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However, the bus doesn’t run in the colder months, so check their website for the updated schedule. Cruises across Lake Minnewanka depart from the main dock along the southwest side of the lake. You can go and check in at the boathouse before your departure and take some time to explore before you climb aboard. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass grants you entrance to all Parks Canada destinations for a year. For many visitors, purchasing an annual pass makes more sense, as an adult’s day pass is $11.00 per day. The pass also grants access to historic sites such as Cave & Basin along with any other national park in the country.
Popular Activities
Competition for campsites in Banff National Park can be quite fierce. If you are unable to get a campground, consider a stay at one of these inexpensive Banff hotels. If you’d like to treat yourself, a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Minnewanka?
The lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power. One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is to stroll along or take a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka. I recommend booking the Lake Minnewanka Cruise for early morning or late afternoon. The water is calmer on the usually very windy lake, and the reflections are prettier. You also have a higher chance of seeing wildlife along the shore – deer, bears, and eagles. During the summer months, the cruise operates every hour on the hour from 9 am to 7 pm.
Our Family
There are two large lots for parking at Lake Minnewanka, including a large lot for trucks with boat trailers. On an average day, it’s not too difficult to get parking, but the parking lot quickly fills up during peak times in the summer. You can still visit during these times, but parking will be difficult. We have visited Lake Minnewanka hundreds of times, but last summer was the first month we finally set sail on the cruise. We enjoyed the Beer Voyage cruise on a beautiful summer evening and loved every second of our time. I even brought my dad, and as a beer lover he enjoyed drinking fresh brews while taking in the views.
Are Lake Minnewanka cruises suitable for children and families?
Please be advised that Lake Minnewanka is on the edge of one of the core areas in Banff National Park for grizzly bears. There is a seasonal trail restriction in place each year from mid-July to mid-September which requires hikers to hike in tight groups of 4 or larger and carry bear spray. An easy 8km walk, the Stewart Canyon hike follows the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka until it leaves to follow the Cascade River through a lush forest. In late spring, this is one of the best locations to see the beautiful, delicate Calypso Orchids growing in the dappled sunlight.
You can purchase tickets for the Lake Minnewanka boat cruise here. You should buy your tickets ahead of time so you can be sure there is availability for the time slot you would like. Discover Banff Tours offers a variety of daily interpretive sightseeing tours in Banff National Park with small groups and professionally accredited guides. Of course, there are so many other lakes to visit after Lake Minnewanka. Two Jack Lake is right down the road, as well as Johnson and Vermilion.
Plus, you can reserve a time slot when you book to ensure that you won’t be waiting around for ages. A Lake Minnewanka cruise lasts for about an hour, which is plenty of time to take in the stunning views and spot wildlife. Alternatively, if you want to go in the middle of the day during the summer, it’s best to take the Route 6 bus from Banff. I love full-day tours because the tour company takes care of everything for you, from pick up in Calgary to dealing with parking at Lake Louise! Since this is a private tour, you get to customize your schedule.
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Board ROAM bus for free From Downtown Banff
You don’t have to rent a boat or canoe/kayak, though, as personal watercraft are allowed, and there is a boat launch at the lake. The only requirement is that the boat be free of anything, such as mussels or algae, as it can damage the lake’s ecosystem. Additionally, any boat outside BC or Alberta requires a provincial inspection in the last 30 days. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which gets you entrance to all Parks Canada destinations for the year, is only $154.25 for a family. Day passes are $11.00 per person, so depending on how many days you are staying and if you have plans to go to Banff, you may want to consider the Discover Pass. If you are traveling from Calgary to Banff, you’ll want to get off on the exit “Banff/Lake Minnewanka Loop.” This is right off Highway 1 after you pass the park gates.
Ultimate Explorer Package
Many reviews mention this trail as easy, but when we attempted it, I found the trail more moderate/difficult (I am a novice mountain biker). If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take the bus, a bike is one of the best ways to get to Lake Minnewanka. We particularly love riding the Legacy Trail from Canmore, as an underpass goes under the Trans Canada for bikes off the Legacy Trail.
The Samesun Backpacker Hostel is a great budget hostel with dorm rooms. It’s perfect for those on a tight budget who want to stay in the heart of Banff town. The Banff Inn is the perfect mix of comfort and affordability. It has a budget-friendly price tag but also comes with lots of luxuries. The hotel is located right on Banff Ave and all rooms are air-conditioned.
Yes, children of all ages are welcome on the cruises and we think that it’s a great family day out. However, if you have time, you can hang around for longer and explore the shore before or after your cruise. This service operates 7 days a week, and the first bus departs at 8AM each morning. Service typically starts in late May and runs until late September and costs $2 for adults and $1 for Seniors/Youth.
All reservations for Banff National Park campgrounds should be made in advance here. Being out on the lake means there are no trees to block the spectacular views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks. A Banff fishing permit must be purchased prior to fishing on Lake Minnewanka. Banff fishing permits are available as a daily or annual permit and can be purchased at any visitor centre. If you wish to go fishing on Lake Minnewanka between late May and early September, you can bring your own boat, rent a motorboat or hire a Lake Minnewanka fishing charter.
The mountains towering over Lake Minnewanka are awe-inspiring all year round. Oh yeah, and there’s also a Canadian resort ghost town right under the lake! Explore the open air and experience the full breadth of this beautiful area on a Lake Minnewanka Cruise. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, this cruise takes you on a journey of discovery and beauty. As you travel across the lake, you will be immersed in stunning views of the majestic Rocky Mountains, lush forests, and clear blue waters. The boat’s knowledgeable guide will provide interesting information about the area’s history, flora, and fauna.
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