Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka
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The “Lake of the Spirits” offers fishing, boating and hiking facilities not far from Banff village.

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park. It is a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating, hiking, scuba diving and picnicking. A car park and picnic area on the lake is just over three miles (five kilometers) northeast of the town of Banff.

Lake Minnewanka means “Lake of the Spirits” in the Stoney Indian language. Indigenous people who lived around the lake believed it was inhabited by spirits. Early Europeans called it “Devil’s Lake.”

In the late 19th century, a small summer town was built on the edge of the water, with hotels, wharves and restaurants frequented by vacationers. In 1941, a dam was built that raised the lake’s water level by 98 feet (30 meters) and submerged the town. Today, the underwater town is an attraction for scuba divers.

The lake is 466 feet (142 meters) deep in the middle and 17 miles (28 kilometers) long. Several companies run boat tours on the lake. Cruise the water for photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains. Book the cruise on the day from the main car park. Fishing tours can also be booked here. Spend a day on the lake fishing for lake trout.

Many hiking trails run around the lake, ranging from short strolls to day-long walks. Rent a bike in Banff and ride the entire circumference of about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers). Watch for wildlife and have a camera ready to take photographs. Deer, bears, mountain sheep and eagles roam the area. Stay well clear of the bears, and never hike alone.

Summer is the most popular time to visit. Facilities such as car parks and sheltered picnic spots fill up quickly, so come early in the day.

The lake freezes in winter. Many of the facilities close, but wildlife is easier to spot, because there are fewer people around.

Top Hotels Close to Lake Minnewanka

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB, T1L1H8
The price is CA $119 per night from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11
CA $119
per night
Apr. 10 - Apr. 11
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,386 reviews)
"Rooms are spacious and clean. Great amenities such as the hot tubs and pool."

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2023

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
The price is CA $169 per night from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18
CA $169
per night
Apr. 17 - Apr. 18
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,158 reviews)
"It’s all about the views! The outdoor pools were fantastic & fun for the family. Loved being able to purchase our ski lift tickets at the front counter and get right onto the lifts at the hills! Staff were extremely friendly & helpful. Beautiful hike to Hoodoos Trail from the property. Only negative, ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2023

Hidden Ridge Resort
Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Banff, AB
The price is CA $119 per night from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11
CA $119
per night
Apr. 10 - Apr. 11
Stay at this hotel in Banff. Enjoy onsite parking, barbecue grills, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Surprise Corner and Victoria Glacier are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Good stay!
"Very nice! Good location and modern"

Reviewed on Nov. 6, 2022

Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Plan a trip to see Lake Minnewanka

Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Hotel Blackfoot

Best Lodging Options Near Lake Minnewanka

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB, T1L1H8
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
Hidden Ridge Resort
Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Banff, AB
Comfortable Suite at the Base of Tunnel Mountain
Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!
Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!
Banff, AB
Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!
Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!
Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!
Banff, AB
Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!
Tunnel Mountain Resort
Tunnel Mountain Resort
3.5 out of 5
502 Tunnel Mountain Road, Box 1137, Banff, AB, T1L 1B1
Tunnel Mountain Resort
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB, T1L1B2
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
3.5 out of 5
700 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB, T1L 1B3
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.