Things to do in
Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka: Our most recommended tours and activities

Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon

Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Johnston Canyon

Experience a full-day group tour of Banff National Park’s most iconic lakes, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Vermilion Lakes from Calgary, Banff or Canmore. Embark on the best hiking trail at Johnston Canyon, and explore the highlights of Banff town. After heading to the meeting point in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, meet your local guide and board your air-conditioned van for the day. Drive toward Lake Louise, and enjoy a perfect photo opportunity by the pristine shores of the glacial lake. Continue to Moraine Lake and take in spectacular views of the scenic lake surrounded by mountains. From October 15–May 31, Moraine Lake will be replaced by Lake Minnewanka, another scenic spot. Next, hike a trail at Johnston Canyon to discover the area's picturesque waterfalls (Ice walk with free rental of crampons in winter). Finish the tour by immersing yourself in the charm of Vermilion Lakes and Banff Avenue before getting dropped off at your original starting point.

Banff: Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Banff: Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Admire views of the Canadian Rockies as you cruise on the largest lake in Banff National Park. Get the chance to see sheep, deer, and mountain goats along the shore, and learn about the culture of the indigenous people who used to live in the area from your expert guide. Meet your guide and captain on the boat dock at Lake Minnewanka and begin your adventure. Glide through the crystal clear water of this glacier lake and soak up the views of the mountains and blue sky above you. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the lakeshore, including big-horned sheep, deer, mountain goats, and even the occasional bear. During the cruise, learn interesting facts and stories about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit the Canadian Rockies from your guides. Dive into the culture of the indigenous people who used to call the area home and hear a lot of entertaining legends of the area.

From Calgary: Banff National Park Premium Day Tour

From Calgary: Banff National Park Premium Day Tour

Join us on an exclusive journey into Banff National Park from downtown Calgary or Canmore. Let our expert guide lead you through the Rockies, uncovering major attractions and hidden gems while maximizing opportunities for wildlife encounters. Begin your adventure with a winter wonderland experience at Johnston Canyon (October 15 to June 1). Marvel at the icy spectacle of frozen waterfalls, a stunning fusion of nature's artistry and rugged canyon vistas. During the warmer months, visit the iconic Moraine Lake, where the azure waters reflect the majestic Ten Peaks. Next, explore the radiant landscapes to enchanting Lake Louise, with its glistening turquoise waters and the Victoria Glacier serving as a breathtaking backdrop. Experience the charm of Banff Town with two hours of free time to wander, shop, dine, and soak in the vibrant culture and modern delights. Capture the essence of nature's symphony at Bow Falls, where cascading waters harmonize with majestic mountains. Enjoy the unexpected panoramic view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Corner on Sulphur Mountain (Oct 15 - June 1st). In summer, the picturesque Lake Minnewanka replaces Bow Falls and Surprise Corner on the itinerary for our Summer program. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the breathtaking landscape, framed by towering peaks. Your extraordinary adventure awaits.

Calgary: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon Tour

Calgary: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon Tour

Experience a full-day group tour of Banff National Park’s most iconic lakes, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from Calgary. Embark on the best hiking trail at Johnston Canyon Ice walk with free rental of crampons in winter), and explore the highlights of a hidden gem and Banff town. Meet your local guide in Calgary and board your air-conditioned van for the day. Drive toward Lake Louise, and enjoy a perfect photo opportunity by the pristine shores of the glacial lake. Continue to Moraine Lake and take in spectacular views of the scenic lake surrounded by mountains. From October 15–May 31, Moraine Lake will be replaced by Lake Minnewanka, another scenic spot. Next, hike a trail at Johnston Canyon to discover the area's picturesque waterfalls. Finish the tour by immersing yourself in the charm of a hidden gem and Banff Avenue before getting dropped off back in Calgary.

Banff: Highlights and Wildlife Group Tour

Banff: Highlights and Wildlife Group Tour

Experience many of Banff's highlights on this tour with a focus on viewing wildlife in their natural environment. Enjoy guaranteed visits to Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos Viewpoint, and Mt. Norquay Viewpoint. Start your wildlife adventure with pickup from select locations in Banff. Enjoy an itinerary carefully tailored by your expert local guide based on each day’s recent wildlife sightings and weather conditions. In addition to the sites mentioned above, you can also expect visits to some of the following locations: Vermilion Lakes, Cave and Basin, Marsh Loop, Tunnel Mountain, and some local secret spots. Learn all about the area from your guide along the way. Get your cameras ready and keep your eyes peeled as you travel through wildlife corridors and seek out bears, elk, deer, coyotes, foxes, bighorn sheep, and more.

From Calgary: Banff National Park Day Trip

From Calgary: Banff National Park Day Trip

The Canadian Rockies are an amazing place to explore, It's breathtaking scenery is sure to wow the most demanding taste in the world. Not your typical day tour, this feels as if you are on a quest for the most amazing places in Banff, live it! This experience is 10-11 hours long from the moment you are picked up at any of the listed locations in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, until the time you are brought back at your original meeting place. You will experience the area with your guide, and will also have time to explore on your own. You will have plenty of time to shop and taste the local flavours at the Town of Banff where you just might come across Bigfoot, aka Sasquatch! Our stops will include all the main tourist attractions such as Lake Minnewanka, the Town of Banff, as well as a scenic area of Kananaskis Provincial Park. However, the best places are our secret favourite spots and the stops here and there in between each destinations. One of these stops is at Surprise Corner to enjoy the views of the Banff Springs Hotel and Sulphur Mountain. Lake Louise will definitely show off its natural glamour, and the many sights along the way will help to create a lifetime memory. From mid June to mid October you will stop at the spectacular and must see Moraine Lake! This is our favourite summer lake in all of the parks, you'll feel as if you are seeing heaven on earth! During the winter months we'll stop at Two Jack Lake so you can walk on this frozen waters and get a picture worth a million words! There are many activities in the area that you can also do while at Lake Louise, such as hiking, walking on the lake shore, renting ice skates or riding a horse sled in the winter months, or rent a canoe during the summer months. And of course you can just enjoy the majestic view at your own pace, maybe even find the inspiration for that novel you've been thinking of writing. Who's coming? You will be traveling in with a small group of 8 to 12 people who share the desire to visit the most majestic destinations in the park. We will adapt and adjust our stops according to traffic, weather, wildlife sightings. If you like to be dropped off in Banff or in Canmore when the tour ends, you don't have to come back to Calgary. Just text us to see if we have room for your luggage. This experience is about wowing you all day! So bring your phones and cameras fully charged as you might spot some of the local wildlife, a sunset, or you might hear a sound you never heard before, you never know... The reviews are real, the photos are without filters and the fun never stops, so come join this incredible day trip adventure! By the end of the day you will feel as if you spent the day with family you didn't know you had. This is not a touch and go kind of day, we promise you a good night sleep, good times and fun times year round!

From Canmore/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine and Johnston Canyon

From Canmore/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine and Johnston Canyon

We'll start our day by visiting [Moraine Lake](open from Jun.01 to Oct.14), this stunning lake showcases amazing colors that create a unique appearance, famously depicted on the Canadian dollar bill. Next, we'll explore [Johnston Canyon], Banff National Park's most popular hiking destination, renowned for its stunning waterfalls. In the afternoon, our journey continues to [Lake Louise], one of the most visited destinations in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. You'll have the option to enjoy a lunch at [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise] (additional fee). Finally, we'll return to [Banff Town], where you can leisurely stroll around the century-old town full of 19th-century architectural features, concluding our day's journey in a relaxed atmosphere.

Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier, Pyeto Lake, Bow Lake

Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier, Pyeto Lake, Bow Lake

Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore to explore the majestic Columbia Icefield and stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake with its vibrant turquoise waters, and the serene Bow Lake. Marvel at Glacier Lake and Waterfowl Lake, each offering breathtaking vistas. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of these iconic locations, guided by knowledgeable experts who enhance your experience with insights into the region's rich history and ecology. This adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Canadian Rockies, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Enjoy the convenience of roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned van or private car, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Banff: Wildlife and Sightseeing Minibus Tour

Banff: Wildlife and Sightseeing Minibus Tour

Get ready to explore the best of Banff, as you discover the history of the Bow Valley. Be picked up from your hotel in a modern minibus by your guide, and start your 3-hour experience. Learn about local wildlife while you keep watch for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.  Visit Bow Falls, where many iconic movies from the 1950s were filmed. See the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as the Castle of the Rockies. Stop at Lake Minnewanka, and learn the importance of wildlife management practices from your expert guide. Be amazed by iconic views from Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos Lookout. There will be plenty of stops along the route for you to enjoy the sights, snap photos, and walk to incredible viewpoints. At the end of your tour you'll be dropped off back in Banff.

Banff Gandola, Lake Minnewanka, Jonson Lake & Banff Bus Tour

Banff Gandola, Lake Minnewanka, Jonson Lake & Banff Bus Tour

Head out of Canmore or Calgary, depending on where you join your tour, and sit back and relax on the scenic ride to Lake Minnewanka. Discover the beauty of the lake with scenic boat tours, fishing, and hiking opportunities at your own expense. Enjoy stunning views and a serene atmosphere just a short drive from Banff. Then, continue to relax at Johnson Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for picnicking, swimming, and leisurely hikes. The loop trail around the lake offers picturesque views and a peaceful escape. Carry on to visit Surprise Corner for a breathtaking viewpoint of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. Then, experience the power and beauty of Bow Falls from the Bow Falls Viewpoint. Located near Banff town center, it's an easy walk to this impressive natural attraction. Opt to take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies. Enjoy hiking trails, a mountaintop restaurant, and informative exhibits at the summit. Next, unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural mineral waters with stunning mountain vistas. A perfect relaxation spot after a day of adventure. End your day by exploring Banff Downtown, a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Stroll along Banff Avenue to experience the vibrant atmosphere and find unique souvenirs, before heading back to where your day started.

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What people are saying about Lake Minnewanka

Overall rating

4.7
(191 reviews)

The trip was awesome. Ben guide explained all the spots and details very nicely. Though it was such a long journey he made the environment with positive vibes. The driver Ben was also experienced and trained. Our overall journey was valued for money.

Greatly enjoyed this tour with Greta tour guide & Ben driver. Information & guidance on what to expect at each location was very helpful. I would recommend this tour to fellow travelers new to explore the Banff area.

Aj was our guide and he was extremely friendly, patient, and a happy-go-lucky guy. Would tour again with Aj!

Tito was an amazing guide,very informative, friendly,fun.He made the tour unforgettable for us!

Greta was super knowledgeable and Ben the driver was punctual and very polite