
Tunnel Mountain Course
Fairmont Banff Springs


About this course
Tunnel Mountain is the nine-hole companion course to the Stanley Thompson eighteen at Fairmont Banff Springs, designed by Geoffrey Cornish with assistance from Robinson and opened in 1989. The course was added to accommodate growing demand at the resort and to provide a shorter option for guests seeking a quicker round in the dramatic Banff National Park setting. Cornish, a prolific Canadian architect known for his work across the northeastern United States and Canada, created a layout that works within the mountainous terrain while remaining more accessible than the resort's championship course. The nine holes play across rolling terrain with elevation changes that reflect the Rocky Mountain environment, though the routing occupies a more compact footprint than the Thompson course. Views of the surrounding peaks and forested landscape provide the natural backdrop common to golf in this part of the Canadian Rockies. The course serves primarily as a recreational option for resort guests and offers a less demanding test than the main eighteen holes, making it suitable for players of varying abilities or those with limited time. Tunnel Mountain operates as part of the broader Fairmont Banff Springs golf experience, sharing the historic resort's amenities and mountain lodge atmosphere. The course typically opens later in the spring and closes earlier in the fall than lower-elevation courses due to Banff's alpine climate and shorter growing season.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in Canada
Best in Alberta
Quick facts
- Location
- Banff, Alberta, CA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1989
- Holes
- 9
- Designer(s)
- Geoffrey Cornish, Robinson
- Par
- 36
- Length
- 3,287 yards
- Difficulty
- 35.4/137
- Course Vaults score
- 9.2
Getting there
The journey to Fairmont Banff Springs begins at Calgary International Airport (YYC), gateway to the Canadian Rockies, followed by a westward drive of roughly ninety minutes that transforms from prairie flatlands into dramatic alpine terrain. The Trans-Canada Highway climbs steadily through Kananaskis Country before entering Banff National Park, where the road narrows between towering peaks and the Bow River begins its glacial dance alongside the pavement. The final approach winds through the town of Banff itself, then ascends a forested slope to reveal the castle-like silhouette of the hotel rising against Sulphur Mountain - a vision of Scottish Baronial grandeur transplanted into the heart of the wilderness.

FAQ
Common questions about Tunnel Mountain at Fairmont Banff Springs
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Tunnel Mountain at Fairmont Banff Springs has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 16 logged golfers.
Tunnel Mountain was designed by Geoffrey Cornish and Robinson.
Yes. Tunnel Mountain at Fairmont Banff Springs is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Tunnel Mountain is 36.
Tunnel Mountain plays 3,287 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Tunnel Mountain is 137.


