The Sulphur Mountain Hike Banff Canada

Sulphur Mountain is a mountain in Banff Nationwide Park within the Canadian Rocky Mountains simply exterior the city of Banff in Alberta, Canada. The mountain will get its title from the 2 sulphurous sizzling springs discovered on the decrease slopes and affords a pleasant climbing path to the summit at 2,281 metres (7,486 toes).

The Sulphur Mountain climbing path is a well-liked route of reasonable issue that goes up the mountain at a steady uphill with a sequence of switchbacks crossing beneath the Banff Gondola. Situated principally between the bushes views are restricted, however there are some superb vistas from the open patches that you simply hit each on occasion and nice views from the summit. The path itself is just not too busy, however count on lots of people on the prime that made their means up the mountain within the gondola!

You may as well take the gondola up and down or only one means making this stunning mountain accessible to everybody. There are in depth amenities on prime of the mountain; a pleasant a boardwalk, view factors, some climbing trails, and even eating places, and a present store. For a caffeine junkie like me espresso on the highest of a summit at all times places a smile on my face.

Do a shorter model of the hike by taking the gondola a technique or lengthen your climbing route by strolling over the mountain and mix the path with another trails to Banff city.

Mountain climbing in Banff Nationwide Park

Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park and is an unbelievable place for climbing fanatics and nature lovers with over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of nicely marked and maintained climbing routes exploring mountainous terrain, glaciers and spectacular alpine forests.

The trailhead to the Sulphur Mountain climbing path is situated simply exterior the city of Banff. See our in depth information to climbing in Banff Nationwide Park for particulars on a big number of hikes we did in Banff and Lake Louise.

The vast majority of trails are simply accessible from 2 totally different cities, each situated contained in the nationwide park, the City of Banff and the village of Lake Louise 57 km aside by highway. The Regional Service is a fast and low cost bus service that runs 5 instances per day between Banff and Lake Louise for $6. Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse path or do the Large Beehive hike when visiting Lake Louise.

Attending to Sulphur Mountain from Banff

There are three choices to get to Sulphur Mountain from Banff city; drive, take a public bus or take a free shuttle bus.

Driving

It’s a 10 minute drive from city. Park at park on the gondola or the Higher Sizzling Springs parking zone. They refill fast in season.

Shuttle Bus

There’s a free shuttle bus departing day by day from sure motels.

Pubic Bus

The Banff Gondola is serviced year-round by Bow Valley ROAM Transit Companies. Take the Roam Route #1 bus. Simply take the bus from a number of choose up factors on the town to the Banff Gondola ($2 a technique). Your ROAM ticket to the gondola is free in case you present your Banff Gondola ticket to the motive force. Use the regional service bus to get from Lake Louise to Banff.

Sulphur Mountain Hike Particulars

• Distance – 5.5 km (3.4 miles) a technique, 11 km return (6.8 miles) – further 1 km return to Samson Peak
• Strolling time – My time 1h30min up and 45 min down, permit 2h to 4h relying on health.
• Whole ascent/descent – 700 m (2286 ft)
• Issue. Average.
• Trailhead. Banff Sizzling Springs (Gondola Parking Space)

The Sulphur Mountain hike affords a great exercise with an ascend of 700 meters over 5.5 kilometers rewarding you with some nice views on the prime.

The path is standard for climbing, path working and snowshoeing and the most effective time to make your means up the path is from June by October. Canines are allowed if on a leash. Mountain climbing the path alone in October I solely noticed 2 different hikers, but it surely was loopy busy on the summit. The attractive views and a Fort Mountain espresso went down nicely earlier than persevering with down the opposite aspect of the mountain.

Trailhead Sulphur Mountain Hike

The Sulphur Mountain Hike path head is subsequent to the Banff Sizzling Springs at an elevation of 1,580 M (5,200 ft). The trailhead is situated near the bus cease and is nicely marked. and may be reached by automobile or by public transport.

Sulphur Mountain Path

In season the Sulphur mountain path is a busy path that’s simple to comply with and it’s a comparatively protected path to hike alone as a result of it’s so busy. The path snakes up the mountain with 27 switchbacks going zig zag up the comparatively dense wooded slope ending on the prime of the Banff Gondola. It’s potential to proceed strolling at this level. Gaps within the forest permit for some good views alongside the path.

The path begins out comparatively large and dry, however on the higher slopes, it might have muddy and icy sections, microspikes can turn out to be useful. It’s a comparatively steep 5.5 km hike up the mountain. The views from the highest of the path throughout the park are glorious. I’ll suggest waterproof sneakers and convey sufficient water to make it to the highest, there isn’t any water on the best way.

IIn season the path is busy, however strolling up early October I solely noticed two different hikers. On the prime it was loopy busy. The views from the highest of the encompassing mountains is good.

Mountain climbing from Banff Gondola to Sanson Peak

The path hyperlinks with a boardwalk on the summit. To proceed climbing to Sanson Peak stroll across the gondola constructing to the boardwalk and proceed on the boardwalk for about 500m till you attain Sanson Peak, at an elevation of 2289 meters. There are some good views from the board stroll. There’s a Mountain Climate Observatory and a meteorological station referred to as the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station Nationwide Historic Web site at Samson peak with nice views of the Bow Valley, Spray Valley and the Sundance Canyon. 

Sulphur Mountain prolonged hike – proceed to Sundance Canyon and Marsh loop

For an awesome full day hike I mixed Sulphur mountain with two different trails. There will not be many individuals that stroll down the opposite aspect of the mountain, so carry bear spray.

You possibly can stroll over Sulphur mountain and mix the path with strolling to Sundance Canyon and the Marsh loop for a complete hike of 18 km – climbing time 4h 25min, Elevation achieve 807m.

After climbing to the highest of Sulphur Mountain I had a espresso, explored the boardwalk, Sanson peak and walked down the opposite aspect. I noticed some hikers on the best way up, lots of of those that took the gondola on the prime, however on the best way down the opposite aspect of the mountain I didn’t see anyone and had the entire mountain to myself, solely seeing hikers once more on the Sundance canyon path. Strolling in October the mountain was coated in snow, the golden larches had been stunning with a mixture of inexperienced and golden leaves over the mountain.

It was fast taking place the mountain on the opposite aspect. The Marsh loop is a flat 2.8 km path that encircles a wetland stuffed from sizzling springs flowing out of the decrease slopes of Sulphur Mountain.

The Sundance Canyon path begins on the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Web site. This path gives good panoramic views of the mountains throughout the Bow River. Simple, regular climb away from the river, the paved part ends and a reasonably tough path loops by a water-filled canyon.

Take the Banff Gondola

Go up and down Sulphur Mountain with the Banff gondola and benefit from the superb views of the encompassing valleys even when the hike is just not for you. Do a shorter hike by climbing up and taking place with the gondola.

Banff Gondola Worth

The Banff Gondola return worth varies from CAD$58 to $65 relying on time of the day. The value of a ticket relies on projected visitation. Mountain climbing up the mountain and taking the Gondola down is feasible at half the worth of a return ticket. There is no such thing as a low cost for climbing down, if you want the take the Banff Gondola up and hike down, you have to buy a full-price ticket.

Sulphur Mountain – The Summit

There are extra than simply breathtaking views on the prime of Sulphur mountain. All hikers received’t get pleasure from arriving at such a business middle on the prime of the mountain, however I loved to have a look round, have a espresso and proceed climbing. When you take the gondola up and down there are some good amenities to get pleasure from on prime. The higher terminal has a state-of-the-art interpretive middle with fascinating shows for teenagers. The multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre allow you to expertise the magnificent Canadian Rockies from the angle of an eagle. Discover the summit with the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk, the out of doors 360-degree rooftop statement deck, 2 eating places, a espresso store and a present store.

Greatest Season to Hike Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain may be hiked all yr spherical. In Summer season this path could be very standard with many hikers. There’s a waterfall the place you’ll be able to clean up in summer time about 3/4 up the mountain. In winter it’s pretty quiet with many gondola customers going up the mountain. There’s a campfire on the statement deck in winter with an awesome view. Micro spikes and climbing poles can be of nice assist if the slopes get icy in chilly climate. In September after I hiked the path there have been solely a handful of different hikers strolling up the mountain.

Wonderful Hikes in Canada

British Columbia has some very good hikes, see our favorite hikes in Vancouver. Don’t miss climbing the Grouse Mountain when in Vancouver. The Stawamus Chief and the Garabaldi Lake hike, are nice hikes to do from Squamish or discover a buddy to do the difficult Black Tusk path. On Vancouver island the powerful West Coast Path is a tremendous path alongside the coast, tenting on the seaside. In the wrong way The Juan de Fuca path is a bit shorter and extra versatile, however nonetheless a spectacular hike and incredible accomplishment to finish.

Packing to hike round Banff

Ice crampon/cleats helps to stroll on ice with out slipping if you’re climbing in chilly climate.

My Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch is a tremendous climbing instrument; measuring velocity, elevation, coronary heart charge, mapping and extra.

Mountain climbing within the snow, waterproof gaiters are incredible to maintain snow and dirt out of your boots!

My Salomon X Extremely Prime gortex boots, nice pair of shoes, all seasons. Retains mud, snow and rain out. Comfy, gentle and fully waterproof.

Women mannequin, Alya loves her Women Salomon X Extremely boots .

I at all times carry a lightweight rain jackets in my daypack, the North Face for women or North Face Resolve for males

BUFF Multifunctional Headwear – for solar and wind safety (doubles as a face masks).

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