Trip Planner: Canada / Alberta / Canadian Rockies / Banff National Park / Banff / Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner, Banff

4.3

#26 of 173 in Things to do in Banff National Park

Driving on Tunnel Mountain Road, make a stop at Surprise Corner, a sudden 90-degree bend that opens up to a sweeping view of a historical hotel. Drive or walk up to the viewing platform, a wooden deck that lets you observe the picturesque scenery. Gaze upon the grandiose 19th-century railway hotel, star of many postcards and paintings over the years. With the Bow river rushing in the foreground and snow-capped Sulphur Mountain dominating the backdrop, the vantage point makes for a great photo op. Our Banff National Park trip itinerary planning tool makes visiting Surprise Corner and other Banff National Park attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.

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Surprise Corner Tours

Summer Tour: Banff and its Wildlife BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $57

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Duration: 3 hours

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Places to stay near Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

559 reviews

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4.5

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5.0

35 likes

By white0nes On February 6, 2018

You come around a corner and there it is - the Banff Springs Hotel Fairmont. It is rather gothic and is built backwards as the builders looked at the blue print the wrong way around so the kitchen sta... more »
By FormerExpat2014 On February 5, 2018

Traveled to this site with a group of 35 people. Wish we had more time at this stop as there was an abundant amount of trails to be explored. Traveled there in winter so there was a lot a snow on the ... more »
By david n On January 11, 2018

.. you can walk here from Downtown Banff in around 20-25 minutes. The view across the frozen Bow river to Banff Springs iconic hotel is fabulous and also back towards the town. Well recommended to get... more »

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By Patrick Villacorta On June 6, 2017

This viewing area provides an excellent view of the Banff Springs Hotel across the Bow river. That's pretty much it. There are also some information boards about the area/hotel. There is a small parking lot across the street and a space that I presume can be used for parking on the same side. Downside is there didn't seem to be any washrooms on-site or in the parking lot. Visited May 2016

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By Jordan Archer On January 2, 2018

A beautiful spot to snap a family picture, with the Fairmont Castle in the background.

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By gurshaan rai On December 31, 2017

An amazing place to walk and the views are breath-taking!

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By Anushree Travels On September 19, 2017

Limited parking but the view is magnificent. You can see the Fairmont Banff Springs historic hotel and several mountains.

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By ShadanFit Simmons On December 24, 2017

Beautiful veiws worth the walk anytime of year

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