Lake Minnewanka

Overview

Lake Minnewanka is a stunning glacial lake in Banff National Park, known for its turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery. It's a popular spot for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

It's one of the most visited and photographed lakes in Canada, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Outdoor Recreation Scenic View

Location

Address

Alberta

Neighborhood: Banff National Park

Coordinates

51.386500, -115.649200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$10

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better wildlife sightings

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

cool, rainy

• waterfalls
• wildflowers

summer

warm, sunny

• boat tours
• hiking trails

autumn

cool, crisp

• fall colors
• photography spots

winter

cold, snowy

• snowshoeing
• cross-country skiing

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check weather
Bring layers
Respect wildlife

What to Bring

essential

water hiking boots bear spray

seasonal

warm jacket rain gear

not allowed

drones pets (in some areas)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• altitude sickness
• wildlife encounters

Medical facilities: first aid available at park headquarters

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Canadian Dollars (CAD)

Typical Costs

entry $10

parking $15

boat tour $40

hiking gear rental $20

Dress Code

casual, weather-appropriate, comfortable hiking shoes, layers, hiking boots, inappropriate clothing for hiking

Booking Tips

• 1-2 months for peak season
• Parks Canada website
• 48 hours
• available for boat tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Parks Canada - Banff National Park

Size: 100 MB

Features: Map, Trail guides, Wildlife alerts

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Calgary International Airport

Distance: 130 km

Travel Time: 1.5 hours

taxi

$200 1.5 hours

public_transport

$30 2.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

bus

$5 20 min

taxi

$30 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Stunning natural beauty, great for outdoor activities

Historical Significance: Part of the first national park in Canada

Insider Tips

Best views from lesser-known trails
Local cafes offer great discounts

Local Recommendations

• Try local cafes in Banff
• Ask for guide with wildlife expertise

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Beau

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Lake Minnewanka shoreline

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots

Result: Stunning lake and mountain reflections

#LakeMinnewanka #BanffNationalPark #CanadianRockies

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas none

flash photography allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited without permit

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Banff Gondola

Distance: 5km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Scenic Ride

Surprise Corner

Distance: 3km

Walking: 45 min

Type: Scenic View

Reviews

4.8

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early for wildlife"
"Bring layers"
"Great for photography"

Contact Information

+1 403-762-1550

banff.info@pc.gc.ca

www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

Social Media

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