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Upon arrival, proceed to our Boathouse for check ins and other information. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Banff, so book it in advance. From Banff, the route takes you on the Legacy Trail and passes Cascade Ponds, Two Jack Lake, and finally, Lake Minnewanka. I like to take the first right after Cascade Ponds and go counterclockwise on the road. It’s a bit of a climb to Two Jack, but it’s all downhill and super cruisy and fun once you get past Two Jack. No you do not have to book in advance, though cruises do sell out during periods of high demand.
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Whether you love to fish or to simply sit back and soak in the world-class Banff scenery all around, getting a Lake Minnewanka boat rental is an experience you’ll remember. Due to the popularity of the Lake Minnewanka cruise, book your tickets early. If you’d like more options, the Lake Minnewanka boat cruise is also a part of these excellent Banff tours. From Cascade Ponds, it’s a 6km ride to the Lake Minnewanka parking lot. Cycling to Lake Minnewanka is a great option if you want to see a little more of this beautiful corner of Banff National Park while getting some bonus exercise. We love to inspire families to get out and travel as much as they can.
Bikes
If you’re searching to spot some of the park’s famous wildlife, the drive to the lake and its shoreline is a safe bet. The classic Lake Minnewanka Cruise, the most popular option, lasts approximately one hour. During this time, you’ll explore the lake, its history, and the beautiful surroundings with the guidance of a guide who provides interesting insights into the area. If you drive to Lake Minnewanka, there’s a big free parking lot near the Lake Minnewanka Cruise departure point. The parking area is conveniently located, along with the washrooms.
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Choose from one of our acclaimed cruises and explore under the lead of a knowledgeable guide on a heated, covered boat. Or set your own course with a kayak, canoe or motorboat rental. Like many places in Banff National Park in the summer, the free Lake Minnewanka parking lot fills up fast. Getting there early is your best bet for a day of paddle boarding on Lake Minnewanka. There’s nothing quite like being out on the water in the middle of a beautiful glacial lake in Banff National Park.
If you’re already going to Lake Minnewanka, you can’t miss a stop at Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Cascade Ponds. All provide stellar views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. If you have a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, we highly recommend getting out on the water at any of these bodies of water.
In the distant east, verdant prairie land peeks through, providing a captivating backdrop. If you are lucky, you can witness the majestic bald eagles nesting or see an occasional bear ascending the slopes of Saddle’s Peak. Regardless of when you visit, you can travel with confidence knowing your safety is our priority. Explore Lake Minnewanka your way by renting a canoe, kayak or one of our 16-foot aluminum motorboats.
Hit the open water this summer at Minnewanka!
Just show the tickets to the bus driver and enjoy the hassle-free journey. The Roam shuttle bus route 6 to Lake Minnewanka operates in the summer, typically from May to September. It leaves from downtown Banff and takes about 25 minutes to Lake Minnewanka.

Enjoy some food or drinks
The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. The Two Jack Lake Trail is 4.8 km (3 miles) out-and-back and it’s pretty flat. As such, this trail feels more like a casual stroll with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Plus, if you don’t have your own wheels, the Route 6 bus also stops near the trailhead.

The allowance of pets are up to the discretion of the boat captain and other cruise passengers, so there is no guarantee. For the safety of your pet and the comfort of our passengers, we recommend keeping your pets on leash. The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise departs on the hour from 10am - 6pm with additional departures on the half hour during peak summer. The biggest draw of Lake Minnewanka is obviously the amazing views of one of the best lakes in Banff that you get along the way. Lake Minnewanka Cruise is located at Lake Minnewanka, a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff along the Minnewanka Loop Drive, in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
If you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find a few of the famous Parks Canada red chairs. Many exposed sidehill sections and plenty of obstacles await bikers. Mountain bikers should aim for weekday rides as the trail is extremely busy on weekends. No matter how you take the loop, you are in for some elevation gain (around 175 m). You can detour to Johnson Lake for some extra mileage as well. One of the most popular activities on Lake Minnewanka is to hop on a lake cruise run by the Pursuit Collective.
They are a bit pricey, but having an experienced local guide can make all the difference. Try Banff Fishing Unlimited or the Banff Jasper Collection for guided Lake Minnewanka fishing trips. For more experienced hikers, we highly recommend the Alymer Lookout hike.
The Lake Minnewanka Cruise (formerly Banff Lake Cruise) is a unique sightseeing tour exploring Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. The name “Minnewanka” is a Stoney Nakoda word meaning “Lake of the Spirits.” The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, deer, and waterfowl. It is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming. The Minnewanka Lakeside Trail can take Banff bikers to Ghost Lakes Campground. The trail is 29.4 km one way with 45 meters of elevation gain.
Enjoy the Lake Minnewanka scenic drive as part of your outing. A drive from Calgary to Lake Minnewanka will take about 90 minutes, while the drive from Banff to Lake Minnewanka will take about 15 minutes. Safety briefings and instructions are provided prior to your departure. You will be instructed to stay within a certain area so that your boat can remain visible to the lake staff.
It’s also recommended to bring your camera and a windbreaker jacket. While Devil’s Gap is certainly a highlight of the entire cruise, the captain will point out other points of interest and landmarks along the route. There are plenty of photo ops as you pass Mount Girouard and Mount Peechee. For generations, people have set up camps and engaged in hunting activities along the historic shores of Lake Minnewanka. Early European settlers would later designate it as Devil’s Lake. A member of our team will respond within 24 hours (weekdays) and 48 hours (weekends).
There are lots of different areas to consider when it comes to deciding where to stay in Banff National Park. There are also plenty of great hotels in Banff town to consider. If you prefer to bring your own food, there’s also a picnic spot close by. The most popular thing to do at Lake Minnewanka – other than take a cruise – is to go hiking. Lake Minnewanka cruises run from late May until early October every year. In the peak season (from late June to early September) departures run every hour from 9 am to 7 pm.
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