We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Surprise Corner

Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Update attraction details
Ranked #11 of 27 attractions in Banff
Type: Observation Decks/ Towers
15 visitor photos
Write a Review

54 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    26
    20
    5
    2
    1
Date Rating
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

This point offers some really good views of the mountains and the Fairmont hotel and is ideal for photography. Make a quick 10min stop here for some pictures and you won't regret it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by travebuff_m for Banff
South East,UK
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 NEW

Not really much to see much better sights around Banff. We drove up to it and the surprise was all you can see if hotel across river.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Stevenx for Banff
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

At the curve in the road, suddenly a beautiful view over the bow river, Banff Springs Hotel and the mountains beyond.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by HelencTorontO for Banff
Calgary, Alberta
Top Contributor
162 reviews 162 reviews
103 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

Surprise Corner is located right beside the Banff Center on the way up Tunnel Mountain. The view is great, though there are equally impressive views from the Banff Centre itself and from numerous trails around Banff. The walk to Surprise Corner from Banff Avenue took us about 20 minutes and it is very easy for most people, though it is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 9 more reviews by USCTrojansFan23 for Banff
Dallas, Texas
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

We have been going to Banff for years and stumbled across this site last year. It is in town, and provides a spectacular view of the Banff Springs Hotel and surrounding area. Excellent spot for pictures and EASY to get to!

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 7 more reviews by Marken76 for Banff
UK
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2013

A well sign posted walk along the trail by the Bow river brings you to Surprise Corner. The views are fantastic!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by forty-somethingUk for Banff
Winchester, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 February 2013

Im sure this would be much better in the summer, all the snow and ice didnt make the view so spectacular. Its also a very steep climb down to the river.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Tina P for Banff
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013

I started a hike here in the summer that was beautiful! Neat little place I didn't know about...you get a different view of the falls from the less touristy side. Not much parking here though. :(

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by melaniedawn23 for Banff
Vernon, Canada
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
65 helpful votes 65 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2013

We stop here all the time to take pictures of the chateau and you can see the Gondola from here. This is a busy place, with lots of tourist buses stopping often, so sometimes the parking can be limited. You can park and walk across the street to an old Douglas fir. There are informational boards all around that tell... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 14 more reviews by Darren_in_BC for Banff
Westborough, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2013

Very surprised to stumble across this spot. Although it was on the map to see, we came across the corner unexpectedly. Worth the time to see this!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by CAM610 for Banff

Travellers who viewed Surprise Corner also viewed

Banff, Banff National Park
Banff, Banff National Park
 
Banff, Banff National Park
Banff, Banff National Park
 

Been to Surprise Corner? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Surprise Corner, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing