Trip Planner: Canada / Alberta / Canadian Rockies / Banff National Park / Banff / Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park

4.5

#5 of 189 in Things to do in Banff National Park

Water Body · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including Lake Minnewanka

Survey the majestic Lake Minnewanka, its name meaning "Water of the Spirits" in the language of the indigenous peoples who settled here at least 10,000 years ago. The longest lake in Canada offers many hiking and biking trails to explore and enjoy, as well as a wealth of amazing wildlife to observe, from elk to bears. Consider a boat tour from the lake’s west end, which makes a great way to enjoy the changing faces of the impressive 3,162 m (10,374 ft) Mount Aylmer, which stands imposingly next to the lake. You can park your car near to the boat tour's departure point. Add Lake Minnewanka to your Banff National Park travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Banff National Park day trip planning site.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Lake Minnewanka

FROM $134 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour

4.9

Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Tours from $134 ›

FROM $63 BOOK WITH VIATOR Winter Tour: Banff and Its Wildlife Winter Tour: Banff and Its Wildlife

4.7

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $63 ›

FROM $66 BOOK WITH VIATOR Summer Tour: Banff and its Wildlife Summer Tour: Banff and its Wildlife

4.5

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $66 ›

FROM $94 BOOK WITH VIATOR Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Small Group Adventure Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Small Group Adventure

4.4

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $94 ›

FROM $71 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Sunset Safari in Banff Private Sunset Safari in Banff

5.0

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $71 ›

FROM $253 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full Day Private Tour Banff Full Day Private Tour Banff

5.0

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $253 ›

FROM $1,004 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 12 guests Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 12 guests

5.0

Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Tours from $1,004 ›

FROM $6 BOOK WITH VIATOR Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Banff and Calgary Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Banff and Calgary

4.3

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $6 ›

FROM $70 BOOK WITH VIATOR Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Small Group Winter Adventure Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Small Group Winter Adventure

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $70 ›

FROM $70 BOOK WITH VIATOR Banff National Park Snowshoeing Adventure | Small Group Guided Tour Banff National Park Snowshoeing Adventure | Small Group Guided Tour

5.0

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $70 ›

FROM $100 BOOK WITH VIATOR Winter Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Banff Hot Spring Day Tour Winter Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Banff Hot Spring Day Tour

4.0

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

Tours from $100 ›

FROM $419 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Banff Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Banff

Duration: 1 hour

Tours from $419 ›

Lake Minnewanka reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,819 reviews

Google

4.8

By bbrteam

Wow! 8 months ago we were on a boat cruise on the lake, this time there’s at least. 10” of ice covering it! No matter what time of year it’s a very pretty place to visit.

Wow! 8 months ago we were on a boat cruise on the lake, this time there’s at least. 10” of ice covering it! No matter what time of year it’s a very pretty place to visit. more »
By 2TravelersMn

We had beautiful weather when we drove to Lake Minnewanka and hiked around a good portion of the lake. Lake Minnewanka would be lovely now matter what the weather was.

We had beautiful weather when we drove to Lake Minnewanka and hiked around a good portion of the lake. Lake Minnewanka would be lovely now matter what the weather was. more »
By BasketballMom_2

Enjoyed the drive through beautiful landscapes with a dusting of fresh snow. The lake was not yet frozen, so its turquoise colour contrasted beautifully with the white snow.

Enjoyed the drive through beautiful landscapes with a dusting of fresh snow. The lake was not yet frozen, so its turquoise colour contrasted beautifully with the white snow. more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Poulami Ghosh

Beautiful lake in Banff National Park. There are few picnic tables by the lake. There are big parking lot close to the lake but always busy. Most of the time it is hard to find a parking spot. Washroom facility is available too.

more less
By Zoya

Beautiful, easy to get to and drive along the lake. The views are absolutely stunning, the color of the lake in July is unbelievable. If you are in the area, I'd recommend at least a drive along the lake if your are in a hurry, it doesn't take long at all.

more less
By Team Soon Adventures

Very close to Banff, just a few minutes drive. Open all season long. Boat tours on the summer. Popular for hiking, crosscountry ski and dive tours. Great history and story for the Spirit lake Minnewanka. Not to mention picnic tables are available for free with a cafe open on the summer and fall. This is my favorite place to go in Banff.

more less
By Richard Tan

Visited in June 2022. A beautiful lake but extremely difficult to find parking because of its popularity. The carpark is free but entry is controlled by security. I drove round the scenic drive three times before I was allowed to go into the carpark. Spent a few hours sitting on a bench enjoying the wonderful views.

more less
By Priyanka S

Absolutely Beautiful lake!! We did the Minnewanka Cruise tour. It was awesome, we had a great time. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. Spectacular, stunning and Amazing scenery around the lake. A must visit place when visiting Banff!! Highly recommend!!

more less