Lake Minnewanka Tours and Activities

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.

Plan a trip to see Lake Minnewanka

Solara Resort – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Basecamp Suites Banff
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Lake Minnewanka

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
363
" "5 - Excellent 61.00840336134454%
4 - Good
213
" "4 - Good 35.79831932773109%
3 - Okay
16
" "3 - Okay 2.689075630252101%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.16806722689075632%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.33613445378151263%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 3, 2020

Great day for skating on the lake. It's huge and really pretty area. Would be cold if it was windy that day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 25, 2019

Highly recommend the boat ride for a dazzling, silent float on a glacial lake. The scenic grounds were far less busy, too, than most of the other tourist hotspots but just as breathtaking.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Aug. 30, 2019

Were hoping to see wildlife on the shores but the boat didn’t get near close enough to tell whether there was anything there or not - there were binoculars but they’re hard to use when the boat is moving.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 26, 2019

There's a very scenic walk able trail along the shore of Lake Minnewanka that is great for adults and children both. The Minnewanka Loop includes Cascade Ponds, a great place to stop for a picnic, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Upper & Lower Bankhead all with hiking opportunities and of course a different vista of mountains and forests round every turn.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 29, 2019

Get there early to be first in line to sit on outdoor bench at back of boat if warm weather and you don’t mind missing the guy talking !!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jun. 8, 2019

Watch everywhere for wildlife.

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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.