Backpacking Lake Minnewanka to Ghost Lakes & Aylmer Lookout/Pass
The Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail is a great early season backcountry hike in Banff for those new to the backcountry, experienced adventurers, and weekend warriors. The Lake Minnewanka hike has many backcountry campsites, side trails, and an extended route to the Ghost Lakes which are accessible only by foot – or canoe.
I’ve personally done the Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail multiple times and decided to create this post to list everything you need to know about Lake Minnewanka’s campgrounds and trails in order to make planning your trip easier.
In this post I’ll outline Lake Minnewanka’s backcountry campground and booking information, trail restrictions, canoeing and fishing information, and answer common frequently asked questions.
Looking for more backcountry hikes in Banff? I’ve listed all my guides here.
Skip ahead:
- Lake Minnewanka Backpacking Trail Restrictions & Wildlife
- How to get to Lake Minnewanka
- Where to Stay in Banff
- How to Book the Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Campsites
- Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Itineraries
- When to Hike Lake Minnewanka’s Shoreline Trail
- About the Lake Minnewanka Backpacking Trail
- Lake Minnewanka to Ghost Lakes Route
- Lake Minnewanka to Aylmer Lookout & Aylmer Pass
- Personal backpacking gear recommendations
- Canoeing to Lake Minnewanka’s Backcountry Sites
- Fishing Info for Lake Minnewanka
- Lake Minnewanka FAQ
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Lake Minnewanka Restrictions & Wildlife
Before I jump into telling you all about Lake Minnewanka’s backcountry camping info and trail stats – I must mention local wildlife and trail closures as this may impact your trip.
Lake Minnewanka has an annual trail restriction mandated by Parks Canada which comes into effect from July 10 – September 15. The purpose of the closure is for Grizzly bears as Lake Minnewanka sits on the edge of three of their core habitat areas.
During this time no dogs or bikes are permitted on the Lake Minnewanka shoreline trail and the LM8 campsite is closed entirely. If you hike past Stewart Canyon you must be in a group of 4+.
Each person in the group must also carry bear spray and walk within close proximity to one another.
More information about the Lake Minnewanka trail restriction can be found here
You’ll also want to be aware of ticks in the area from April to September. Although they’re around in higher quantities in the spring, wearing long clothes and tucking your pants into your socks is good practise at all times. Each night do a full body check on yourself and your pets for ticks.
It’s advised to bring a tick tool to properly remove them if found on your body.
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How to get to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is located just outside the town of Banff – a 20 minute or 14km drive to be exact. From the Calgary International Airport, Lake Minnewanka is 1hr 40minutes away or 147kms.
To get to Lake Minnewanka from the town of Banff you can drive or take the bus. If you drive to Lake Minnewanka know that parking spots are limited. Arrive early in the morning or in the evening for better chances at getting a parking spot in the summer months.
To take the bus from Banff to Lake Minnewanka, the fare is $2 per person, per trip and can be paid via exact change upon boarding, via the ‘Token Transit‘ app, or at the Highschool Transit hub pay station. Pickups are done at the Highschool Transit hub in the centre of town and route 6 goes to Lake Minnewanka. This bus route is only operational from May to October (exact dates fluctuate annually).
If you’re coming from Calgary, the best option is to drive. If you don’t have a car, I recommend using this site to find the best local rates on rentals.
Where to Stay in Banff
From hostels to camping to luxury hotels – Banff has accommodations for everyone. Here are my top recommendations for where to lodge in Banff based on budget.
I recommend giving this post a read as I’ve listed every Banff hotel worth staying at and organized them by category.
- Hostels – Samesun Banff (best location + bar/restaurant on-site), Banff International Hostel (second best), and HI Banff.
- Budget hotels – Bow View Lodge and High Country Inn.
- Mid-range stays – Banff Park Lodge, Mount Royal, Elk & Avenue, and the Banff Caribou & spa.
- Luxury stays – Fairmont Banff Springs and the Rimrock Resort.
- Cabin retreats: Johnston Canyon Bungalows, Baker Creek, and Castle Mountain Chalets.
- Camp – reservation information can be found here. Ensure you book campsites far in advance as they’re full during summer.
- For those on ski trips: lodge on-mountain at Sunshine Village, stay near Norquay, and see my Lake Louise suggestions below.
Lodging Options Near Banff
Enjoy that nature and activities of Banff National Park, but lodge away from the busy tourist town centre at any of the following:
- Lake Louise – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (luxury), Paradise Lodge & Bungalows (500m from the lake), Lake Louise Inn (value stay), HI Lake Louise (hostel).
- Canmore – Malcolm Hotel (luxury), Stoneridge Mountain Resort (condo suites with fully equipped kitchens), Mountain View Inn (budget), Canmore Downtown Hostel & the Canmore Hostel (party hostel).
- Johnston Canyon – Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Mountain Chalets, and HI Castle Mountain Hostel.
- Yoho National Park – Emerald Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
- Kootenay National Park – Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins.
- Kananaskis Country – Mount Engadine Lodge and Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (luxury), Crosswaters Resort (mid-range), and HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (budget).
How to Book the Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Campsites
The Lake Minnewanka backcountry campgrounds are run by Parks Canada and must be booked ahead of time.
Reservations for Lake Minnewanka’s backcountry campsites can be made here.
If you can’t get the site you want, sign up for cancellation notifications. I’ve used this site for cancellations and have snagged reservations for popular spots like Egypt Lake and Lake O’Hara after reservation day.
Parks Canada reservation day goes live in January – exact dates always change so I encourage you to look on the site linked above for up-to-date info. It’s recommended you book your summer camping reservations in January as popular sites fill up instantly for the summer when bookings go live.
As of 2024 Lake Minnewanka does typically not fill up entirely, so you can book later in summer – this will change as Banff’s backcountry trails become more and more popular. In saying this, sites closer to the Lake Minnewanka trailhead like LM8 or LM9 will fill up faster.
When booking the Lake Minnewanka backcountry trail, there are multiple campgrounds you can choose from. They’re written as “LM#” – the LM standing for Lake Minnewanka, the number representing the distance in kilometres from the trailhead.
Each backcountry campground at Lake Minnewanka has tent pads, picnic tables close to the lake, bear lockers, and drop toilets – bring your own toilet paper!
BOOKING PROCESS: click this link – filter to the “backcountry” tab – hit “backcountry zone” – choose “Banff” as your location – enter your dates/party size/# of tent pads – select “Lake Minnewanka Trailhead” as the access point – select your individual site – input your personal details to complete the booking.
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Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Itineraries
Below I’ll outline a few different itineraries for the Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail. Each itinerary is structured differently for various types of hikers.
Lake Minnewanka Hiking Itinerary #1 – Hike Everything
If you’re like me, you like to hike everything at once – no point in hiking the same trail twice when there are so many others to explore! If I were to hike Lake Minnewanka again I’d recommend the following itinerary prior to July 10 because chances are you won’t be able to find 4+ people willing to do this amount of hiking in such a close timespan.
- Day 1 – hit Stewart Canyon on the way to LM8 and camp here for the night. This should only take around 3hrs so you can enjoy an afternoon at the lake or leave after work if you live close by.
- Day 2 – hit Aylmer Lookout for sunrise, then continue on to Aylmer Pass. Return to LM8 and spend one more night here.
- Day 3 – hike to LM20 or LM22 (LM22 has the prettier campsite, but it’s an extra 4kms roundtrip to carry your backpack). Continue on to the Ghost Lakes, then return to your camp for the night.
- Day 4 – return to the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. This will be a 20km or 22km day depending where you camp, so start early.
Lake Minnewanka Hiking Itinerary #2 – Hike a Moderate Amount
This Lake Minnewanka hiking itinerary is for those looking for the highlights who are willing to clock in an extra few kilometres.
- Day 1 – hit Stewart Canyon on the way to LM8 or LM9 – if you opt to do the Lake Minnewanka backcountry hike between July 10 and September 15 you’ll have to stay at LM9. Spend the night here.
- Day 2 – hike up to Aylmer Lookout, then spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake.
- Optional – spend one more night at LM8/LM9 or hike out the same day.
Lake Minnewanka Hiking Itinerary #3 – Chill Trip
This Lake Minnewanka hiking itinerary is for those looking to relax away from city life, but not work too hard.
- Day 1 – hike or canoe out to LM8, LM9, or LM11 – your choice. This will take 2-3hrs so you can do this after work or in the evening if you have other things going on during the day.
- Day 2 – pack up your gear by 11:00am (checkout time), but continue relaxing by the lake. Go swimming, hang a hammock, cook up some good food. Hike back to the trailhead in the evening.
- Optional – stay the night on day 2 and leave on day 3.
When to Hike Lake Minnewanka’s Shoreline Trail
Banff’s hiking season is technically from May to October, but weather and temperatures change year to year making this timeframe a bit unstable. Temperatures remain cold overnight into late spring meaning Banff’s backcountry camping season looks more like June to August.
Lake Minnewanka has a low elevation profile and snow melts quicker in this area meaning this is one of the first doable backcountry hikes in Banff each spring. I’ve hiked the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail as early as the end of April one year, but had to wait until late June/early July other years.
I’d say the absolute best time of year to camp along Lake Minnewanka is late June/early July before the summer crowds come in and before the trail restrictions come into place. By this time temperatures should be warmer at night and Aylmer Lookout should be snow-free if you’re looking to add any side trails to your itinerary.
In saying this, Lake Minnewanka continues to be a great backcountry trail choice into July all the way until early October usually. The end of June/early July is my personal preferred time as I like to tackle bigger objectives in the peak summer months.
About the Lake Minnewanka Backpacking Trail
The Lake Minnewanka shoreline trail is a great backcountry hike for beginners. The trail is close to town, it’s easy to follow, there are beautiful views the entire way, and there are lots of people around – at least up until LM9. Past this point it can be very quiet.
Lake Minnewanka route on Alltrails
As previously mentioned each campground is named according to its distance, in kilometres, from the trailhead. You can go for a leisurely stroll along Lake Minnewanka or hike 30kms+ one way to the furthest campground.
There’s minimal elevation changes along the Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail as it follows the shore of the lake closely. The biggest section of elevation gain occurs right at the beginning of the trail coming around the corner from Stewart Canyon. The “steep” section is nothing compared to other hikes and backcountry routes in the area though, for perspective.
There are lots of side trails along Lake Minnewanka like Aylmer Lookout, Aylmer Pass, Aylmer summit, Stewart Canyon, Ghost Lakes, and a few off-the-beaten-path scramble routes toward the back of the lake. I talk about some of these hikes later in this post.
The Lake Minnewanka trail is mostly forested however you’ll have views of the lake most of the time. Since you’re always close to the lake this means you’ll always have fairly easy access to a fresh water supply, however sometimes the area between the trail and the lake are a bit too steep to travel down.
There’s lots of wildlife around so it’s recommended you make consistent noise and hike within daylight hours. There’s also a trail restriction in place from July 10 to September 15 for wildlife – more information about this above.
Top Tours & Excursions in Banff
Banff Gondola – epic views from the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Banff Hop on Hop off – explore the park at your own pace.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise – take a scenic boat ride down the largest lake in Banff.
Moraine Lake sunrise – chartered bus to see alpenglow on Canada’s most beautiful lake.
Norquay via ferrata – epic beginner friendly climbing route across iron bars on Mt Norquay.
Sunshine Meadows Gondola – find wild alpine flowers and hike around pristine alpine lakes.
Click here for a complete list of the Banff tours I recommend:
Lake Minnewanka to Ghost Lakes Route
LM22 is the last campsite along Lake Minnewanka’s north side. From here the trail continues east toward the Ghost Lakes and onward to the Ghost River Wilderness Area through Devil’s Gap.
The trail from LM22 to the end of the second Ghost Lake is around 9kms roundtrip or 26.5kms from the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. The trail has minimal elevation changes and it’s very quiet – you’ll likely have it to yourself. When I visited in May the second lake was bone dry and the first was pretty much empty.
Tip: drop your gear at LM22 and continue on with just the essentials rather than taking all your camping gear.
The landscape around Ghost Lakes is unique as there was previously a wildfire leaving black tree trunks and open meadows. This is very different than the vegetation you’ll see on the rest of Lake Minnewanka’s Shoreline trail.
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Lake Minnewanka & LM8 to Aylmer Lookout & Aylmer Pass
I briefly go over information for these hikes below, but my complete breakdown of the hikes can be found in my Banff & Lake Louise Map.
The Aylmer Pass and Aylmer Lookout trailhead is technically at LM8 which is located 8kms down the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail. The best way to complete these hikes is to hike out to LM8 the first day, camp overnight, then hike both the following day. You can then spend another night at LM8 or return home the same day – which is what I did.
Keep in mind the Lake Minnewanka trail restrictions mean LM8 is closed from July 10 – Sept 15. You’ll have to camp at LM9 within this timeframe which adds an extra few kilometres to your trip.
From LM8 to Aylmer Lookout the hike is 8kms roundtrip with 621m elevation gain. It takes around 2hrs to reach the summit from LM8 or 4hrs from the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. I did Aylmer Lookout for sunrise which was perfect with the morning alpenglow.
LM8 to Aylmer Pass is around 11kms roundtrip with 800m elevation gain. It takes 3-4hrs to reach Aylmer Pass from LM8 or 5-6 from the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. Aylmer Pass is best hiked from late July to early August when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Hiking Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass from LM8 and back the same day is just over 15kms roundtrip with approx 1,100m elevation gain and takes 5-6hrs. Plus the additional 8kms for the return hike if you decide to leave the same day.
Personal Backpacking Gear Recommendations
I continually keep this post up-to-date with my current backpacking setup.
Sleep System: I use the Hotcore winter sleeping bag which has a -20 rating (useful in the Rockies during summer). I also use Hotcore’s fleece sleeping bag liner and the Thermarest NeoAir XLite for my sleeping pad. The MSR Hubba Hubba 2P is my go-to tent.
Camp Kitchen: I use the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove and the RioRand mess kit. I also love Stasher Bags for carrying, rehydrating, and cooking food plus the euroSCRUBBY and this soap for cleanup.
Warmth: I have Raynaud’s disease which means I struggle to stay warm. I wear these -40 socks, wool base layers, Aurora Heat’s reusable fur foot warmers, and fill a Nalgene bottle with boiling water for my sleeping bag. This tends to keep me warm at night.
Extras: 3L Hydrapak for carrying water, the Hydrapak attachable filter and aquatabs to clean water. Dry bags for food storage and to keep clothes/electronics dry. I use the women’s Osprey Aura 65L backpack (Osprey Atoms 65L for men). A lightweight camping pillow for comfort and a bug suit for marshy areas. I also always bring these thin gloves and a toque.
And finally, rain gear. I bring both a rain coat and rain pants as they’re lightweight and make a world of difference if you need an extra layer of warmth or to protect yourself from the elements.
Canoeing to Lake Minnewanka’s Backcountry Sites
Alternative to hiking, you can also canoe to Lake Minnewanka’s backcountry campgrounds, just be aware that there are special requirements for cleaning your boat before you can launch it in any body of water in Canada’s National Parks (info linked below).
The paddling route to the Lake Minnewanka backcountry camps is the same distance as the hiking route as long as you stick close to the shore. You can bring extra gear – or as I like to call it “luxury items” – as you’ll have extra space in the canoe which is one of the most appealing aspects to paddling Lake Minnewanka opposed to hiking.
You can rent canoes at Lake Minnewanka by the hour, but this would be extremely pricey for overnight trips. It’s recommended you bring your own canoe or kayak for the Lake Minnewanka paddle.
Tips for paddling Lake Minnewanka:
- Strong winds and waves can appear out of nowhere, especially in the afternoon. Paddling Lake Minnewanka is recommended only to strong, experienced paddlers.
- Bring a lifejacket, whistle, bailer, an emergency device, and an extra change of clothes in case you fall in.
- Stay close to the shore – Lake Minnewanka’s campsite are difficult to find from the water. It’s also safer to be closer to the shore.
- Lake Minnewanka’s water is cold and hypothermia can set in rapidly if you capsize.
- Tie all your gear to the canoe with a rope.
- Bring gloves and extra layers. It’s much colder paddling than it is hiking.
- If you get tired, the entire shore of Lake Minnewanka is a rocky beach where you can pull up and rest.
Updated rules and regulations + cleaning protocols from Parks regarding paddling in Banff can be found here
Fishing Info for Lake Minnewanka
Anglers will be happy to know that they can fish in Lake Minnewanka as long as they’re not using any natural bait, chemical attractants, or lead tackle. You must also have the appropriate permits.
Fishing regulations can change and I’m no “expert” in the area, so if you’d like to find updated information regarding fishing at Lake Minnewanka you can visit the Parks Canada fishing page.
Lake Minnewanka FAQ
Is there a campsite at Lake Minnewanka?
There’s not a single “campsite” at Lake Minnewanka, but there are multiple backcountry sites along the Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail.
When is the Lake Minnewanka trail restriction?
Lake Minnewanka has an annual trail restriction in place from July 10 to September 15 for grizzles.
Can you backpack Lake Minnewanka in winter? Is there avalanche risk?
You can backpack and camp at Lake Minnewanka in winter, although it’s risky. Avalanches do occur along the Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail and temperatures can be extremely cold in the winter months. The campsites are open year round.
Can you hike to the back of Lake Minnewanka in one day?
You can hike to the back of Lake Minnewanka in one day, however it’s 22kms one way. It’s recommended you camp at LM22 if you hike the entire length of Lake Minnewanka in one day.
Can I canoe to the backcountry campsites on Lake Minnewanka? Where can I rent canoes?
You can canoe to Lake Minnewanka’s campsites rather than hike, although conditions can be dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. You can rent canoes and kayaks by the hour at Lake Minnewanka, but it’s expensive. Bringing your own boat is recommended.
Can you fish in Lake Minnewanka?
Yes you can fish in Lake Minnewanka. Fishing regulations for Banff can be found here.
How long is the hike from Banff to Ghost Lakes?
The hike from Banff to Ghost Lakes is around 26kms one-way. It’s recommended to divide your hike to the Ghost Lakes into multiple days or hike in from the Ghost River Wilderness Area to decrease your trip length.
How long is Lake Minnewanka?
Lake Minnewanka is 21kms long, but the hiking trail is 22kms.
Are there hikes at Lake Minnewanka?
Yes there are many hikes at Lake Minnewanka. Stewart Canyon, Aylmer Lookout, and Aylmer Pass are the most popular.
What do I need to pack to camp at Lake Minnewanka?
I keep this page up-to-date with all the gear I use for backcountry camping.
Is the Lake Minnewanka hike good for beginners?
The Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail is a great hike for beginners. The trail is well trafficked, easy to follow, well marked, and close to town.
Are there bears at Lake Minnewanka?
Yes. Lake Minnewanka borders 3 prime grizzly habitat areas. More information about this can be found above.
Best time for photography at Lake Minnewanka?
Lake Minnewanka runs east to west which means both sunrise and sunset are great times to photograph Lake Minnewanka. I personally prefer sunrise.
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Things to do: tours, viewpoints & unique activities
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My Featured Banff Blogs
Travel Guides
Banff Activities
Quick Banff Guide
First time visiting Canada? This page outlines all my travel tips for those new to Canada.
When to visit: this post breaks down each month in Banff with average temperatures and corresponding activities.
How to get to Banff: fly into Calgary International Airport. From here, rent a car, RV, or take one of the following shuttles to Banff:
- Budget: On-It runs during the summer months and Pop-a-Ride is a ride-share program. You can use my Poparide link to save $5 on your first trip.
- Top private shuttles: Banff Airporter and Brewster.
- Car rental: having access to a car is the best way to travel to/from/within Banff. Here are the best budget car rental options for Canada.
Best Activities in Banff: here are all my recommendations for the best tours, activities, and unique experiences in Banff & beyond.
Moraine Lake or Lake Louise: read my guide for how to get there with the new road closures. If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, you can book a shuttle here.
Lodging & Camping: Here’s my guide for hotels in Banff (Organized by Category). If you’re visiting during peak summer (mid June to early September), make your lodging reservations FAR in advance. Front country and backcountry camping reservations must be made on the Parks Canada reservation system. The system typically opens in January and it’s recommended you make reservations then.
Reservations: for activities and restaurants should be made well in advance during summer. Get Your Guide and Viator are popular tour booking platforms whereas OpenTable is used for restaurants.
Parks Pass: You’ll need a National Park Pass for your vehicle for each day you’re in Banff. Passes can be purchased at the East Parks Gates, the Visitor Centre, or online. If you’ll be in any of Canada’s National Parks for more than 7 days in a 365 day period, an annual Discovery Pass offers a better rate than purchasing individual day passes.
Roam Transit: once you arrive in Banff, use the local transit service as much as possible to avoid parking issues. There are bus lines within town, plus lines to popular spots like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The bus to Lake Louise should be reserved in advance.
Parking: the best spot to park is the free lot next to the train station. More information about parking in town can be found here and parking fees can be paid here. Bylaw is strict, so ensure you’re following parking rules exactly.
Wildlife Safety: 11 ways to stay safe from wildlife, bear safety, & bear basics.
and that concludes my Lake Minnewanka Backpacking Guide. Enjoy!
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
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