A Guide to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is a must-visit place in the Canadian Rockies. Our travel guide includes the best things to do in Lake Minnewanka, top activities, when to go, directions, and tips on accommodation.
The largest lake in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. The pristine turquoise waters, the majestic peaks of Mount Girouard and Mount Inglismaldie of the Fairholme Range, and easy access make Lake Minnewanka one of the most popular places in the Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park is home to many wonderful places, but it's not often easy to select which ones are worth a visit and which can be skipped during your road trip.
After visiting Lake Minnewanka a few times ourselves, we believe that it would be a shame to miss out on this beautiful natural attraction, as it has a rightful place on every Canadian Rockies travel itinerary.
Simply put, the beautiful scenery and endless list of activities make Lake Minnewanka a popular stop for both first-time or returning visitors to the province of Alberta.
Also, Lake Minnewanka is a great place to visit if you are looking for some free things to do in Banff, which is often considered an expensive destination.
Although the beauty of Lake Minnewanka is undisputed, it's also one of those places that is more than meets the eye. The area has a rich and fascinating history that's not visible at first sight.
We've put together some helpful tips for those who want to visit Lake Minnewanka, including the best activities and things to do.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE MINNEWANKA
Lake Minnewanka activities range from picnicking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, boating, cross-country skiing to scuba diving or wildlife watching.
Due to its easy access, the lake area is often packed with tourists, and certain spots can feel crowded at the time; however, it's not that difficult to find a place to have just for yourself.
Visiting Lake Minnewanka provides a different kind of experience than trips to other Banff's top attractions such as Peyto Lake or Moraine Lake.
The lake is enormous and offers more activities for all kinds of travelers. It seemed to us that travelers spend more time at the lake, and the visit is much more relaxed then compared to, let's say, Lake Louise.
PICNICKING AT THE LAKE
One of the main reasons for Lake Minnewanka's popularity is the fact that the day-use area has many excellent picnic spots. Picnicking by the water on a sunny day while watching the majestic peaks towering above the lake and listening to the calming sounds of water is always a great way to reconnect with nature.
Picnicking is popular with families, couples, or groups of friends, and the day-use area has even barbecues and picnic benches, making this activity accessible simply to everyone.
You can buy groceries in Banff, though it's better to go shopping in Calgary to save money (if you are arriving from there).
Even if you want to make a quick stop for lunch without intending to spend more time on the shore, Lake Minnewanka's relaxed environment might persuade you to stay a bit longer.
LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE
If you are looking for a comfortable and easy way to explore Lake Minnewanka, you can always take a boat tour. Most commonly, you can choose between a 1-hour and 1.5-hour cruise.
During the cruise, you will not only have the time to enjoy the epic scenery of the Rocky Mountains but also learn something about the local history from a knowledgeable guide.
In fact, a Lake Minnewanka Cruise will allow you to see a huge part of the lake that would take you otherwise hours to cover on foot. Boat trips offer a very different experience from hiking or canoeing, especially if you want to take things slowly or just sit and relax.
As the lake freezes over each winter, boat trips run only through the summer season.
Depending on the weather each year, Lake Minnewanka cruise boats usually start running in May.
AYLMER LOOKOUT HIKE
Our favorite activity at Lake Minnewanka was hiking the Aylmer Lookout. This is a challenging 25 kilometers long day hike with an elevation gain of 900 meters, and you should be fairly fit to get to the viewpoint at the end of the trail.
Moreover, Aylmer Lookout is an in-and-out trail that makes the return trip even more challenging, both physically and mentally.
The reward is the panoramic view of Lake Minnewanka, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, that will make up for the effort you have to put into the hike. The view from the top is really that good and allows you to appreciate the lake's size even better.
As this day hike is quite challenging, you won't find many hikers in the second part of the hike, so you can admire the Rocky Mountains scenery without crowds.
Aylmer Lookout trailhead starts at the parking lot, and be prepared to finish the whole roundtrip in six to ten hours depending on your fitness level.
We highly recommend you bring trekking poles that will help you keep a steady pace along the lake and with uphill/downhill section to ease the stress on your knees.
Make sure to follow the trail restriction when hiking at Lake Minnewanka.
The area around Banff is full of incredible day hikes, and you might want to look into Corry Pass or Bourgeau Lake for more inspiration (these hikes are close to Banff but not in the Lake Minnewanka area).
BIKING
Biking around Lake Minnewanka is one of the fun things to do while in Banff, and regardless of your skills, it's a perfect activity for stretching your legs after a long flight, tiring drive, or just a busy week at work.
So the big question is where to start your Lake Minnewanka biking adventure from? The easiest way is to get to the Lake Minnewanka parking lot by car, and from there, you can either bike along the lake or cycle around the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.
Another alternative, which makes a lot of sense as you will arrive at the lake by bike and not by car, is to leave your car at Cascade Ponds parking lot at the start of the loop. We believe that this version is a bit more rewarding regardless of the direction you decide to cycle.
Finally, you can start directly in Banff, though this is a bit longer version of the trip. The whole route is 24 kilometers long, but there are no steep inclines resulting in a very gentle ride accessible even to recreational bikers.
Either way, biking in the Canadian Rockies is a memorable experience making your stress go away.
Here are a few more travel tips for your trip.
The Lake Minnewanka Bike singletrack trail shares the path with Aylmer Lookout and Stewart Canyon trails and can be crowded, so drive carefully and keep an eye on roots and rocks.
If you are a keen hiker and biker in one person, you can actually ride the 'boring' flat part along the lake on a bike (until the point where bikes are not allowed to go further), leave the bike there, hike to the viewpoint, and then descent back to your bikes, and ride back to the parking lot.
You can bring your own bike or rent a bike in Banff for 50 CAD per day and an e-bike for 100 CAD per day.
STEWART CANYON
If you are looking for an easy hike in Lake Minnewanka, then the Stewart Canyon Trail is an excellent choice for you. The enjoyable trail shares the path with the Aylmer Lookout, but it's far shorter and easier.
In fact, the trail is mostly flat and ideal for hikers who don't want to spend all day at Lake Minnewanka and plan to visit some other beautiful places in Banff National Park.
The hike is rated as easy; the trail is well-marked, well-maintained, and ends at the wooden bridge over the Cascade River.
There are some ups and downs, but the trail is mostly flat, at least when compared to the Aylmer Lookout hike. The whole roundtrip is three kilometers long and shouldn't take you more than one hour.
If you still have some energy left, you can carry on onto the second part of the Stewart Canyon Trail that continues beyond the bridge. The trail continues for another one and a half kilometer or so along the Cascade Canyon until it abruptly ends.
Although the Stewart Canyon can't compete with the famous Johnston Canyon in terms of beauty, the trail is often deserted and offers a more intimate experience of the Canadian woods.
Or you can hike Lake Minnewanka Trail a bit further. The trail is mostly flat until you reach the Aylmer Lookout junction, so you can extend the Stewart Canyon hike a bit.
FISHING
Freshwater fishing is popular in Canada, and you can even fish in the national parks. First, you need to obtain a fishing permit for national parks (provincial fishing licenses are not valid). The daily permit costs 9.80 CAD, and the annual permit costs 34.30 CAD.
Parks Canada Visitor Center in Banff is one of the places where you can get your permit, plus the local rangers can give you some helpful fishing tips in case you are new to the area.
Also, read the fishing regulations before you go, as they are quite strict in stating what you can do and what's unlawful. The regulations can change, so stay in the loop; also, the catch and release technique is recommended.
Finally, you are ready to set, so what can you catch at Lake Minnewanka? The lake is famous mainly for its rich trout population, but you can also catch a whitefish.
You can bring your own fishing gear, but if you travel internationally without it, Banff has some rental shops (and even hardware stores where you can buy what you need).
CANOEING OR KAYAKING
Canoeing or kayaking at Lake Minnewanka on a sunny day is a fantastic experience attracting travelers who want to spend the day in the area actively.
We recommend you try this activity on a clear day, so you can appreciate the crystalline color of the water without worrying about rolling.
The only flaw of this water activity is the rental prices. You can rent a double kayak for 75 CAD for the first hour and a canoe for 85 CAD for the first hour. Rental boats are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not bookable online.
We found canoeing too expensive for what it offers, but it all depends on your Canadian Rockies travel budget.
You can always consider bringing your own inflatable kayak and use it on other Canadian lakes as well.
HISTORY OF LAKE MINNEWANKA
Lake Minnewanka means 'water of the spirits' in the Stoney language, and scientists found out that the aboriginal people used to live in the area more than ten thousand years ago.
The proof that indigenous tribes inhabited the area has been uncovered in recent years as many artifacts were found at their original campsites.
Fast forward to more recent history. Minnewanka Landing was established in the valley in 1888, and the growth of this resort village continued for over fifty years.
In 1912, a dam was built as a part of the new hydroelectric plant raising the surface by three meters and flooding a huge part of the valley, though the village remained untouched.
As the need for power was growing during World War II, a new dam was built in 1941, but this time, the water level was raised by thirty meters resulting in flooding the entire Lake Minnewanka Landing.
The funny thing is that you can still visit the village even today, but not in the most conventional way. But as the old saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way. See the text below.
SCUBA DIVING
We didn't say it's going to be an easy way, right? Who would have thought that the ice-cold glacial lake is a popular scuba diving spot in the Canadian Rockies?
We had no idea prior to our visit that there's an alternative to go scuba diving in Lake Minnewanka, and although only a fraction of visitors will explore the underwater side of the Banff National Park, it's always good to know all possibilities this area has to offer.
Still, roughly 8000 divers per year dive into the chilling waters to see the former village on their own eyes, and if you like freshwater scuba diving, this might be a perfect opportunity for you.
Moreover, the glacial water with low temperature throughout the year has a positive impact on the wooden structures sunken below, and most of the former village is still well-preserved.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
Bighorn sheep, elks, and deers are easy to spot on the lake's shores, and if you are lucky (or unlucky, depending on the outcome of the encounter), you can see bears in the wilderness.
Lake Minnewanka is known for grizzly bears, and although this fact sounds exciting, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Staying safe in the bear country is essential. It's recommended to hike in a group of two to four people, always carry a bear spray and try to avoid the bear encounter as much as you can. It goes without saying that you should have the bear spray readily available, not tucked in your backpack.
Also, never approach wildlife. Keep a safe distance between you and the animal.
It makes a lot of sense to bring binoculars or a telephoto lens if you are a keen photographer to watch animals in their natural habitat while staying safe.
Lake Minnewanka's shores are also a perfect place for bird watching, and you can spot eagles, ducks, and other species.
ICE SKATING
Winters are long and harsh in the Canadian Rockies, and some places might be inaccessible during this time of the year. Luckily, Lake Minnewanka is not one of them, and every winter, a window of opportunity to go ice skating opens, and hundreds of visitors arrive with ice skates hanging around their necks.
Sure, the conditions must be perfect, but the reward is sweet, and the feeling of skating in the wilderness is hard to beat.
And you know what? Even when a thick blanket of snow covers the surface, you can always go snowshoeing or cross country skiing while there.
The area around Lake Minnewanka is perfect for winter activities, as you can also hike to Stewart Canyon, though you might need microspikes and snowshoes in case the trail is icy.
TWO JACK LAKE
When driving along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, don't forget to stop at Two Jack Lake. You can stay for only a short time to enjoy the scenery, soak in the views, and snap some photos or overnight if you have booked the site in the nearby campground.
The lake is a popular spot for stargazing and sunsets and has a big campground on its southern end. The amazing views of Mount Rundle reflecting on the calm waters are best seen from tiny parking on the lake's western side.
As a matter of fact, Mount Rundle is a mountain towering above Banff, so you need to be facing towards the town to be able to see it, not in the direction of Lake Minnewanka.
If the Lake Minnewanka parking lot is full, you can try your luck either here at Two Jack Lake or visit one of a couple of places we will mention below.
CASCADE PONDS
Cascade Ponds are close to the Trans-Canada Highway, so as soon as you cross the texas gate on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, turn right onto a short road leading to the Cascade Ponds.
Watch for the signs along the way, and don't worry about getting lost; there are also often park rangers coordinating the traffic.
Cascade Ponds are not as impressive as Lake Minnewanka, but it's a family-friendly place where you can spend a nice morning or afternoon while having a picnic or simply admiring the scenery around you.
Some nice and easy hiking trails also lead around. Again, try to arrive there early as the parking lot fills up fast.
Even if you don't want to spend time exploring Lake Minnewanka, it might be worth pulling off the highway to have a snack or stretch your legs at Cascade Ponds. It takes only two minutes to get there from the highway, and you won't find much better places than this so close to the main road.
JOHNSON LAKE
Johnson Lake is only a three-minute detour from the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road and another great alternative to its more popular counterparts in the area.
Johnson Lake hike offers an easy three-kilometer-long trail that's great not only for walking in the summer but snowshoeing in the winter.
The trail that leads around the lake through a forest is mostly flat, with some minor ups and downs, making it a perfect place for families with kids or hikers looking for something less difficult.
The lake offers beautiful views, especially on calm days when the mountains reflect on the water surface.
As it's off the scenic loop drive, many travelers miss this area entirely, which is a bit of shame, in our opinion.
BANKHEAD GHOST TOWN
Remember when we said the area around the lake Minnewanka has a fascinating history? Well, there is another gem not many people know about.
Canada has rich coal deposits, and you can learn more about coal mining in the 19th and 20th centuries a bit more by hiking the Bankhead Lower Trail.
You will find the trailhead on the western side of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, and the hike is not very popular nor well-known. The trail takes you back in history into a coal-mining town.
There are plenty of interpretative panels that allow you to take a look under the bonnet of this industry while walking amid the Canadian forests.
Unfortunately, there aren't many remaining structures left, only ruins. Needless to say, you probably won't find a better off-the-beaten-path place in the Lake Minnewanka area.
The Bankhead Upper Trail has a separate parking lot a bit further along the way.
So, is Bankhead worth a stop? We would recommend exploring this place if you are really into coal mining, history, or both.
Or if you have a lot of time and want to visit something else or escape the crowds. Otherwise, we would probably skip it and went somewhere else.
The province of Alberta features many amazing places, and if you want to find out more about coal mining (and dinosaurs), head out to the Drumheller in the Canadian Badlands.
STAYING SAFE
While the violent crime in the Canadian Rockies is almost non-existent, car break-ins happen from time to time. Always close your windows, lock your car, and don't leave any valuables in it.
Banff National Park is one of the safest places in the world, but where there are tourists, there are opportunistic thieves.
The important thing to know about Lake Minnewanka is that the area has seasonal trail restrictions, and it's good to check with the Parks Canada rangers about the current state. The restrictions are usually from mid-July to mid-September every year due to the presence of grizzly bears.
Conservation efforts are together with sustainable travel essential to lower the impact of tourism on the area and let grizzly bears live and raise their cubs there.
The most common restrictions are that hikers must hike in a group of four while carrying a bear spray, dogs are not permitted beyond the Stewart Canyon Bridge, and cyclists can't use the Lake Minnewanka Trail.
If you fail to comply with the regulations, the maximum fine is 25 000 CAD.
Although you can swim at Lake Minnewanka and other lakes in the area, the water is freezing cold, and this activity is not recommended.
While hiking, stay hydrated throughout the day. Bring plenty of water. You can refill your water bottle from the stream along the way. If you are not sure about the water quality, consider using either a SteriPen or a water bottle with a filter.
Also, check the weather forecast before you go, and bring proper gear into the mountains.
We never leave without a lightweight rain jacket (even on a sunny day), and we prefer to wear sturdy hiking boots when hiking in the mountains.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY
Lake Minnewanka is located just outside of the town Banff, making the process of finding accommodation in the area very easy.
Banff is the best place to stay before you visit the lake, though Canmore has even more hotels and is really close too.
The variety of hotels in Banff is wide, and every type of traveler will find suitable accommodation. A very important thing to know about the Canadian Rockies is that the prices for accommodation in the peak season skyrocket, and hotels fill up fast.
Try to book your accommodation as early as possible, often several months in advance. Otherwise, you might end up paying a lot more for far less in terms of services.
If you are arriving from Calgary, you might want to spend the night there, as the competition is more stiff, resulting in lower prices.
Here is our choice of hotels near Lake Minnewanka.
Banff | Banff Inn - Perfectly located hotel is a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and functional facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
Canmore | Blackstone Mountain Lodge - This mountain resort has it all. Perfect views, it is easily accessible, and there are an outdoor pool and fitness center. In case this hotel is not available, try its sister hotel Stoneridge Mountain Resort.
Calgary | Aloft Calgary University - A modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with excellent service.
CAMPGROUNDS
Camping in the Canadian Rockies is an awesome way to get closer to nature while saving some money. Although there isn't a frontcountry campground located directly on the Lake Minnewanka shores, you can find some nice alternatives only a short drive from there.
Backcountry camping is a whole another experience in the mountains, and there are a few backcountry campgrounds at Lake Minnewanka where you can stay overnight.
TWO JACK LAKE CAMPGROUND
The nearest campground to Lake Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake Campground located at the Two Jack Lake. The campground has two areas - Two Jack Lakeside Campground and Two Jack Main Campground. The main campground has 380 sites, while the smaller lakeside area has only 74 sites.
The sites are reservable in advance, and the main campsite costs $21.97 while the lakeside campsite costs $28.
TUNNEL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE CAMPGROUND
Arguably the most famous and popular campground in the entire Canadian Rockies, Tunnel Mountain Village has around 1200 sites and accommodates many visitors each day.
This campground is enormous, and there is a high chance that you will end up there at some point during your travels.
The prices for a campsite at Tunnel Mountain Village start at $28.
ENTRANCE FEE
Lake Minnewanka is located within the Banff National Park, and while you can technically visit the lake for free once you are in the park, you need to buy a pass to enter the national park.
While you can buy a daily pass for 10 CAD, we believe it's much more sensible to purchase the Parks Canada Discovery Pass that is valid for one year and allows you to visit multiple places.
The admission for an adult is 69.19 CAD, but if you travel as a family or in a group, then you should consider the pass that costs 139.40 CAD but is for up to seven people.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass is also valid for national parks in entire Canada and also includes Yoho National Park, Kootenay, or Jasper National Park that you might want to visit later during your trip.
HOW TO GET
You have several ways to get to Lake Minnewanka. We always traveled around the Canadian Rockies by car, as it's the most efficient way to visit places on your itinerary, though you can look into some alternatives as well.
BY CAR
The easiest way to get to Lake Minnewanka is by car. Luckily, renting a car in Canada couldn't be easier.
If you land in Calgary, then you can rent it directly at the airport or downtown later. There is a possibility to rent a car even in Banff, but you would have to get there somehow first.
A rental car gives you the freedom to visit top attractions in the Canadian Rockies at your own pace without worrying about getting stuck somewhere.
And of course, campervans, RVs, or cars with trailers offer you the same flexibility.
BY ROAM TRANSIT
Roam Transit runs between Lake Minnewanka and Banff every thirty minutes in the peak season. The first bus departs at 8 AM, and it takes about 25 minutes to get there. The Roam Transit also stops at some places along the way, such as Cascade Ponds or Two Jack Lake. The bus has bike racks, a wheelchair ramp, and is stroller-friendly.
The fare is $2 for one ride, but it might be better to buy a day pass for $5 if you want to visit more places in one day.
BY TAXI
You can always take a taxi to get there, but that's a really expensive way of getting there, especially as you would have to call the taxi again in order to get back in the town (or ask the driver to wait for you).
TOURS
If you want to enjoy the breathtaking Canadian scenery in a leisure way, you can always take a Banff Guided Tour.
A knowledgeable local guide will show the area around Banff, including Lake Minnewanka and much more.
DIRECTIONS
Lake Minnewanka is located only ten kilometers northeast of Banff. The road is paved, and in good condition, so you can easily get there even with a small car with low clearance.
It takes less than 15 minutes to reach Lake Minnewanka from Banff by car, and the easy access makes the area popular.
If you are arriving from Banff, don't drive back to the highway. Just follow Banff Avenue via the northeast exit (the road leads under the highway onto the Range Road 1158 Rd and Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive).
From Canmore, follow the Trans-Canada Highway towards Banff and then turn right before reaching the town. Take the exit that indicates Banff Town, Lake Minnewanka, and Tunnel Mountain Campground.
Once off the highway, stay in the right lane, then turn right, and continue onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.
If you are arriving from the west, it takes about an hour to get there from Lake Louise (it is less than 70 kilometers).
LAKE MINNEWANKA PARKING LOT
There is a free parking lot at the most northern corner of the loop road. The parking lot has two areas. One if for regular cars and small campers, the second one is for big RVs and trailers.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
