Just a short drive across the highway from the town of Banff is Lake Minnewanka. I had been there many times before, since it’s such a scenic drive with gorgeous views. Yet, never have we stopped at the lake and took a good look around. On our last family trip to the Canadian Rockies, we changed that.
Walk to the dock and you can get tickets to take the 1 hour Banff Lake Cruise, a sightseeing tour experience on one of two 43 passenger Lake Cruisers or the 65 passenger Alberta Explorer {operating several times daily from mid-May to mid-October}.
The ride is smooth, and the views are breathtaking. All the while your tour guide tells the history of the area, our actually was born and raised in the town of Banff so he was very knowledgeable with a great sense of humour.
The mountain beasts paired with the serene trip along the water is a perfect match. This alone is a true Canadian experience. Yet, it’s also getting the knowledge of the area that raises this tour up a notch.
While we had driven this path many times before, I had no clue on the geology and history of this lake and the surrounding areas. For instance, there’s a town under Lake Minnewanka, one which stood long ago when the lake was smaller. Experience cold-water divers can go down and explore this forgotten town.
Native folklore is strong in this area, which is known for it’s intense energy and spirit. Do you see the face with eyes? We were told that when it rains, water falling off the mountain from the crevasses that form the eyes, make it look like this person is crying.
The Banff Lake Cruise on Lake Minnewanka is a peaceful, educational and a very serene tour, one which our whole family enjoyed. We sat at the rear of the boat where you can still hear the operator clearly, yet it’s a little more secluded and relaxing {tip from us to you!}. The girls laid back and soaked in fresh mountain air and a nice warm sun as we sped along the water.
Hubby and I were focused on learning about the area, and cherishing this time with the family. The tour operator provided breaks in his speech so that you could sit back and take it all in, which we did. From gazing from mountain to mountain to watching the girls stare over the side of the boat with huge smiles, it was a fantastic tour.
While I’m sure a drive to Lake Minnewanka will be done again as it has many times before, now I’ll do it with more insight. With each future visit I’ll remember the boat cruise and reflect on the history of this beautiful area. While I’d urge any traveler to visit the beautiful Lake Minnewanka area, I also would suggest taking this boat tour, to learn about the beauty you are looking at. It’s the difference between travel and truly taking in the experience.
More things to do at Lake Minnewanka:
- Banff Fishing Tours: Let an experienced fishing guide take you on a guided fishing trip in the Canadian Rockies. Our fishing guides know all the hot-spots on Lake Minnewanka.
- Banff Boat Rentals: You can also rent a boat in Banff if you’re looking to explore Lake Minnewanka on your own. 16 foot aluminum motorboats, complete with all the necessary safety equipment, are available by the hour, half or full day.
- Snack Bar: Serving up delicious light meals and snacks for visitors to Lake Minnewanka.
- Wildlife Viewing: Lake Minnewanka is home to a large population of rocky mountain wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, elk, mountain sheep and deer. This is nature’s wild playground, so a camera is a must. Click here to see photos of wildlife in the Canadian Rockies from other visitors.
- Hiking, Biking & Picnic Area: Lake Minnewanka is one of the most popular recreational areas in Banff National Park. Adventure onto the trails leading around the lake or sit back and relax in one of the several sheltered picnic spots.
** For pricing and more information on the Banff Lake Cruise, please visit the Explore Rockies website. It’s THE site for all the great attractions and activities for this tour and for other family-friendly things to do in Banff National Park.
My family received complimentary tour passes to facilitate this travel article. All opinions are 100% our own.
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mel says
08/25/2013 at 7:56 amThat looks absolutely gorgeous! I want to go there now!
james martel says
05/04/2016 at 5:32 pmThanks I just moved back to banff…Im sous chef at new gondola and am working at this nice lake till the new restaurant is open…Thanks for all the insight I will go to minnewanka tomorrow for the tour…Peace to your family! Thanks
James Martel
Tammi says
05/05/2016 at 10:36 amNice to *meet* you – I’ll have to come for a meal next time I’m there. Enjoy the town and congrats!
Heather @OurKidsMom says
08/25/2013 at 8:02 amI love river/lake cruises. Between the scenery and the water experience it’s total relaxation! The view was magnificent!!! Thank you for sharing!
Tammi says
08/26/2013 at 6:41 amThanks Heather, it certainly was!
Ellen Christian says
08/25/2013 at 8:04 amThat does look like fun and the scenery is gorgeous!
Anne says
08/25/2013 at 8:14 amWow this looks amazing! You don’t really think of the Rockies as being a scuba area, so that is neat that there is town for divers to explore.
Tammi says
08/26/2013 at 6:42 amWho would have known? SO much to do and see!
Ronni Keller says
08/25/2013 at 9:25 amOy.. your photos are always SO beautiful!
Judy C (Cowan) says
08/25/2013 at 10:17 amLove boat cruises, I will have to remember this if we make it out there for a visit. Great pictures!
Rhonda says
08/25/2013 at 2:03 pmI look at your photos and I can see why Banff was one of my mother’s favorite spots in the world.
Jenny B Erin says
08/25/2013 at 3:11 pmAbsolutely lovely! I haven’t made a trip to the lake yet but am hoping to! I love spending time away from the city.
Deb Dorrington says
08/25/2013 at 5:21 pmBanff is so beautiful, we loved it when we visited a few years ago. If possible everyone should take this cruise once, Canada is a stunning country.
Victoria Ess says
08/25/2013 at 7:25 pmThat looks so breathtaking. I cannot wait to go.
melanie bonder says
08/26/2013 at 4:09 ambeautiful experience!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:32 amYes, it certainly was!
Tammi says
08/26/2013 at 6:41 amTRUTH! It was a magnificent way to spend the day!
paula schuck says
08/26/2013 at 7:24 amI said it before and I will say it again – you live in one of the most gorgeous provinces in Canada. So beautiful! Your daughter’s look is priceless and those mountains are crazy majestic. Your photos are magnificent.
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:33 amThank you Paula, I totally agree!!
🙂
Guy H. says
08/26/2013 at 7:27 amLooks like a great family day!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:33 amIt was!!
Catherine Robichaud says
08/26/2013 at 8:44 amWow these are amazing pictures. I can’t wait to go back to that area and try the boat cruise.
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:33 amI highly recommend it Catherine!
Barbara Hall says
08/26/2013 at 2:42 pmWant to do this next time I am there!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:34 amI would go again in a heartbeat, simply beautiful experience!!
Doris Calvert says
08/26/2013 at 10:18 pmI love the boat ride and your daughter looks like she is taking in all the sun and scenery. So beautiful isn’t it!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:35 amWe all enjoyed the tour, it was a great experience!
melanie bonder says
08/27/2013 at 3:43 ami’d love3 to go there
DudeMom says
08/27/2013 at 5:38 amThat looks amazing. Such a beautiful place to vacation. We didn’t get away at all this summer. Kinda sad and kinda awesome all at once.
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:35 amAwe, that’s too bad. I think you are highly due to start planning a getaway!!
Alissa Apel says
08/27/2013 at 3:12 pmIt’s so pretty! It looks like you had a great time.
I’d love to go to Heli Skiing Canada. They have a ski resort named Mica. The same as my son’s name. I fell asleep on the couch one night and woke up to their logo on the TV set. The whole show was about Mica. It looks crazy amazing. But there’s one slight problem, I don’t know how to ski.
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:36 amOh, that would be awesome – yet I don’t know how either…. 🙁
mongupp (@mongupp) says
08/27/2013 at 7:28 pmAbsolutely stunning. God’s creation is amazing!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:36 amIsn’t it!? I agree!
Heidi C. says
08/27/2013 at 7:55 pmWhat stunning scenery! Sounds like a fun trip!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:37 amIt was amazing, we all cannot wait to go back!
Wendy Lange says
08/27/2013 at 8:56 pmI have visited Banff when I was a kid and it still looks beautiful from your photos!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:37 amSo nice Wendy, time for another visit perhaps?
melanie bonder says
08/28/2013 at 4:14 ami would love to experience this
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:38 amAdd it to the must-see list, you won’t regret it!
🙂
Lynn says
08/28/2013 at 11:46 amI’d love to bring the kids here
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:38 amThey would love it, mine always enjoy the trip there!
Kaitlin Deroo says
08/28/2013 at 2:24 pmWow! Gorgeous pictures, so beautiful there 🙂 Looks like fun!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:39 amThank you!
Teresa Claire says
08/28/2013 at 4:34 pmYour pictures show calmness and beauty…2 great words I love to think of when planning vacations. It looks like the whole family enjoyed it!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:39 amAwe, perfectly said!
melanie bonder says
08/29/2013 at 3:39 amlooks so peaceful
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:40 amIt is … so peaceful!!
Lynn says
08/31/2013 at 7:28 amLove your photos! Reminds me of our trips out west! Now our children are taking their children to see this beautiful country!
Tammi says
08/31/2013 at 9:41 amAwe, that is so nice! Do you all ever go together?
paul v says
02/20/2014 at 2:21 pmits been a long time since I have been to Banff, must go back really love it there.
Jenna @ Green Global Travel says
05/08/2014 at 11:29 pmWow–what a gorgeous area! We might actually be heading there this summer. This makes me really excited–I probably wouldn’t have thought to take the boat tour, but it looks really interesting. Thanks for the suggestion!
mikki says
07/16/2014 at 10:57 amI am most intrigued by native folklore! It must be a sight to see when it does rain – mystically beautiful! Thanks for such a great post and pictures!
Betty S says
10/15/2014 at 3:46 amWe traveled thru Banff on one of our trips, but your pictures so want me to go back and investigate all its beauty