Banff Lake Louise News
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Today, Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, but over 100 years ago it used to cover a much smaller area. In the late 1800's a resort community called Minnewanka Landing sat on the shores of the lake with a host of hotels and restaurants accommodating the visitors who wanted to go boating and sailing.
In 1895 the lake was dammed to improve the shoreline, and the second dam was built in 1912 by the Calgary Power Co. for water storage. The dam you drive over today was built in 1941 under the War Measure Act and Minnewanka Landing was covered. The final dam raised the water 30 meters causing the lake to spread to an impressive 8km's in length.
Now Minnewanka Landing is a popular cold water dive site where only scuba divers can explore the old town site. They can take a tour of the old hotel, check out a fireplace, stroll or 'fin' along a sidewalk, and visit many old house foundations.
The dam today. The lake is not only used by scuba divers, but also boat tours, recreational fishing, swimmers, and events like the dragon boat festival.
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