Lake Minnewanka Tours

Lake Minnewanka showing mountains and landscape views
Lake Minnewanka featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains
Lake Minnewanka showing mountains and a lake or waterhole
Lake Minnewanka featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains
Lake Minnewanka featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole


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

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Browse tours and tickets to explore Lake Minnewanka

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Winter activities

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Reviews of Lake Minnewanka

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
234
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
113
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Easy to get to. I think it took around 15/20 minutes from Banff. Frozen Lake Minnewanka is just astonishing! Views of the surrounding mountains are just amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This lake is fabulous and made up for the fact that we couldn't get into Morraine. Its underrated. GO TO THIS SPOT!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Did the moderate hike above which was "moderate" through the trees with no views. Ended at a moonscape of big boulders. Trail that continued to the top of the mountain with views of the lake was" Difficult." Treacherous and very steep. Great views of the lake, but only for very experienced hikers.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Take a boat cruise and do the FIRST one of the day. Otherwise, it gets really busy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice boat cruise. Informative guides, too. Well worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Trying renting a boat. It's a big lake so speed boat is big fun. The cafe at the lake has great grilled veggies (black bean) burgers.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Minnewanka

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!

Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!

Banff
Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway | Access 2 hot tubs!
Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!

Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!

Banff
Renovated Condo At The Base of Tunnel Mountain!
Bright & Spacious for 8 | Access to 2 hot tubs!

Bright & Spacious for 8 | Access to 2 hot tubs!

Banff
Bright & Spacious for 8 | Access to 2 hot tubs!
Cozy Rockies Retreat | Hot Tub Access!

Cozy Rockies Retreat | Hot Tub Access!

Banff
Cozy Rockies Retreat | Hot Tub Access!
Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

3.5 out of 5
700 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
Hotel Canoe and Suites
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Hidden Ridge Resort

Hidden Ridge Resort

3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Hidden Ridge Resort
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.

Things to do near Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka offers a variety of activities for visitors, including scenic boat tours and trips on the tranquil waters. It's an ideal spot for picnics amidst stunning landscapes and is known for its wildlife tours, where you can encounter local fauna. Additionally, outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing are popular, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Canmore Mountain Market, located 12 miles away from Lake Minnewanka, offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with local goods and unique souvenirs. Enjoy the charming city vibes while exploring the various stalls and finding the perfect gifts to take home.

Recreation

The Canmore Golf and Curling Club offers a stunning golf experience surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre provides wellness programs tailored to individual needs. Sunshine Meadows invites you to unwind amidst breathtaking scenery, ideal for rejuvenation and tranquility.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Banff Legacy Trail, a 6-mile hiking adventure showcasing stunning scenery. For ski enthusiasts, the Cascade and North American Ski Lifts, both located 6 miles away, offer thrilling downhill skiing experiences amid beautiful mountain landscapes.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 7 miles from Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a unique bowling experience while soaking in the historic atmosphere of this iconic hotel. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite and relax with friends after your game.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Minnewanka

Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or the great outdoors, Lake Minnewanka in Alberta offers a variety of attractions for every traveler. Explore the stunning lake with a relaxing cruise, visit the nearby visitor center, or hike the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss out on discovering the area's best attractions, including Canada’s largest lake, which promises unforgettable experiences in this beautiful region.

  • Banff National Park Information Centre: Located 6 miles from Lake Minnewanka, this visitor center provides essential information for adventurers and families alike. With knowledgeable staff ready to assist, you can learn about the park's stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Also 6 miles away, this modern institution offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on cultural enrichment. Enjoy a variety of artistic performances and exhibitions, immersing yourself in the local creative scene amidst the breathtaking mountain backdrop.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 6 miles from Lake Minnewanka, this stunning mountain offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to hike and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Minnewanka

To save money on your trip to Lake Minnewanka, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, April, or November when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings, especially if you check for deals on Thursdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider combining your hotel with flights and activities for additional discounts. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Lake Minnewanka is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Lake Minnewanka are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lake Minnewanka about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Minnewanka is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Minnewanka is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Lake Minnewanka hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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