and the hoodoos in the National Park of Banff are definitely up there.

If you’re not up for a hike, that’s okay, as the Banff Hoodoo Viewpoint gives stunning views overlooking these natural peaks.

So let’s get into everything you need to know about visiting Banff Hoodoos.

 

What even is a Hoodoo?

A “hoodoo” is a North American term for a unique rock formation. Soft rock is coated by harder earth that resists more erosion from the weather. This protective coating is essential for creating what is known as hoodoos.

The result is a spire that shoots directly from the ground and can create an interesting shape.

A hoodoo is created from erosion in dry and desert type climates. Weather conditions chip away at large chunks of rock over time to form these eerie formations.

Other names for hoodoos are “fairy chimneys” or “goblins”,

 

Where are the Banff Hoodoos?

The Banff Hoodoos are located in Banff National Park, on the southeastern outskirts of the town. Banff is one of Alberta’s most popular towns, and one look around the gorgeous town, it’s easy to see why.

There are two ways to see the hoodoos of Banff, depending on your fitness and the time you have available.

• Soak in a beautiful Banff View from the hoodoo viewpoint
• Hike the hoodoo trail in Banff and get up close to these rocky spires

These unique things to see in Banff are in the middle of Tunnel Mountain Road and Bow River, directly east from downtown Banff.

 

How do I hike to the Banff Hoodoos?

The Banff Hoodoo Trail is a relatively easy hike. The one-way leads from the viewpoint of Banff Hoodoos, runs along the western shoreline of the Bow River, and finishes right at Surprise Corner Viewpoint – right across the river from the Bow Falls Viewpoint.

This scenic hike in Banff (its described more as a walk) is 4.3km trail that, at a decent pace, should take 1 to 1.5 hours. A pretty flat trail, with only 60 meters elevation loss/gain over the entire hike.

You can shorten this hike through the hoodoos in Banff National Park to 3km by leaving directly from Tunnel Mountain Road. If you’re a little lost in the difference,  check out the map below this post.

This short day hike in Banff will guide your straight past these unique formations of the earth. You cant get closer to these ancient spires in Banff.

 

What else should I know before visiting the Hoodoos near Banff?

If you’re thinking of visiting the hoodoos in Banff, whether just to the viewpoint or hiking the trail, here are a few extra things to consider.

If you have any other questions or feedback, please leave me a comment below.

 

Be bear aware around Banff

Bears are one of Canada’s most iconic animals. They are majestic, cute and so enjoyable to watch.

In saying that, bears need to be treated with respect and given their distance. They are a wild animal, and if they feel threatened, including any cubs, you will come off second best.

Approaching a bear ultimately leads to the bear being killed. Interaction with these smart creatures gives the lesson that humans might be associated with food and will venture into town in seek of an easy meal.

If this keeps happening, the bear will be destroyed.

Don’t be part of the problem and learn your bear safety awareness in case of an encounter.

 

Is there parking at the Banff Hoodoo Viewpoint

Yes, there is parking at both the Banff Viewpoint of the Hoodoos and Surprise Corner Viewpoint.

This makes driving right to the trail head of the hoodoos easy, and unless it’s a super busy day, you should have no issues in finding a spot.

As with all of Banff, public parking spaces are totally free of charge.

 

Weather conditions in the Canadian mountains

As with any mountain climate, the weather is unpredictable. It will be sunny and warm, and one second later raining or snowing.

Dress for the conditions you might face and always think ahead of what to pack when hiking through the mountains.

 

Video on exploring the Hoodoos of Banff

 

Hiking Banff National Park Hoodoos Map

Here is a map for hiking the Banff Hoodoos. The hike itself is known as the Banff Hoodoo Trail, and leads from “Surprise Corner Viewpoint” and leads to a little carpark along the Tunnel Mountain Road.

You can see Surprise Corner Viewpoint to the bottom left corner and the Banff Hoodoo Viewpoint to the top right, right off Tunnel Mountain Road.

That’s how you explore the Banff Hoodoos and get some unforgettable views of these ancient rock formations. With the Bow River in the background and towering mountains surrounding you, it’s a majestic destination in Canada.

Is there something to add to this day trip in Banff? I’d love to hear your comments, feedback and questions below in the comment section.

Did you enjoy this post? Please share it to social media – and don’t forget your 8-page travel checklist planner PDF!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown