This view of Mount Rundle from across Vermilion Lakes is one of the Banff National Park iconic scenes. The elevation of Rundle is 2949 meters (9673 feet). On the left edge of this picture is the foot of Tunnel Mountain. At its base lies the town of Banff. The slope to the right is the base of Sulphur Mountain, home of the Banff Gondola.
This spot is very popular with photographers who will find plenty of room to work here and many choices of foreground. Afternoon and evening are excellent times to photograph Mt. Rundle from Vermilion Lakes. For much of the year morning light only illuminates the steep faces of the cliffs.
This location is accessible from via a short drive from the Mount Norquay overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway at the west edge of Banff Townsite. Look for a drive that heads west on the south side of Canada One. Vermilion Lakes Drive is 4 km (2-1/2 miles) long and hugs the Trans-Canada.
Vermilion Lakes Drive is also very popular with birders, who will find a variety of waterfowl here at different seasons. It is also a likely place to find a small herd of elk in the fall.
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