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.
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Browse tours and tickets to explore Lake Minnewanka
Tours & day trips
See all 107 activitiesOpens in new tabBanff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket
Private & custom tours
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabListen to a Tour Guide as You Drive & Walk with our Discover the Rockies Pa...
Wildlife & nature
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tab1 Hour Bow River Ride
Winter activities
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabIntroduction to Backcountry Skiing / Riding in Banff, Canada
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabTunnel Mountain Trail: Nature Tour with Audio Guide
Reviews of Lake Minnewanka
5/5 - Excellent
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
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
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
Take a boat cruise and do the FIRST one of the day. Otherwise, it gets really busy.
5/5 - Excellent
Nice boat cruise. Informative guides, too. Well worth it.
5/5 - Excellent
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
Banff Springs Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Banff at Banff Springs Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as skiing. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Banff National Park Information Centre
After visiting Banff National Park Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Banff. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.
Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson
Explore the great outdoors at Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Central Park
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Central Park, a lovely green space in Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Surprise Corner
You can find out about the history of Banff when you stop by Surprise Corner. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Victoria Glacier
Explore the great outdoors at Victoria Glacier and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
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