If you’re looking for an easy hike in Banff, the Lake Minnewanka Trail is a gentle and scenic option when the snow flies. In the summertime, Lake Minnewanka can be an overwhelmingly popular place for locals and visitors, with many flocking to explore the largest lake in Banff National Park. To my complete surprise, I found myself alone on the Lake Minnewanka hike this cold winter morning (though more visitors showed up toward noon). Any time of the year, the Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail is a lovely place to stretch your legs!
Last Updated: February 15, 2024
In January 2021, I wanted to get out of the house and stretch my legs on a winter trail. After some online searching, I stumbled across the Lake Minnewanka hike and decided to go for it. The Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail can be a great option for hikers looking for a longer trail with minimal elevation gain. On this fairly easy trail, experience Banff’s largest lake and the second largest in the Canadian Rockies, at nearly 24 km long and 142 metres deep. For a memorable trip to Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a worthwhile choice!
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About Lake Minnewanka Hike
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 18 kilometres out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length)
Elevation: 50 metre gain
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, except between July 10 to September 15. Dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Lake Minnewanka hike features the largest lake in Banff National Park surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes. The lakeside trail offers visitors the opportunity to find spectacular views with minimal effort, and even spend the night in the backcountry during the summer. If you’re feeling energetic, consider hiking up to Aylmer Lookout for panoramic views (when the conditions are right).
Lake Minnewanka Trail Map
Finding the Lake Minnewanka Trailhead
Lake Minnewanka is a popular destination and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the parking area. If you’re travelling from Calgary, drive west on the Trans Canada Hwy for about 120 km and then take the exit toward Lake Minnewanka. Follow Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive past Two Jack Lake until reaching the Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot. In the off-season, outhouse toilets are available with additional facilities open in the summertime.
Read next: Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff National Park
Lake Minnewanka Trail — Banff in Winter Hiking
Arriving early in the morning, I was ready to get going on the Lake Minnewanka hike. Bella the Bernese mountain dog was just as excited, ready as always for a cold winter hike in Banff. After tossing on my day pack and attaching Bella’s leash and harness, we made our way over to the Lake Minnewanka Trailhead. If you’re visiting in the winter, remember to wear appropriate layers including a warm insulated jacket. Bella and I walked along the service road and then onto the snow-packed trail through the forest.
After about 1.2 km, we reached the Stewart Canyon Bridge where many visitors turn back after taking in the views of the Cascade River. After crossing the bridge, we kept right to continue on the Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail. If you have time, you could explore the Stewart Canyon Trail as well. It’s possible to hike up to 31 km one way along Lake Minnewanka to Ghost Lakes Campground. After 9 km one way to Aylmer Pass Junction, we turned around after watching a huge bald eagle soar over the glassy frozen waters. For stunning panoramic views of Lake Minnewanka, the hike up to Aylmer Lookout is an additional 6 km out and back from the junction. We didn’t hike up this time, but I would love to return for Aylmer Lookout.
Note: Be cautious on Lake Minnewanka in the winter, as several incidents of visitors falling through the ice have been reported. If you’re planning to skate or walk on the frozen lake, remember to check the ice beforehand as mild and warmer winters create higher risk for accidents.
Lake Minnewanka Camping
An easy backcountry camping route in Banff, hiking to Aylmer Pass Junction Campground (LM8) is about 9 km one way, with 12 campsites, two outhouses, hanging trusses for food storage, and a cooking area with picnic tables. With minimal elevation gain, plan to camp out for a night or two beside the beautiful lake, or continue to Aylmer Canyon (LM9) or Mt Inglismaldie Campgrounds (LM11). Choose to hike or paddle into these lakeside campgrounds to experience Banff’s beautiful backcountry. Book your campsite on Parks Canada’s online reservation service.
Read next: Mount Engadine Lodge: Amazing Winter Getaway in Alberta
What To Bring — Lake Minnewanka Banff in Winter
What you choose to bring in your day pack will depend on the time of year. If you’re heading out on the Lake Minnewanka hike, bring a day pack with essential hiking gear as there are no amenities along the trail. No matter the season, you will want to have drinking water in a water bottle or water reservoir (to drink on the move) and some snacks packed with calories. For extra stability, bring alone those hiking poles and even microspikes or trail crampons in the winter time, as Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail packs down and can be very slippery. Bring an outer layer jacket to protect against the wind and rain, and insulating layers (like a down or synthetic jacket) for insulation and warmth. If you’re wondering how to layer, check out this post on What To Wear Winter Hiking in Canada for tips and suggestions. Don’t forget to pack the 10 Essentials.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Before heading out, remember to bring your Banff Parking Pass or purchase your season pass or day pass online. You can also purchase a pass at the Banff National Park entrance kiosk or visitor centre in Banff.
Seasonal restrictions: Lake Minnewanka has seasonal restrictions in place from July 10 to September 15 due to bear activity. Hikers must visit in groups of at least four and carry bear spray at all times. Further, cyclists and dogs are not allowed on the Lake Minnewanka Trail during this period.
Season: For hikers of all backgrounds and skill levels, the Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail can be ideal in the winter months — especially if you want to avoid crowds. However, this beautiful lake is also worth a visit in the summer. If you’re hiking in winter, be aware of avalanche risks.
Parking: Free parking is available near the Lake Minnewanka boat launch.
Toilets: Outhouse toilets are available near the trailhead and in the backcountry campgrounds, with additional facilities open in the summertime.
Pets: Dogs are permitted outside of peak season but must remain on a leash. No dogs or pets are allowed between July 10 to September 15.
Trail conditions: Before arriving at Lake Minnewanka, check the trail conditions to make sure you’re prepared.
Wildlife: Banff National Park is bear country and Lake Minnewanka is prime grizzly territory. Bring bear spray and use a bear spray holster for easy use. Keep a safe distance from wildlife — never feed or approach wildlife and help keep them wild.
Activities: Lake Minnewanka has a lot to offer visitors, such as hiking, camping, paddling, and skating in the wintertime. During the summer, the parking lots often overflow but can be calm and quiet in the winter months.
Things To Do in Banff in Winter
Are you looking for more things to do in Banff in winter? Here are a few more winter activities in Banff and the surrounding area to add to your list:
- Tunnel Mountain Hike in Banff National Park
- Johnston Canyon Hike in Beautiful Banff National Park
- XC Skiing Moraine Lake Road in Banff National Park
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
Have you visited Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park? Did you hike Lake Minnewanka Trail or someplace else? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
Lake Minnewanka from Devils Gap (and various configurations) has been our season opener (Hiking Season is May to April ha ha) for 27 years!
Very cool! Such a great spot.