Hoodoos Viewpoint Banff
Discover the unique Hoodoos rock formations and breathtaking Bow River Valley vistas in Banff National Park. A must-see natural wonder!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Hoodoos Viewpoint Banff
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unique Hoodoos rock formations and breathtaking Bow River Valley vistas in Banff National Park. A must-see natural wonder!
"A beautiful and easy stop with amazing views of the hoodoos and the valley."
🚶♀️ Walk to the Hoodoos
It's about a 20-minute walk from the viewpoint to get up close with the hoodoos. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Park Pass Essential
You need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hoodoos Rock Formations
Along the Bow River
Unique, towering sandstone pillars sculpted by erosion. A must-see natural wonder!
Valley of the Bow River
From the viewpoint
Panoramic vistas of the majestic Bow River valley and surrounding peaks. Breathtaking!
Wildlife Encounters
Trailside
Keep an eye out for deer, coyotes, and even bears in their natural habitat. Always maintain a safe distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Pass & Shuttle Savvy
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk to the Hoodoos
It's about a 20-minute walk from the viewpoint to get up close with the hoodoos. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Park Pass Essential
You need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. :ticket:
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable; download maps before you go. :iphone:
🪑 Relax on a Bench
Plenty of benches offer great spots to rest and soak in the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk to the Hoodoos
It's about a 20-minute walk from the viewpoint to get up close with the hoodoos. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Park Pass Essential
You need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. :ticket:
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable; download maps before you go. :iphone:
🪑 Relax on a Bench
Plenty of benches offer great spots to rest and soak in the views.
✨ Far End for Best Views
Walk to the far end of the viewpoint for less crowded, amazing hoodoo perspectives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hoodoos Viewpoint for its stunning natural beauty and easy accessibility, offering unique rock formations and panoramic valley views. While the main viewpoint is convenient, many recommend walking the trail for a more immersive experience. Some note that the trail can be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues, and crowds can be present.
"A beautiful and easy stop with amazing views. It can get busy with tour buses, but if you walk to the far end, you’ll find a great view of the hoodoos. For an even better view looking back up the valley, head about 300 metres along the road into a small wooded area. Plenty of benches make it a nice spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery."
Judy Huang
"Hoodoos Trail offers a stunning hike with plenty to see along the way. There are at least three different scenic points worth visiting, and I highly recommend making time to explore them all. Each viewpoint provides a unique perspective, whether it's a closer look at the towering hoodoos or a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the lake in the valley below. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes this trail an unforgettable experience.
That said, the trail can be a bit challenging, especially if youare hiking with children. The path has several inclines, and it’s not well suited for strollers, so be prepared if you're bringing young kids. There are a few benches and chairs scattered along the trail where you can stop to rest, which is a welcome relief during the steeper sections. We did not hike all the way to the base of the lake, but based on what we saw and the pace of the trail, it would likely take an hour or more to reach it. Even without going all the way down, the views from the upper points are more than worth the effort. Overall, this trail is a rewarding experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike."
Yasser Jamal
"Went for a early morning hike and met some friends on the trail! What an awesome experience. Hike, coffee, deer, views ❤️ a bear was active in the area but we ran into deer instead! Great start to the day!"
Sincere Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hoodoos Viewpoint is accessible by car via the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. Parking is available at the viewpoint. For a more immersive experience, you can hike the Hoodoos Trail from town, though this is a longer trek.
While direct public transit to the viewpoint is limited, you can take a bus into Banff town and then consider local transit options or walking/biking the Bow Valley Parkway.
Yes, you can drive directly to the Hoodoos Viewpoint. It's located off the Bow Valley Parkway, offering convenient access for visitors with vehicles.
The Hoodoos Trail can be accessed from Banff town. One Reddit user mentioned hiking from Tunnel Mtn 2 campsite towards town and then potentially connecting to the Hoodoos trail.
Absolutely! A Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Banff National Park, which includes access to the Hoodoos Viewpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there's no specific ticket required for the Hoodoos Viewpoint itself, but you must have a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass for Banff National Park.
The Hoodoos Viewpoint is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, daylight hours are best for viewing.
The only fee associated with visiting the Hoodoos Viewpoint is the mandatory Parks Canada Discovery Pass for Banff National Park.
It's best to purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass in advance online or at a visitor center before arriving at the park to avoid delays.
Standard park regulations apply, including staying on marked trails, not feeding wildlife, and respecting the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll see the unique Hoodoos rock formations, stunning panoramic views of the Bow River Valley, and potentially wildlife like deer.
The trail can have inclines and isn't stroller-friendly, making it moderately challenging, especially if hiking to the base.
Yes, there are several benches and chairs available at the viewpoint and scattered along the trail for resting.
Yes, it's about a 20-minute walk from the viewpoint down to the base of the Hoodoos.
The viewpoint itself is accessible, but the trail down to the Hoodoos is not suitable for wheelchairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late evening offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning colors. Night photography is also possible.
Capture the unique Hoodoos formations, sweeping valley vistas, and wildlife. Night shots of the city lights against the mountains are also popular.
Walking to the far end of the viewpoint and exploring the trail offers varied perspectives. The small wooded area along the road provides an even better view back up the valley.
Yes, night photography is possible, especially if you have a tripod and can do long exposures to capture the stars or city lights.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light and night photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Wildlife sightings, like deer, can be a highlight for children.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Early morning or late evening hikes can offer a more serene experience, with fewer crowds and the chance to witness beautiful light conditions for photography.
Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and always carry essentials like water, snacks, and bear spray. 📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting.
Night photography enthusiasts can also find opportunities here, especially with clear skies. Don't forget to explore different angles along the trail and at the viewpoint for the most compelling shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Hoodoos Trail
Travelers often recommend walking to the far end of the main viewpoint for less crowded and more dramatic perspectives of the hoodoos. For an even more expansive view looking back up the valley, a short walk into a small wooded area along the road is suggested.
Remember to download offline maps as cell service is unreliable in the area.
Photography at the Hoodoos Viewpoint
For breathtaking landscape photography, aim for the Bow River Valley vistas. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, as the golden hour light bathes the mountains and valley in warm hues.
Some visitors have even captured impressive night shots, utilizing long exposure times to photograph the stars or the distant lights of Banff town against the dramatic mountain backdrop. Don't forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife; spotting deer or other animals can add a special element to your photos.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
While exploring, especially during dawn or dusk, keep your eyes peeled for other animals such as coyotes.
Remember that these animals are wild and should be observed from afar. Never feed them, as it can be harmful to their health and alter their natural behavior.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit