Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Tours & experiences
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The area

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Attractions
1 within 6 miles

See what travelers are saying

  • goodmanboy
    Cork, Ireland75 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely spot
    Lake Minnewanka is a short trip outside Banff which can be driven in a pleasant loop that also takes in Two Jack Lake. On the day we visited, the weather was overcast but the scenery was still wonderful. Boat trips are available which can take you far down the lake but we just walked around the closest part. It was peaceful and provided a real escape from the busy world.
    Hi goodmanboy, Thanks for choosing the Minnewanka area to escape the busy world for a little while! Hope to see you again. Travis Mann General Manager Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written February 12, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 6, 2024
  • sainbasha
    Irvine, California3,969 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty lake
    Lake Minnewanka is around a 15 minutes drive from Banff downtown. This is another of the many beautiful lakes in the Banff park area. Lake is beautiful with canoeing and boat facility. It is a glacial lake with ample things to do. You can boat, fish for trout, walk, have a picnic and even have your wedding there. One of the things to do when visiting Banff
    Thanks for visiting Lake Minnewanka. I agree, one of the must stops while in the area. Boat cruise, boat rentals, retail shop and Black Anchor Snack Shack are all fully open for the busy summer season. Or as you mention, a great spot for a walk and photos! Regards, Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written June 14, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 9, 2024
  • DAROHATH
    Cairns, Australia1,286 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful frozen lake ❄️
    We loved our visit to Lake Minnewanka. Such a different experience visiting in early Spring whilst the lake was still frozen. We’d picked up some supplies in Banff and really enjoyed our quiet picnic lunch here.
    What a great way to experience Lake Minnewanka. Glad you took the time to soak in some of the beauty of the area. Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written June 14, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 13, 2024
  • ShantanuNewDelhi
    Gurugram (Gurgaon), India95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Give Lake Minnewanka a Shot
    Nice short cruise on a beautiful lake in safe and sheltered boat that protects you from unwelcome rain. McKenzie (captain) and Kristie (guide) were superb. The views are spectacular all over the Canadian Rockies, and this was no exception. Additional advantages: ample parking, cafe for refreshments and restrooms on the shore for before or after. For those willing to rise early, the Lake is a good place to be at sunrise.
    Thank you for visiting Lake Minnewanka and taking in all the area has to offer! Lots of opportunities to get out on the water, or enjoy the scenery from the shoreline. Thanks for taking our interpretive tour and we hope you enjoyed your time in Banff National Park. Regards, Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written July 11, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 23, 2024
  • Tina S
    Gurnee, Illinois103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t miss this!
    This is a beautiful lake with a beautiful mountain backdrop. You can spend just a little time or a long time here. We spent some time at the lake initially and then hiked to Stewart canyon which was about 1.5 km. It was not a challenging hike - but lots of roots and rocks so watch your step! And bonus! A mountain goat ran right in front of me on the way! The views on the hike are very pretty! I think this is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are picnic tables and many spots to eat and gather as well.
    Agreed, Minnewanka is not to miss! We appreciate the recommendation to stop by and check the area out. Regards, Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written July 11, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 23, 2024
  • pjgrad
    Kent, Washington493 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must do
    Wow! in an area with breathtaking views, this one is a stand out. Do the drive and then come back and spend some time on the beach. The water is SO cold but some daring souls were swimming. There is a little snack bar. You can take a boat tour or rent a canoe.
    Wow is a great way to describe the Lake Minnewanka area. I'd guess those brave swimmers used some stronger words too! Regards, Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written July 11, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 6, 2024
  • Lena G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Entertaining, knowledgable, MUST-DO!
    So glad we booked this on our trip up to Banff! Ben and Jo knowledgeably provided entertainment on Lake Minnewanka, that wouldn't have hit the same any other way. Experience Canadian history on a relaxing ride to the heart of the lake and back, while enjoying ancient, native lore, and taking in the serenity of the land surrounding you. This is a must-see experience, great for all ages!! Thanks so much :)
    Thank you, thank you, thank you! Loved reading your feedback, glad you enjoyed your time on the water with us. Thrilled to hear Jo and Ben made a difference in your experience. Regards, Travis Lake Minnewanka Cruise
    Written August 13, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 16, 2024
  • Procter Bingo Bus
    Ponta Delgada, Portugal63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do Not Feed the Animals!
    Beautiful scenery and lovely views to be enjoyed by young and old. It can be windy so be prepared. I was disappointed in that a family left a large pan of food under a tree as they left. There are signs everywhere about not feeding the wildlife, but some visitors don't understand that human food makes the animals sick and DANGEROUS to the next visitors. Please do not feed the animals ever and leave no trace of your food in any forest. You are not being kind when you feed wildlife EVER.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written August 24, 2024
  • David
    Telford, United Kingdom404 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place
    I feel kind of bad for only rating here as a 4* but when compared the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake it does come up a little short. It is still a fantastic place to visit with some beautiful scenery but it isn't quite on the same scale as the other lakes. I would still recommend a visit here if time permits while you are in the Rockies.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 15, 2024
  • Carol D
    Holderness, New Hampshire17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very special experience!
    10/10. We did the beer cruise on 9/13. Even without seeing a mama and baby (spirit) bear swimming across the lake- it would still have been a really good time. Great Captain (Chrissy)and Great Guide. He did a nice job of giving a history of the beer and those associated with naming the beers.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written September 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,865 reviews
Excellent
2,100
Very good
1,286
Average
412
Poor
45
Terrible
22

IzzyEdmonton
Edmonton, Canada699 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
This lake is beautiful, just like all lakes in Banff National Park. It is a short drive from Banff but I would highly recommend leaving your car at the hotel and taking the #6 ROAM bus to the lake. That way, you don't have to fight for parking.

The lake is very large and you can take a cruise or launch your own boat. You can also enjoy the beach area where families set up picnics, BBQs and bring their inflatables to enjoy an afternoon with.

There is a snack shop where you can purchase hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts including gelato.

There is also clean bathroom facilities and lots of green space for picnics.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Usharani V
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Friends
I feel super lucky to have got the opportunity to witness this magnificent view of Lake Minnewanka through the cruise journey which got opened on May16th. When I was just leaving the town to go back to Toronto where I come from on Monday, my friends informed me that cruise has just started so we rushed to the place in hope of getting tickets. I went to this place two days back and the lake was completely frozen and was disappointed that I will not be able to experience the cruise journey. We met these two amazing folks Mr Thomas and Mr Jamie who greeted us with great hospitality and helped us with necessary information about the cruise.Although the journey was 2 hour long, this was made more exciting by Captain Kenji who narrated the stories of each and every point of the lake and the history of the place. He had really great sense of humour and good story telling techniques. I am thankful to captain Will who drove us there and assisted captain Kenji with additional facts.

If you are in Banff even for one day, this is a must visit place. The water reflects bluish green colour and looks like a giant emerald.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kburns195
Ontario, Canada30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Took a drive out there from Banff on a very sunny February day. The drive was breathtaking! The lake was stunning with all the mountains surrounding it. The lake was frozen and was hoping that there would be a large spot to go skating, however there was just a small patch and some kids were using it, so we didn't bother to join them.

In the summer I am sure this is a spectacular spot with the water and the mountains. However we loved the trip out there and back from Banff, so it was well worth it!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi kburns195, thank you for visiting Lake Minnewanka. The scenery for skating doesn't get much better, hope next time the conditions are right. If you're back in the summer time be sure to check us out again. Regards, Travis Mann Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LM F
Rockville, MD63 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Lake Minnewanka was only a few miles from our hotel so we went to hike. Parking was not an issue because people are coming and going throughout the day. There are several trails from easy and short to full day hikes. Be aware that the longer trails are "restricted" certain times of the year. This means they require groups of at least 4 or there are civil fines (to protect you from bears). The lake has a beach area with picnic tables and bathrooms. It offered a nice short hike, beautiful views and water activities. The mosquitos are pretty insane here so bring bug spray and do the long sleeve/hiking pants thing because even spray didn't completely keep them away. Again, sneaker/hiking boots. Shocked to see people in flip flops/sandals trying to hike.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krista H
Indianapolis, IN75 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
As an avid traveler abroad, I must say that Lake Minnewanka is one of the most beautiful natural scenic spots I've been to. With the snow and the frozen lake, it was truly picturesque. For those looking for winter activities, I saw plenty of skating, which included hockey practice. Definitely worth the drive.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Krista H, thanks for putting Lake Minnewanka and Banff National Park on your travel list. We appreciate the great review. Sure hope you can make it back in the warmer months too! Thanks again, Travis Mann Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Moscato-Mama
Airdrie, Canada3,543 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Family
The drive from Banff if quite close, about 15 minutes. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon on Thanksgiving weekend and had no problem finding a place to park.

Large lake with stunning mountain views. We walked along the shore, many nice spots to take photos, throw rocks and enjoy the view. There are picnic tables and benches along the shore.

There is a little shop to get a snack.

There are washrooms with flush toilets near the parking lot.

There are boat tours but it was a chilly day with snow in the air so we didn't go on one.

Pretty place to see, and easy to keep your distance from others while here.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Moscato-Mama for stopping by Lake Minnewanka this past Thanksgiving. Glad you enjoyed your time here. All the best, Travis Mann GM - Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written October 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ksufan88
Wichita, KS6,633 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Kara was our captain and Kanji was the guide that offered commentary. Kanji was a very entertaining guide, explaining how the native people could boil water using hot rocks. The 1 hour cruise consisted of cruising down the lake for 25 minutes, then drifting for about 10 minutes before returning to the dock. There were nice mountains around the lake, but the lake was not that exciting compared to others we had seen in this region of Canada.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Westerner222
Calgary, Canada111 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
The tour of the lake is only an hour long but is a peaceful ride and narrated by a guide with interesting history of the lake and area. Would like to come back and hire one of the guided fishing boats and catch one of those 40 pound lake trout. A gorgeous part of the park and worth taking the little trip away from Banff to see. Self guided small boats (9 hp) as well as canoes and paddleboards available to rent as well. Not much for food here.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hansi
Gold Canyon, AZ1,374 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
It’s large and it’s cold. The First Nation people called it “the lake of evil spirits”
It seems that whenever we visit this place, it evokes a feeling of coldness and mysterious surroundings. The drive to Lake Minnewanka is lovely, especially if you take the route via Two Jack Lake. Very worthwhile driving to.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi RetinaOne, thanks for stopping by Lake of the Water Spirits, Lake Minnewanka. The drive up from Banff and the lake are both lovely, I agree. Hope you enjoyed your time in the National Park. Regards, Travis Mann GM - Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jacqui C
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
The boat cruise was a total waste of money. For C$90+ (incl tax), the boat takes you to the middle of the lake where the boat stays for about 20 mins and then it's time to head back to shore. The only "highlight" was the captain telling general knowledge and some history of the lake. It would have been more interesting if the boat had taken the passengers to a part of the lake shore and showed us interesting facts about the place.

Have never felt so ripped off.
Written October 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Lake Minnewanka - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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