As with any popular destination in Banff, there is a lot to know before you go. Lake Minnewanka has long been one of the most frequented lakes in Alberta. So continue reading and get ready to enjoy this stunning lake in the Rocky Mountains!
1. Lake Minnewanka: One of The Most Magnificent Lakes in Banff
Only ten minutes drive from the town of Banff is the stunning lake known as Lake Minnewanka. The 142-meter-deep, 21-kilometer-long lake supplies Banff with hydroelectricity. Walking along or taking a boat trip on Lake Minnewanka is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park.
It’s a popular location for canoeing, hiking, and picnics in the summer. One of the largest ice skating rinks in the world may be seen on Lake Minnewanka in the winter.
Wildlife is active in the forests near Lake Minnewanka, including mule deer, bears, wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and a large variety of birds. The trip to the lake and its shoreline is a sure bet if you want to see some of the park’s renowned fauna.
2. History of the lake
Along the edges of this lake, people have made their homes ever since the region was first settled. The Stoney Nakoda natives referred to it as “Minn-waki,” or “Lake of the Spirits,” while early European explorers called it “Devil’s Lake.”
Along its edges, a log hotel was constructed in 1886, and by 1912, a little settlement (known as Minnewanka Landing) with only four avenues and three streets had been developed. This ancient settlement is now fully submerged and can only be viewed by scuba divers.
The first dam was finished in 1895; the second, to store water for a hydroelectric plant was built in 1912; and the last dam was finished in 1941.
3. Lake Minnewanka Weather
Despite being accessible all year round, Lake Minnewanka is best enjoyed during the warmer summer months, when there are more possibilities to do so. Kayaks can be rented, boat tours can be booked, and walks along the shore can usually be done from mid-June to early October.
In December, it begins to freeze up, and when there is no snow, it is an excellent spot to go skating. Be careful because the ice starts to become unsafe around May.
4. How to get to Lake Minnewanka
To get to the lake, about 11 km from the Banff townsite, take the road from Calgary to Banff and then exit at “Banff/Lake Minnewanka Loop” on Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway).
At the fork, choose right, then heed the directions to Cascade Pond/Two Jack Lake. Once you’ve merged onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, you’ve arrived.
The western portion of the driving circle is closed from mid-November to mid-April because it serves as a specific animal transit corridor. Therefore, take note that it is only partially open in the winter. In the winter, use the eastern portion of the loop to access the location.
5. Best Activities in Lake Minnewanka
Go for a walk
There are several wonderful pathways you may enjoy around Lake Minnewanka’s edge, even though you can’t walk around the full lake’s circumference.
The Lake Minnewanka Trail, which connects the parking area with the LM31 Ghost Lakes Campground, is the longest. This hike is 62 kilometers roundtrip. The trip to LM11 Mount Inglismaldie Campground is well-liked if you’re looking for a shorter trail.
Naturally, most guests won’t be coming and going quickly from the wilderness region. Instead, go for a quick stroll along the lake. A well-known path leads to the Stewart Canyon Bridge, which is on the Stewart Canyon Trail and is about 1.5 kilometers from the parking area.
Hiking
At Lake Minnewanka, there are numerous hiking routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty. A handful of the most popular trails are listed below:
- Stewart Canyon Trail
- Lake Minnewanka Trail
- Aylmer Lookout Hike
Red chairs at the picnic area beside Lake Minnewanka
Pack a picnic lunch and head to the picnic area to enjoy a meal with friends and family; this is, without a doubt, the best free activity at Lake Minnewanka. You’ll also see the renowned Parks Canada Red Chairs close to the picnic area.
For the enjoyment of visitors, these chairs are positioned throughout Banff National Park in spectacular spots. Sit in the chairs and take in the scenery, making sure to grab a great photo of yourself! Another piece of advice is to get there early to see the dawn!
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Fishing
Few people are aware that Lake Minnewanka is among the top 10 locations in Canada to catch large Rocky Mountain whitefish and lake trout. In fact, it’s one of Banff National Park’s most well-liked lakes for fishing.
Anglers have choices in this area. Launch your boat to explore the lake’s deeper regions or fish from the beach. Either outcome is possible, but increasing your odds requires going further.
Canoe and Kayak
There aren’t many things more peaceful than riding a canoe or kayak on a gorgeous glacier-fed lake. The nicest thing to do in Banff, especially here, is this idyllic Canadian activity.
You can spend as much time exploring the area around Lake Minnewanka as you wish, and you can even observe wildlife from the water, including bears, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and others. Seriously, what a great activity!
Mount Bike riding
Depending on the season you come, there are a few alternatives for mountain riding near Lake Minnewanka.
The most well-known off-road route, the Lake Minnewanka Trail, goes all the way to the LM31 Ghost Lakes Campground, as was already noted. To protect trail users and the local bear population, the trail does close from July 10 to September 15.
The Lake Minnewanka Loop is a different well-liked track that doesn’t follow off-road terrain but rather the road that leads to the lake. The entire loop travels through Range Road to Lake Minnewanka before returning via Scenic Drive. It is a 13-kilometer journey in total.
Visitors can rent bicycles from a variety of establishments in the town of Banff and, if they so wish, ride from there to the lake.
Skating on ice
One of the most well-liked winter activities in Banff National Park is ice skating on Lake Minnewanka!
Think about ice skating on a lake with a stunning mountain backdrop. I strongly advise it since it’s a uniquely Canadian experience. Despite the snow that accumulates on the frozen lake, the wind normally clears it enough for skating.
In addition, many people descend with snow shovels to clear the snow themselves. Thus, there is always a place to ice skate on the lake.
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Lake Minnewanka’s ice bubbles
Abraham Lake draws a large number of visitors who come to view the unusual frozen methane bubbles that result from the lake freezing. They typically reside at the lake’s far end, but if you’re lucky, you might spot one along the road. If you do see them, go cautiously, as the lake’s conditions can be hazardous and change suddenly.
See the Northern Lights
Lake Minnewanka is one of the best places in Alberta and Banff National Park to see the northern lights. Photographers swarm here in the hopes of capturing the dancing lights because of the extensive amount of nighttime darkness.
Grab your camera and tripod, some warm clothing, a thermos of hot coffee or tea, and a blanket, and good luck spotting the auroras above the lake and mountains if the weather forecast is favorable.
Snowshoeing
We go hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. In the winter, snowshoeing around Lake Minnewanka is another incredibly well-liked pastime.
Although some of the routes indicated above are accessible by snowshoes, most visitors choose to use Range Road, one of the access roads that aren’t open to automobiles during the winter. This makes it the ideal location for cross-country skiing and even snowshoeing.
The ideal way to get some exercise when visiting Banff in the winter is to cross-country ski or snowshoe to the lake.
