Use Surprise Corner as a short viewpoint when you are driving or already near the Fairmont/Bow Falls area. Do not overbuild the day around it; treat it as a scenic punctuation mark.
Why people stop here
The viewpoint looks across toward the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Bow River valley area. It works well as a photo stop, an orientation stop, or a quick scenic break between downtown and Bow Falls/Fairmont-area plans.
Should you add it?
You have a car, clear visibility, a photo goal, and enough time to stop safely without stressing the schedule.
You are relying on walking/transit, parking is awkward, or the group is already tired and needs food/washroom/rest more than another viewpoint.
Photo cue
Frame the hotel and river valley together. If the sky is harsh, include trees/railings/people for scale instead of trying to force a perfect postcard shot.
Story use
This is a good "quick reveal" scene in a short movie: map pin moves from downtown, view opens to the Fairmont side, then the day goes to Bow Falls, food, or hot springs.
Official sources and live links
Hours, prices, transit schedules, parking rules, closures, and ticket availability can change. Use these links as the current source of truth.