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Aerial view of Lake Minnewanka with a boat cruising the waters
Lakes

Lake Minnewanka

For well over 10,000 years, the deep waters of Lake Minnewanka have held the respect and high regard of those who have visited and lived upon its wild shores. Known to the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people as Minn-waki or “Lake of the Spirits,” the lakeshore holds archeological sites with documented artifacts from as long as 14,000 years ago.

Learn about the human and natural history of the lake on a cruise or simply explore by foot along the lakeshore trail that leads to Stewart Canyon, impeccably carved by the Cascade River that flows into the lake.

Good To Know

Difficulty
Easy
Duration
1-3 hrs
When
Year Round

Plan Ahead

Parking is limited in the summer. Take Roam Transit or check Banff Now for parking updates.

Location

Distance from Banff:
10km
Distance from Lake Louise:
66km

When to go

Operating Dates

MonthOperating Status
JanOpen
FebOpen
MarOpen
AprOpen
MayOpen
JunOpen
JulOpen
AugOpen
SepOpen
OctOpen
NovOpen
DecOpen

Busy Times

Everyday, June - October

Getting There

  • Roam Route 6: Daily service operating May - September

Useful Links

Let's do this!

Take a cruise or rent a boat on Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Activity & Tour Providers
See details about Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka Boat Rentals

Activity & Tour Providers
See details about Lake Minnewanka Boat Rentals

Banff Fishing Unlimited

Activity & Tour Providers
Location
Surrounding Areas
See details about Banff Fishing Unlimited