Lake
Minnewanka is a short drive
4.5km
North East from the town of Banff.
Trail head is located along the
West shore of the lake just North of the
parking lot and continues along
the entire length of the lake (20km).
There are several back country 'Hike
in', 'Bike in' or 'Boat access' camp
sites located on the lake. A back
country permit is required if you
want to overnight the campsites. A
shorter hike (1.5km) to Stewart
Canyon and the Cascade River is also
located on the same trail. Lake
Minnewanka holds some very large
Lake Trout, a National Park
fishing
license is required if you want to
try out your luck. Boaters beware of
the high winds that can blow down
the valley without warning. Don't
even consider canoeing on this lake.
I watched a shore tied
5M aluminum
boat, motor and all, picked up by
the wind and blown end over end into
the lake. At the same time we were
also literally blown off our feet.
Very frightening experience. I'm
sure glad I wasn't on the water or
in the trees at the time. I get the
feeling these 'Gales from out of no
where', are why the Stoney Indians
named it Minnewanka the 'Lake of the
Spirits'. Very fitting name indeed.
There is a nice double lane paved
boat launch at the South end near
the picnic area. Large boat tours are
offered by the Parks service that
provide excellent views of the Lakes
long shore line and surrounding
Mountains. The dam at the South end
provided an early supply of power
for the area and flooded the
original resort village of
Minnewanka in 1941. During the
summer months Scuba divers explore
the submerged Town and original Dam.
The canal leading from the lake runs
into
Two Jack Lake then down to the
Bow River valley below, it is some
what hidden and partially buried for
a few Kilometers. Pictures below
were taken in Mid April, lake is
still frozen. Ice is usually off in
late May.
