A short drive to a pullout near the top of Mount Norquay offers spectacular panoramic views. You can see Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, the Sundance Range and the Banff Springs Hotel in the distance and into the Spray River Valley.
A short trail behind the lookout parking area accesses the meadow. It’s a great spot for a picnic in the warmer months. Come up in the evening to watch the sun go down and watch the twinkle of Banff’s lights.
As you navigate the switchbacks up the mountain there are glimpses of Mount Rundle. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. They are often on the cliffsides or right on the road.
Coming back down you’ll see the ski hill runs of Mount Norquay.
Directions To Mount Norquay
Traveling west from Calgary towards Banff take the second Banff exit. Turn right on Mount Norquay Road and head up the mountain switchbacks until you reach the clearing with the pullout.
From Banff town it is a short 6km drive. Follow Lynx Street out of town, it changes into Mount Norquay Road. Keep on the road going over the Trans Canada Hwy #1 and follow your way up the mountain.
Traveling east from Lake Louise take the first Banff exit. Follow the signs for Mount Norquay turning left onto Mount Norquay Road.
The road is steep and winding, but usually in good driving condition in the winter.
Thank you! I am taking my mum and she is afraid of heights. Your tip that the Gondola ride may not be great for a fear of heights was helpful, but even more amazing that she will not miss the view by taking this scenic drive. She will be very happy to see it safely from the top of this mountain. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! The view from the Mount Norquay lookout is quite spectacular, I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Hi, first of all, I must say that I like reading all of your articles here. My family is visiting the Canadian Rockies in June for a week and the more I read, the longer my list of “Must go” places grows. Can you advise if the views at the Mt. Norquay turnout and the Banff Gondola are similar? Is it wise to go to both places or would you recommend spending the money on other gondola like Lake Louise if we go to Mt. Norquay turnout?