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Lake Minnewanka
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.
Guide to Exploring around Lake Minnewanka
Top Lake Minnewanka Flight + Hotel Deals
Sat., Oct. 24 - Sat., Oct. 31
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,799
The price now is CA $1,276 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat., Oct. 24 - Sat., Oct. 31
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $945
The price now is CA $725 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat., Oct. 24 - Sat., Oct. 31
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,457
The price now is CA $1,164 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat., Oct. 24 - Sat., Oct. 31
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,462
The price now is CA $1,201 per personFlight + Hotel
Wed., Sep. 16 - Mon., Sep. 21
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,035
The price now is CA $853 per personFlight + Hotel
Wed., Sep. 16 - Mon., Sep. 21
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,243
The price now is CA $1,026 per personFlight + Hotel
Wed., Sep. 16 - Mon., Sep. 21
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $902
The price now is CA $759 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat., Oct. 24 - Sat., Oct. 31
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,142
The price now is CA $967 per personFlight + Hotel
Sun., Sep. 13 - Fri., Sep. 18
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,602
The price now is CA $1,357 per personFlight + Hotel
Wed., Sep. 16 - Mon., Sep. 21
Pearson Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,056
The price now is CA $900 per personFlight + Hotel
Sun., Sep. 13 - Fri., Sep. 18
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $884
The price now is CA $756 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat., Sep. 12 - Sat., Sep. 19
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl. - Calgary Intl.
CA $1,994
The price now is CA $1,708 per personFlight + Hotel
Best Lodging Options Near Lake Minnewanka
Per night/room
Aug. 9 - Aug. 10
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, ABThis family-friendly Banff condominium resort is located in a national park, within 3 mi (5 km) of Canadian Ski Museum West, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff National Park Information Centre. Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
Per night/room
Aug. 9 - Aug. 10
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, ABLocated in the heart of Banff, this spa hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Tunnel Mountain. Banff Springs Golf Club and Banff Gondola are also within 3 mi (5 km). Banff Station is 17 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Aug. 23 - Aug. 24
Canalta Lodge
545 Banff Ave, Banff, ABSituated in a national park, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Banff National Park Information Centre and Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff Gondola are also within 3 miles (5 km). Banff Station is 20 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Aug. 9 - Aug. 10
Tunnel Mountain Resort
502 Tunnel Mountain Road, Box 1137, Banff, ABThis family-friendly Banff lodge is located in a national park, within 1 mi (2 km) of Canadian Ski Museum West, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff National Park Information Centre. Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau and Tunnel Mountain are also within 3 miles (5 km). Banff Station is 27 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Aug. 23 - Aug. 24
Hidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, ABSituated in a national park, this condominium resort is within 2 miles (3 km) of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff National Park Information Centre and Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau. Tunnel Mountain is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
Per night/room
Aug. 28 - Aug. 29
Moose Hotel And Suites
345 Banff Ave, Banff, ABLocated in the heart of Banff, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Banff National Park Information Centre and Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff Gondola are also within 3 miles (5 km). Banff Station is 8 minutes by foot.
Rustic Budget Banff Condo With Fireplace Access to 2 Hot Tubs!
1029 Banff Avenue, Banff, ABSituated in the mountains, this condo is within 3 miles (5 km) of Canadian Ski Museum West, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff National Park Information Centre. Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
NEW + Unique Wolf Condo Hot Tub Access
1029 Banff Avenue, Banff, ABSituated in Banff, this condo is within 3 miles (5 km) of Canadian Ski Museum West, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Banff National Park Information Centre. Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) away.
Plan your trip to Lake Minnewanka
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