Monday, April 1, 2024

Lake Minnewanka DETAILED Guide to Visiting This Banff Lake

lake minnewanka cruise

Lake Minnewanka is in Banff National Park, Canada’s most visited national park. It’s located in the eastern part of the park, about 10 kilometres northeast of Banff. Regardless of when you go, we suggest booking the Banff Inn well in advance as this is one of the most popular hotels in Banff. Our top choice for the mid-range budget, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a swimming pool, hot tub, gym, and all the rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. It’s the perfect place for families since two and three-bedroom units are also on offer. The location is peaceful on Tunnel Mountain yet only a 5-minute drive from Banff town.

Do I need to make a reservation for the boat cruise?

Perfect for those who want to stay in the heart of Banff town. This is only a backpacker place though, as there are no private rooms available. This is one of the most important parts of your trip and in Banff, the selection can be overwhelming and expensive.

Hit the open water this summer at Minnewanka!

lake minnewanka cruise

No matter how far you choose to hike along the Lake Minnewanka trail, you’ll be treated to epic Banff National Park scenery the whole way. If you are considering having a picnic in Banff, there are few picnic spots in Banff more scenic than Lake Minnewanka. With over 25 picnic tables scattered throughout the Lake Minnewanka day use area, there’s a spot which will make everyone happy.

Bow Valley’s Best Beers

Beer lovers can enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. This 90-minute cruise runs daily at 5pm and allows guests to enjoy local craft brews while enjoying the views. Guests of 2 are given 4 beers total for the tasting, and you can bring home any unopened cans you don’t consume.

Lake Minnewanka Cruise & Combination Tours

You can step outside on the deck whenever you like during the cruise. This pristine alpine lake is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, offering visitors a stunning natural panorama. Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, extending for about 21 kilometres and reaching a maximum depth of approximately 142 meters. We caution visitors against swimming here because Lake Minnewanka's waters are extremely cold, even in the hot summer months. Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day.

Our Family

It’s recommended to get to the boat dock 15 minutes before your cruise departs so that you can check in and pick a seat. If you show up late and have to rebook, there may be a $25 rebooking fee. We are Dan and Celine Brewer, a local Canmore family who’s been exploring these mountains for decades! We’ve created this Banff travel blog to help you plan your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding area.

They offer a variety of other activities around Banff, Canada and Alaska. We are very impressed with the company and loved their inclusive philosophy. Along with their focus on sharing information about the first nations people in Canada on their activities. Some will hang out by the Lake but it isn’t a spot most people are at for the whole day. It is a 17 minute drive or 10km from downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka. When using Google Maps you will need to put in Lake Minnewanka Cruise.

The turn will be on your right-hand side if coming from Canmore. The history of Minnewanka is also closely tied to Banff National Park itself, as one of the first resorts in the park was located along its banks. The Lake served as a summer escape for Calgarians who came to stay at Minnewanka landing over a century ago. Whether you embark on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, explore nearby hiking trails or camp in the area, you will surely create lasting memories. When planning your visit, include Lake Minnewanka on your Banff itinerary for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Rockies.

There is a coffee shop, picnic tables, personal boats/kayaks to rent and an area to hang out and enjoy the lake views after the cruise is done. This is a popular destinations for people to come when visiting Banff National Park. The first 8.5 km trail along the lake is possible to mountain bike. Then, it’s an 8,5 hike to the Aylmer Lookout and 8,5 km back to the parking lot. The top of the hill offers scenic views of both sides of Lake Minnewanka. The lake freezes over during the winter, so you can’t go on a cruise during that time.

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Some have wonderful lake views, while some are tucked away in the trees. Due to the popularity of Lake Minnewanka, we recommend you arrive early to secure a table or bring a picnic blanket as a backup. The Lake Minnewanka Loop is a very scenic & popular cycling route in Banff National Park. It’s an easy 3km ride along the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail from the Town of Banff to the Cascade Ponds Connector, which is at the beginning of the Minnewanka Loop. You won’t want to miss seeing the beautiful lake water color with the mountains around. The contrast of the mountains, the trees and the water color is breathtaking.

This was related to the first settlers in the rocky mountains area and how they used to cook. Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It’s located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of the town of Banff. The lake is 21 kilometers (13 mi) long and 142 meters (466 ft) deep, making it the second-longest lake in the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies. Plenty of picnic spots around Lake Minnewanka, so pack a lunch and enjoy the views. Please remember to toss your trash in the bear-proof bins afterward, there are plenty about.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Minnewanka is a pristine gem that beckons travellers from all around the world. This 21 km long glacial lake, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring experience that’s truly unforgettable. We loved the beautiful views on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise – which isn’t surprising given just how gorgeous the area is! Hopefully, our review has helped you decide whether or not booking this cruise is right for you. When it comes to deciding where to stay in Banff National Park, it’s easy to be a little overwhelmed with just how many accommodation options are on offer!

The area is more pristine, with lots of glacier views along the way. Due to frequent and strong wind gusts, staying close to the shore is recommended. From my experience, I can tell you that it’s quite hard to get back when it’s windy. If you love stand-up paddleboarding, I recommend the nearby Two Jack Lake or other lakes ideal for stand-up paddleboarding in Banff.

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