Mount Rundle Mountain

Mount Rundle is a prominent mountain on the eastern edge of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, with a summit elevation of about 2,949 meters.

The mountain’s long ridge and steep flanks form a defining skyline for the town of Banff and the Bow Valley; it is a well-known subject for photographers and a popular objective for experienced scramblers along established routes.

Mount Rundle’s name and early ascent history date to 19th-century exploration of the Canadian Rockies and subsequent inclusion within Banff National Park’s protected landscape.

The peak sits immediately west of the town of Banff in Alberta, rising above the Bow River valley and offering accessible viewpoints from multiple valley locations including the Vermilion Lakes.

• Best viewpoints: Iconic Banff landmark visible from downtown Banff, the Bow Valley Parkway, and the Vermilion Lakes; best viewed at sunrise and sunset when slopes show strong relief.

• For the classic views of Mount Rundle, go to Vermilion Lakes at sunrise (weekdays are much quieter) to capture reflections and avoid the busiest photo times from Banff townsite.
• If you plan to hike Rundle, start very early-summer afternoons bring convective thunderstorms in the Canadian Rockies and the routes include long exposed sections where afternoon storms and rockfall increase risk.
• Many visitors stick to the town viewpoints; to beat the crowds, explore the Bow River upstream footpaths and bridges for quieter angles of the ridge and different perspectives of the mountain.