Notes: Sometimes referred to as Stoney Squaw Mountain, this peak is in the process of being officially renamed.
Approximate route, hand sketched for information only.
Trip Report
Stoney Mountain is a small peak overlooking the Banff townsite. Commonly overshadowed by its impressive neighbours, Cascade and Norquay, smaller Stoney offers a simple objective for the off-season with excellent views. Given that the majority of the elevation gain is accomplished by driving, and the route is an official trail maintained by Parks Canada, most hikers will likely find this peak to be within their skill-level. The trail starts from the the Mount Norquay parking lot. If tackling in winter, it may be easiest to find parking later in the afternoon, as skiers start to leave. There is typically ample parking outside of ski-season.
We completed a counter-clockwise loop, beginning at the well-marked trailhead near the intersection of the road with the parking lot.The trail gradually gains elevation, gently rising through dense trees.Signage along the well-maintained trail makes for easy navigation. Wearing a traction aid was useful for a few inclines, like this section, but there was nothing too extreme.Before reaching the main lookout, a south-facing gap in the trees offers the first views of the day toward Sulphur Mountain.The trail itself doesn’t quite tag the summit, but the peak is simple to bushwhack to. The views, however, were underwhelming (pictured).We returned to the trail and continued on. Cascade Mountain can be seen ahead through the trees as we approach the main viewpoint ahead.Mount Cascade (left) dominates the view from the viewpoint. The snowy Banff townsite can be seen below (center).This interesting rock-wall was as close as we got to overhead hazard for the day. This section of trail can be avoided by returning the way we came, rather than completing the loop. On this day though, we continued on in a counter-clockwise loop, emerging next to the lodge 1 hr 45 min from our start time.The trade-off for choosing a shorter objective is having more time to spend in the Banff townsite. I often tend to avoid town, keeping to the mountains, making it a unique treat to use our extra time to take in Banff’s shops and dining. We grabbed an absolutely delicious lunch at Añejo Restaurant, where they convinced me it was National Margarita Day – if they were lying I don’t want to know! I was happy to wrap up a fine day by indulging in a mango margarita.
Peak Bliss 