Travel Guide of Lake Minnewanka in Canada by Influencers and Travelers

Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake located in the eastern area of Banff National Park in Canada, about five kilometres northeast of the Banff townsite.

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How to visit Lake Minnewanka ?

Why Traveling There?

Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, Canada, is an enchanting destination offering breathtaking natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks, and it's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot elks, bears, and various bird species. For history buffs, the lake has a rich heritage with numerous archaeological sites around its shores.

How to Get There?

Lake Minnewanka is located in Banff National Park, Alberta. The nearest international airport is Calgary International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Banff, which is a 1.5-hour journey. Once in Banff, Lake Minnewanka is just a short 15-minute drive away.

What to Book in Advance?

During the summer months, Lake Minnewanka becomes a popular spot for boat tours. If you want to take a boat tour, it's advisable to book in advance. Additionally, if you're planning to stay overnight in Banff, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, particularly during the peak summer season.

What are the Costs?

Access to Lake Minnewanka is included in your Banff National Park entrance fee, which is 10 CAD per person per day. The boat tour costs around 65 CAD per adult. Accommodation and dining costs can vary greatly depending on your preferences, but expect to pay around 150-200 CAD per night for a mid-range hotel and 30-50 CAD for a decent meal at a restaurant.

What are the Best Things to Do?

Apart from enjoying the serene beauty of the lake, you can take a boat tour, go fishing or hiking. In winter, the frozen lake provides opportunities for snowshoeing and ice-skating. The area is also famous for its mountain biking trails.

Where to Eat?

In Banff, try The Bison Restaurant for locally sourced Canadian cuisine. For a more casual setting, Bear Street Tavern offers excellent pizzas and beers. If you're looking for vegan options, Nourish Bistro is a great choice.

Where to Stay?

Fairmont Banff Springs offers luxury accommodation with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For more budget-friendly options, Banff Park Lodge and Elk + Avenue Hotel offer comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

Off the Beaten Path

For a unique experience, take a hike to the Aylmer Lookout. The trail starts from the Lake Minnewanka dam and follows the north shore of the lake, offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. It's a challenging hike with a steep ascent, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. Please note that this trail is often closed due to bear activity, so check with park officials before you set off.

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  Map of Lake Minnewanka

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  ⛰️ Mountain range spots     🏖️ Shore spots     ⛰️ Summit spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ❄️ Glacial lake spots     ❄️ Glacial landform spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots     🏞️ Lake spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     ❄️ Fjord spots  

Learn More about Lake Minnewanka

Not far from Banff Village, "Spirit Lake" is the perfect place to enjoy fishing, boating and hiking. Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot for fishing, boating, hiking and diving, and is also a great place for a picnic on the grass. Located just over five kilometers northeast of Banff, the lake also has a picnic area and parking. The lake's name comes from an ancient belief that it is inhabited by spirits, Minnewanka meaning "Lake of the Spirits" in the language of the Stoney Indians who once lived in the area. The first Europeans to move into the area named it "Devil's Lake". At the end of the 19th century, a small vacation village was built upstream with hotels, a pier and some restaurants. In 1941, a dam was built, raising the water level by 30 meters and submerging the village, which has become a landmark for diving enthusiasts. Lake Minnewanka is 28 kilometers long and 142 meters deep. Several local organizations offer boat tours, ideal for enjoying the view and taking pictures of the surrounding mountains. Reservations can be made on the day of the trip from the main parking lot, where day-long trout fishing trips are also available. Several hiking trails, from simple walks to full-day tours, crisscross the lake area. You can also rent a bike in Banff and ride around the lake on a circuit of about 25 kilometers. Bring a camera and scan the horizon for deer, bighorn sheep and eagles. Bears are also common in the area. So be careful and never go hiking alone. Summer is usually the best time to enjoy the lake. Be sure to get there early as parking and picnic areas are quickly filled. In winter, the lake is frozen and most attractions are closed. The lake is frozen and most of the attractions are closed, so the atmosphere is peaceful and your walk will be more enjoyable.

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