BOU AVENUE
Stoney Squaw Mountain And Tunnel Mountain

On 14 September 2019, Jordan Kone, Kiara Kone, Teresa Kosmala, Dorota Sokolowska, and Zosia Zgolak joined me for easy ascents of Stoney Squaw Mountain and Tunnel Mountain near Banff, Alberta.  Although I had already ascended both mountains in the past, this was my first opportunity to test out my right leg after sustaining a serious injury on Chancellor Peak 24 days earlier.  Starting from the trailhead near the south end of Mount Norquay ski resort's parking area, we first hiked the well-maintained loop trail on Stoney Squaw Mountain.  Although my right leg felt fine, I was still recovering from a sore back that had developed about a week before.  As such, I moved rather gingerly throughout the day, but I had no problems walking.  Since my last visit to Stoney Squaw Mountain in 2011, the views from near the summit seem to have diminished as tree branches continue to encroach on the few scenic clearings that are left.  I also do not recall the northern half of the loop trail being there in 2011, but it nevertheless makes for a nice alternative return to the ski resort (the trail emerges onto a ski run just east of the resort's day lodge).
Let's get the party started! Dorota, Jordan, Kiara, Teresa and Zosia are about to start their hike up Stoney Squaw Mountain.
Tree sap? Dorota points out something interesting on a tree trunk along the mostly viewless trail.
The actual summit has zero views. Sonny, Dorota, Kiara, Zosia, Jordan and Teresa gather at a viewpoint near the summit of Stoney Squaw Mountain (1903 metres).
The scenery doesn't improve much on this half of the loop! Zosia descends the trail along the northern half of the loop.
Poles on the march! Dorota, Teresa and Zosia hike across Mount Norquay ski resort's parking lot to complete the loop hike.  In the distance is Mount Brewster.
Better go soon before the view near the top disappears! Total Distance:  4.9 kilometres
Round-Trip Time:  2 hours 36 minutes
Net Elevation Gain:  215 metres

GPX Data

Upon our return to the parking lot, we packed up our gear and drove into the town of Banff to hike up Tunnel Mountain starting from the upper trailhead (located along Tunnel Mountain Drive about half a kilometre north of the junction with Saint Julien Way).  Unlike my last visit many years ago when my companions and I largely had Tunnel Mountain all to ourselves, the trail was very busy on this day with people and dogs of all shapes and sizes coming and going.  Despite the circus-like atmosphere, the hike was still enjoyable for us, and there are a lot more scenic viewpoints here than on Stoney Squaw Mountain.  On descent, I ran into Allan Ask, a fellow web author who also publishes peak-bagging trip reports like myself.  Allan and I have corresponded with each other through e-mails in the past, but this was my first time meeting him in person.
Oddly enough, this is one the deadliest mountains in Banff! Teresa, Dorota, Kiara, Jordan and Zosia prepare to hike up Tunnel Mountain from the upper trailhead.
It's a good trail for socializing! Mount Norquay can be seen in the distance as Zosia, Teresa and Dorota march up the wide trail.
I would love to play the Banff Springs Golf Course one of these days... A viewpoint on the east side of Tunnel Mountain grants this view of Banff Springs Golf Course and the northwest end of Mount Rundle.
Second peak of the day, baby! Sonny, Kiara, Teresa, Zosia, Jordan and Dorota huddle together near the summit of Tunnel Mountain (1695 metres).
Ride 'em, cowboy! Kiara and Sonny stand by as Jordan rides a unique-looking tree near the top of Tunnel Mountain.

Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

Don't expect any solitude here! Total Distance:  3.9 kilometres
Round-Trip Time:  1 hour 50 minutes
Net Elevation Gain:  209 metres

GPX Data

Returning to the trailhead, Jordan, Kiara, Teresa, Dorota, Zosia and I rewarded ourselves with a delicious dinner at Indian Curry House in downtown Banff before capping off our day with a leisurely walk to Cascade of Time Garden near the Banff National Park administration building (south end of Banff Avenue).
The kids are normal; the adults not so much! Zosia, Teresa, Sonny, Dorota, Jordan and Kiara relax at Cascade of Time Garden near the Banff National Park administration building.

Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak