Minnewanka Lake Cruise - Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka (home of the 'Banff Crasher Squirrel') lies in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, just a short 15 minute drive from the townsite of Banff. Minnewanka Lake Cruise provides a unique sightseeing tour experience on one of two 48 passenger Lake Cruisers or the 65 passenger Alberta Explorer operating several times daily from mid-May to mid-October. This magnificent interpretive lake cruise of Minnewanka and the scenic Canadian Rockies is just over one hour and provides unique photo opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Our experienced crew will guide you through this rugged paradise richly steeped in history, native folklore and geology. The narration is intriguing, entertaining and informative. You will learn about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit these mountains, the early explorers who named them and the tremendous forces that created them. The Lake Minnewanka valley offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.

Canadian Rockies Lake Cruise

Explore the largest lake in Banff National Park on this magnificent one hour interpretive cruise that introduces the rugged paradise richly steeped in history, native folklore and geology. Travel on a modern Lake Cruiser, as an experienced captain and entertaining guide explore the ‘water of the spirits’ and share tales of First Nations people and early explorers that first discovered the area. Learn about the tremendous forces that created the surrounding mountains and stay on the lookout for wildlife that frequent the lake. Lake Cruisers depart hourly on the hour between 10am and 6pm (last departure - evening wildlife cruise). Find rates and hours here for Minnewanka Lake Cruises.

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. Make sure you don't miss the third annual Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival coming August 14-15, 2010.

Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival

Lake Minnewanka is home of the Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival. Banff-Lake Louise Tourism in cooperation with Parks Canada and Brewster organize this fun family event in August.

Click here to learn more about Banff National Park's Dragon Boat Festival.