A cosmic ray station was built on Sulphur Mountain as part of the International Geophysical Year in 1957-1958 and Canadian scientists made important contributions to the research. Contact, © 2020 Outdoor Escapade. It is now a National Historic Site of Canada and a plaque marks its location. Start / finish indicated by the black line. It is a beautiful climb non the less. Not very difficult with less of an incline than the front side and a little bit more interesting terrain. You have a few options with this trail. The views all the way up are pretty spectacular though, it would be perfect once the snow has melted some more/more people have made it compact too. Bonus taking the gondola down for free and hitting the hot springs after to chill. Banff Gondola We chose this option because our car was waiting for us at the cave basin and at this time we don't think there's shuttles or much public transit available. For 30 years, Norman walked up Sulphur Mountain to the meteorological observatory building to diligently check on the observatory recording equipment. Great views for a proposal! Here, you will find the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the 1903 weather observatory. Really enjoyed this, went as our day 1 hike in Banff. Enjoy the panoramic views of the magnificent mountain ranges around you and the interpretive signs of the mountains important history. I did OK with just Yaktrax, but I'm glad I wasn't just in boots. Originally Sulphur Mountain was referred to as Terrace Mountain on George Dawson's 1886 map of the area. Definitely too early in the season for this hike! Something to do if you live here and want something to do after or before work, or you're here for a long vacation and want a quiet walk. Not that it was easy - the constant, gradual incline will give you a good workout! The hike down to the cave and basin is pretty straight forward. The gondola is free back down apparently only until May. Book your tickets online for Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, Banff: See 5 reviews, articles, and photos of Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, ranked No.44 on Tripadvisor among 52 attractions in Banff. great trail, the down walk over the back of sulfur was definitely less trafficked than the front side and only saw one other person before reaching the horse trails by the water. On a service road the entire way up, no variation in terrain, nothing much to see until you get to the tourist attraction at the top. Snow covered starting from the cave & basin, getting progressively snowier as we climbed. It’s an easy hike down from there to soak in some fresh mountain air! If you are interested in doing just the trail itself, skip this section and jump down to the bolded trail head start. It took about 2hours and the view was good. As you climb up, spectacular views open up to the west. The facility was meant to study cosmic rays and therefore was name the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station. It's about a kilometer hike from the Banff Gondola Upper Terminal - a few thousand steps I suppose but if you go at a decent pace, it won't take more than 15-20 minutes. Hike description: Switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide a steady uphill hike to a summit renowned for its expansive mountain views (5.5km). Had to carry all my stuff to another locker. Winter hiking up Sulfur Mountain then deciding to take the interesting way down in Banff. The remainder of the trail is easy to figure out and has a nice view. Wide, mostly maintained trail with a few fallen trees across the path, but easy to go around or over. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October. The first being the gondola, the second and third is hiking up the trail under the gondola as well as hiking the back of Sulphur Mountain via the Cosmic Ray road. As we mentioned before, there are a few ways up Sulphur Mountain. plenty of Marmonts sunbathing on the way down aswell. Very rewarding to get to the top, although it was a little surreal coming upon so many tourists. I could not see any truck getting up this "fire road". Only traces of snow near the very top and trail in very good condition. It was a challenging hike! Sulphur Mountain is one of the most well-known mountain peaks in Banff with a surprisingly few options of how to reach the summit. Decent views, but nothing spectacular. Visited by thousands of tourists, hikers and locals each year, there is a wide spectrum of reasons to choose from why the mountain is so popular! I came here last 4days ago with Sulphur Mountain Trail. Everything is well fitted out there with wooded sidewalk for anyone who wants to walk on the ridge of the mountain. The Cosmic Ray Station on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park was built by the National Research Council in the winter of 1956-57. This strenuous trail follows a series of switchbacks to the summit ridge, and the upper terminal of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. There's a 30 minute walk from Cave and Basin to account for, which is flat, paved, and boring. Hiking. Take this access road. Only in Banff for a day so wanted to make the most of it. Click here to download the GPS route in GPX format. Lots of amazing wildlife, we even saw a bear family so bear spray is definitely recommend!! The Banff gondola is one of popular ways of getting to the top of Sulphur Mountain for those who are willing to pay over $20 for a round trip. It is perfect for a hot dip any time of the year, especially after a long hike! The first two thirds of the trail are beside a firebreak line. Still some snow up near the top but enough melt to stay on the trail. "Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada found atop Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, commemorates Canada's participation in the International Geophysical Year, during 1957 to 1958. You will find the old Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station perched right at the top. very amazing views and the way up is very moderate but continuing. Keep an eye out for fossilized worms and strange sea life on the rock faces as you ascend! hiking You will want to walk past the building and after a short ways you will reach the true trail head. Hike To The Top: Sulphur Mountain Hiking Trail. In fact, you don’t get to the real Suplhur Mountain summit. The rest of the 5.8 km are a steady climb on the backside of sulphur mountain. Cosmic rays are very high-energy … As of June 2010 if you hike up you get a free ride down which your knees will thank very much. Definitely took us long time with all the snow but the view was beautiful the whole way up! Didn't see a soul but saw plenty of deer and marmots. Follow this paved trail for 2.4 km. The building was not removed until 1981 and a plaque now stands to mark the location along with interpretive signs. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Jaeggi had quickly recognized the need for tourist facilities on this popular mountain. All Rights Reserved, Sulphur Mountain via Cosmic Ray Road Now a national historic site, the Cave and Basin is a tourist site that can be visited to see pictures of the old pool, see an endangered snail species and of course visit the originally cave of hot springs that was originally first discovered leading to the hot springs public opening. Scrambling | Beautiful views and an incredible hike all around ! The back route to the summit is far more rewarding with great views across the valley and particularly of Mount Edith. Since we did the whole loop from the hot springs, if you are starting at the Cave and Basin the route only starts around the top center going counter clock-wise finishing on the bottom right right before the straight line which would be the gondola. With jaw-dropping views of the Bow Valley, hikers can continue along a one-kilometre (0.6-mile) … 1 hr 50 mins up, 1 hr 20 mins down. One problem that arises with this choice is that your start point is the cave and basin and your finish point is the lower terminal of the gondola which is near the hot springs. Bright side was that the scenery was a fair bit nicer and the lush grass made for a pleasent break. It is great for people of all ages and there is a gift shop and cafeteria and 2 restaurants up top, although we do not quite recommend the buffet. There is also a scramblers' route to Sulphur's true summit on the southern slopes of the mountain but we have not had a chance to conquer that route yet! The last route is longer but much more scenic and well worth the exercise as the view from the top is just that much more rewarding. For this reason the road you follow all the way up from Sundance Canyon is called 'Cosmic Ray road'. Bonus - when you get to the hot springs parking lot, go halfway up the staircase to the hot springs and find a foot bath on the right - it's free and feels great! Views of the valley were incredible! Anyone in reasonable shape won't find this hard - its technically very easy and safe. Saw lots of wildlife (whitetails, marmots, etc.). Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada found atop Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, commemorates Canada's participation in the International Geophysical Year, during 1957 to 1958. Could see how you would be way to exposed on a hot day , got a pretty bad burn, definitely recommend this hike though! Enjoyed getting to stroll through the cave and basin. Lyrics, music and video by Henna Hyvärinen and Susan Kooi, produced during echo+seashell's Western Canada tour 2016. At the top, discover the amazing interpretive centre and mountaintop family adventure activities. Some places it is bit steep but easily doable. The name of “Sulphur Mountain” itself was adopted in 1916 because of the sulphuric hot springs found on the lower slopes. The hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain are home to the endangered Banff Springs snail and the now-extinct Banff longnose dace. You'll see a sign on the left for Sulfur Mountain Summit. The sight of the stairs leading to the old weather station at the summit of Sulpher Mountain signifies the end of your long trek. Canada constructed nine sites to study cosmic rays, but this site in particular was the most important due to its higher elevation. There are breathtaking panoramic views of the Bow Valley and many of the area's mountains peaks can be seen from up top including Tunnel Mountain, Cascade Mountain and Rundle Mountain. From the top you can choose to hike down the same trail back, take the trail down underneath the gondola, or what we suggest is to just hop on a gondola and get a free ride down! The official trail had starts around the 5km mark and finishes at the summit. The first 2.4 km of the trail is part of sundance canyon trail . To get to the start of the trail, follow the paved road toward Sundance Canyon for 2-3 kms. Home | Attractions | We fell through the snow, sometimes waist deep in it, around 200 times, without even exaggerating. Within the trees, it was a fairly comfortable temperature, but I'd recommend having some good layers for when you reach the top and potentially visit the historic site (Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray station) as the wind picked up quite a bit! As Norman settled out in Banff, he took employment as a bookkeeper and was introduced to Mr. Mecleod who was the park meteorologist and the curator of Banff Park Museum at the time. Canada constructed nine sites to study cosmic rays, but this site in particular was the most important due to its higher elevation. At the sign indicating that there is 0.8 km left to sundance canyon, an old access road that appears to head steeply up is visible on your left. Which we were glad about seeing as it took us 5 hours not 4, with all the fluffy snow! Originally, the hot springs were commercially built for the public where Banff's Cave and Basin is. There is some snow near the top, but easy to make your way around. 1 review of Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site "If you can, definitely visit this place. We parked at the hot springs, hiked about 4.5km downhill, hiked the trail, enjoyed a beer and ice cream at the top, took a free ride down, and hopped into the pool for a great soak. overall great views is mountain goats! Well, this was extremely boring! Incredible views on the way up and we were the only group. Winter | The one positive is that because the trail is so boring you can easily jog the entire way back down if you do this as an out-and-back. We didnt encounter anyone which coule make it a nice option if you're looking for some solitude. You can take the sky ride also. This is the GPS graph of the elevation change for the loop. There were no other hikers until we got to the top. Nice secluded trail with a nice view of Bow River. The Sulphur Mountain trail is a moderate hike that switchbacks its way to the summit ridge. There is a boardwalk you can walk to the observatory as well. The back way up is steep. At the top it is incredibly busy from all the Gondola traffic and people who have hiked up the front side. Loved this trail! Once you mosey around The wooden plateforms all the way to the summit. The hike is pretty easy but the view from the top is really beautiful. more a moderate hike. I loaded all my clothes into the pay locker at the hot springs and the lock wouldn't work. there was still some snow up there, but it's possible to make your way around. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The starting point is Upper Hot Springs parking lot (1,561m) ending at Sulphur Mountain upper gondola terminal (2,300m) or Sanson’s Peak (2,440m) which is 1 km further in distance If you’re up for the challenge: current record on Strava app from over 600 people is 32 minutes from the parking lot to the upper terminal Great first summit of the year. It is a pleasant 15min walk along the boardwalk to get there and you have a … Lots of trees blown over onto trail. Sulphur Mountain Trail is a 5.5 km maintained trail that runs from the Banff Gondola lower terminal on the ground, all the way to the top of Sulphur Mountain, down around the backside of the mountain and all the way to the Cave and Basin. Originally, Sanson was from Toronto and was the son of a clergyman. also the summit gondola people werent letting hikers in due to covid for any reason...though they were kind enough to provide a small bottle of water. This is the building that still exists today that visitors can peak through the windows and see the rustic furnishings of the observatory and historical artifacts. At the top, enjoy the 0.5 km boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak. The last route is longer but much more scenic and well worth the exercise as the view from the top is just that much more rewarding. What a feat! 1 contribution. To early in the season! Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station Located at the top of Sulphur Mountain in Alberta's Rocky Mountains (and reached by a short hike after riding the Banff Gondola) the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station in Banff National Park has been a National Historic Site since 1982. The station has had an interesting history.Its unique position at the summit of Sulphur Mountain made it a prime location firstly as a weather observation station and then in 1959 becoming a cosmic ray station. Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada found atop Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, commemorates Canada's participation in the International Geophysical Year, during 1957 to 1958. A steady incline the entire way up, but worth it for the view at the top. Share your thoughts in the comments below. He traveled west with a group known as the Queen's Own Rifles who turns out were associated with suppressing the North West Rebellion of 1885. The first teahouse on the summit of Sulphur Mountain opened in the summer of 1940 on the site of the present summit complex. We made our descent rather quickly and net quite a few people on their way up. Almost cosmic ;). This is a hike! The station was built as a research post to measure cosmic rays that fall through the atmosphere. About 2-3 switchbacks from the top there were many more tracks and the snow became more compact and slippery. Once you reach the large, and only zig zag you are nearing the top. John and I did the Sulphur Mountain hike in November when there was snow on the ground. After going up the trail for ~15 minutes, you come to a fork. Definitely challenging, well marked trail, do not take the road all the way up, about 10 mins up go left through the two orange markers up the trail. Very windy at the top but sheltered on the way up. You can either park at the Cave and Basin and hike up, get a free ride down and hike/hitch hike/taxi it back... or how we did. The National Research Council constructed a laboratory … Hike description: Switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide a steady uphill hike to a summit renowned for its expansive mountain views (5.5km). 14 June; I'm writing a review at the top now!! Terribly inconvenient. Take the path right to head up toward the summit (left will take you on the dotted line back toward the paved road). At the top, enjoy the 0.5 km boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak where the Cosmic Ray Station is located. 4 stars because there were amazing views up the valley almost the entire way up but it is very busy at the top and on the front side on the way down. Completed on June 5th, 2020. They became close friends and Norman took over Mr. Mecleod's positions both as curator and meteorologist when he passed away in 1896. it's to bad it was so smokey out. What were your experiences In winter the gondola ride down the mountain is free. We were lucky to see a few and even see a couple of them fight! fire road type trail on the cosmic ray side and dirt switchbacks on the gondola side. Great views for a proposal! Totally fine. Sulphur Moutain via Cosmic Ray Road - Out and Back. Nice alternative to avoid the crowds on the front side. Much nicer coming up the back way than the front. At the top, enjoy the 0.5 km boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak where the Cosmic Ray Station is located. We ended up seeing a cute red fox on the mountain top and enjoyed a coffee break at the gondola plaza before heading down the switch back side. I loved I decide to start from candace canyon. Absolutely amazing views! Geophysicists studied cosmic rays and space particles entering the atmosphere from the station perched above the town of Banff, until 1978. Elevation is 1561m at the parking lot, 2265m at the upper gondola terminal, … We took snowshoes with us … But in the shoulder-season when a hike can be hard to find in the mountains, there’s a longer option that starts at the Cave and Basin parking lot and finishes at the summit ridge boardwalk on Sulphur Mountain via Cosmic Ray Road. Too many tourists at the top for my liking but definitely worth continuing along the traverse of the ridge a few more Km for solitude and great views. After the hike, we took a dip in the hot springs. It’s a very popular hike so if you want to avoid people, go early early morning. It's a fairly long slog to the top but I made it in approx 1.30hr. Not only summer, it is good for winter too. Sulphur Mountain via Cosmic Ray Road? Went up yesterday (mid May) and the last kilometre or so, right when you reach the switchbacks at the top is covered in heavy snow (waist deep in some places). This is a tough slog, as there are few switchbacks and a relentless slope. You can also follow a short trail up to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. I highly recommend this hike as there was no one else on this trail up as opposed of the front more popular side. Completed June 3 2020. All reviews weather station gondola ride cosmic ray station cable car walk up observation deck spectacular views hot springs board walk surrounding mountains great hike bow valley visiting banff both ways mountain goats elevation gain summit peak switchbacks trail clouds snow. We opted for the free gondola ride down, as the busier more switchback-y side looked very slushy/icy. There are many more interesting hikes in Banff. Now the public hot springs, referred to as Banff Upper Hot Springs, is on the east of Sulphur Mountain where its parking lot is above the gondola's parking lot. A series of switchbacks lead to the summit ridge of Sulphur Mountain and the upper terminal of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola (5.4km). Sulphur Mountain via Cosmic Ray Road is a 8.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Banff, Alberta, Canada that features hot springs and is rated as difficult. 1 contribution. Sulphur Mountain Trail. A small laboratory was built on Sanson's Peak by the National Research Council as a contribution on Canada's part to the International Geophysical Year. The peak of Sulphur Mountain itself was named Sanson's Peak in 1948 after Norman Sanson, Banff's zookeeper, meteorologist and curator of Banff Park Museum. This hike starts with a long flat section on a paved path starting from the Cave & Basin before you begin the actual ascent. i. The cave does smell strongly of sulphur and is very humid and warm inside but it is a must see if you are visiting Banff. From the upper terminal a boardwalk leads along the ridge to the Cosmic Ray Station, the true summit of Sullphur Mountain (additional 0.6km). The great thing about the gondola is that if you hike up, chances are you can most likely get a free ride down, at least we have both times we have hiked up the mountain! The history behind it was fascinating. Bring spikes and poles and be prepared. Took us ~2 hours (not including the time we wasted when we took the wrong path at the fork) to get up and ~1 hour down on the front. Take a short walk along the interpretive boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak and peer into the structure where Norman Sanson recorded his observations for 30 years. You will feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck, where the optional Banff Skywalk (a 1km self-guided interpretive walkway) leads you to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station.