11 Beautiful Hikes at Lake Minnewanka, Banff
Many visitors come to Lake Minnewanka for the boat cruise and sightseeing, but there are also plenty of beautiful hikes at Lake Minnewanka too. The Lake Minnewanka trails mentioned here range from easy hikes to scrambling routes and backcountry adventures – there’s a type of trail for everyone.
Lake Minnewanka is one of my favourite places to hike in Banff. There’s great variety in the terrain and views, plus the trails are close to town making them easy to access. From wildflowers to forested routes and summit scrambles, Lake Minnewanka has it all.
Skip ahead:
- How to get to Lake Minnewanka
- Things to do at Lake Minnewanka
- Where to Stay in Banff
- 11 Hikes at Lake Minnewanka
- Best Time of Year to Hike at Lake Minnewanka
- When to Camp at Lake Minnewanka
- Quick Banff Guide
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Lake Minnewanka Restrictions & Wildlife
Before I jump into telling you all about the hikes at Lake Minnewanka – 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
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 the Lake Minnewanka hikes 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.
Lake Minnewanka Road Closure
The Western section of the Lake Minnewanka rd is closed from November to May. The road isn’t cleared in the winter and in the spring it’s closed for bikers. You can still access Lake Minnewanka via personal vehicle during these times, but some of the Lake Minnewanka hikes I’ve mentioned below will require an extra walk down the closed section opposed to driving if you visit prior to June.
More information about the Lake Minnewanka road closure can be found here.
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Things to do at Lake Minnewanka
Aside from the many hikes at Lake Minnewanka, there are a few other activities at Lake Minnewanka you can enjoy.
Things to do at Lake Minnewanka in summer:
- Rent a boat at the Lake Minnewanka docks. There are canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats to choose from.
- Go on a boat cruise out further into the lake and hear about the local legends – Lake Minnewanka has a ghost town and a “sea creature.” This tour gives you a unique perspective of the lake and they hold various events like beer tasting.
- Grab lunch at Black Anchor. Although a bit pricey, their food is supposedly quite tasty.
- Have a picnic along the lake. There are various picnic tables long the shoreline or you can lay out a blanket.
- Do a polar dip. Lake Minnewanka’s water temperature remains frigid year round.
Lake Minnewanka winter activities include ice skating, xc skiing, and snowshoeing. Once the lake freezes you can wild ice skate (as long as proper conditions exist) and you can snowshoe along the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail or the lake itself. Just take proper care for avalanches. You can xc ski on the Western Loop of the Lake Minnewanka rd in winter too.
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:
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).
11 Hikes at Lake Minnewanka
These 11 hikes at Lake Minnewanka range from easy to hard and include backcountry trails and scrambling routes. Most trails are accessed via the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, however a few require additional walking down the Lake Minnewanka road, if you’re visiting without a car.
ps – I’ve marked all the hikes and trailheads mentioned here on my Banff & Lake Louise map
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Stewart Canyon
- Distance: 5.8kms
- Elevation gain: 209m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: easy
- Estimated time: 1.5hrs
Stewart Canyon is the easiest hike at Lake Minnewanka. The trail follows the shore of Lake Minnewanka before crossing a bridge and following a wooded trail down to a small canyon with gushing blue water. This is a relaxing spot to put your feet in the icy water and listen to the sounds of nature.
This Lake Minnewanka hike is very busy, so you’re not likely to find solitude here unless you visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail
- Distance: up to 58.5kms
- Elevation gain: up to 1,400m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: easy to difficult
- Estimated time: 30 mins to multiple days
The Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail is one of the more “versatile” hikes at Lake Minnewanka. The Shoreline trails follows the north edge of the lake from the parking lot all the way to the back of the lake. Lake Minnewanka is 21kms long – the largest lake in Banff – but the hiking trail to the back is 22kms.
The further you go on the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail you’ll find more trails like Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass as well as backcountry campgrounds.
The picture featured above is 5.5kms from the parking lot and takes around 1.5hrs roundtrip. If you only have a short period of time at Lake Minnewanka this is a great place to end your hike. If you have extended time you can hike further or even spend a night at one of the campsites.
Aylmer Lookout
- Distance: 23.2
- Elevation gain: 1,040m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: difficult
- Estimated time: 7-8hrs
Aylmer Lookout is my favourite hike at Lake Minnewanka and possibly even all of Banff. The trail there is quite lengthy and a bit steep toward the end, but the views make it all worth it.
I’d recommend camping at LM8 or LM9 the night prior to hiking Aylmer Lookout to shorten the trail distance a bit. I camped at LM8 and completed Aylmer Lookout for sunrise the following day which was epic.
If you’re hiking to Aylmer Lookout from LM8, here’s the Alltrails map with more accurate stats. The hike to Aylmer Lookout from LM8 is 8kms with 621m gain.
Aylmer Pass
- Distance: 26.6kms
- Elevation gain: 1,247m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: difficult
- Estimated time: 9hrs
Aylmer Pass is located further down the valley from Aylmer Lookout. If you’re a fit hiker I’d recommend completing both Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass in the same day as you’ll need to take the long hike out from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot for both hikes – best to do them both at once to avoid doubling back.
Aylmer Lookout is one of the longest hikes at Lake Minnewanka and the trail is usually quite deserted, but this makes it all the more special. Beware that the area near the pass is usually quite swampy in the spring. Best to wear Goretex boots and gaiters.
This is the best hike at Lake Minnewanka for wildflowers. If you visit toward the end of July/early August you’ll find vibrant fields of all kinds of wildflowers that seem to extend for kilometres.
Mount Aylmer
- Distance: 28.6kms
- Elevation gain: 2,156m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: scramble
- Estimated time: 12.5hrs
I’ve not personally not completed this Lake Minnewanka hike, so I’ll direct you to the Alltrails map linked below to read reviews from hikers who’ve done it themselves.
Aylmer Lookout is a difficult scramble route requiring route finding. It’s not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Ghost Lakes
- Distance: 53kms
- Elevation gain: 1,300m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: multi-day backcountry trip
- Estimated time: 2-4 days
The Ghost Lakes are a series of smaller lakes located at the back of Lake Minnewanka. This Lake Minnewanka hike takes you close to the national park boundary which borders the Ghost Lakes Wilderness Area.
The Ghost Lakes are often almost empty or bone dry entirely. The area surrounding them has previously undergone a wildfire which has made the vegetation quite different compared to what you see along the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail. Here there are blackened tree trunks and more open spaces.
The hike to the Ghost Lakes is 26.5kms one-way along a relatively flat trail. It cannot necessarily be completed in one day, so you’ll need to pack your backcountry gear and spend at least one night on the trail. The guide I linked below has more detailed information.
Tessa Falls
- Distance: 1.4kms
- Elevation gain: 80m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: easy
- Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
Tessa Falls is a secluded, small waterfall – you’ll likely have this near Lake Minnewanka hike yourself. The hike is very quick, but if you’re not travelling with a car it will add an extra half hour (roundtrip) as you’ll need to walk to the trailhead from the Lake Minnewanka parking lot.
My favourite part about Tessa Falls is the orange-y colour of the rock. It’s very unique compared to the other rock types in the area.
Mount Astley
- Distance: 16.9kms
- Elevation gain: 1,540m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: scramble
- Estimated time: 6-10hrs
I’ve not personally completed this Lake Minnewanka hike, so I’ll direct you to the Alltrails map linked below to read reviews from hikers who’ve done it themselves.
The trail to Mount Astley is a difficult route that should only be attempted by those with scrambling experience.
C Level Cirque
- Distance: 9.8kms
- Elevation gain: 781m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: moderate
- Estimated time: 4hrs
C Level Cirque is among one of the more popular Lake Minnewanka hikes. The trail is fairly quick, but steep and provides beautiful views overlooking Lake Minnewanka.
The trail to C Level Cirque passes old mining shafts and a stone building. There’s also a green pond located a short jaunt from the main trail. If you’re hoping to see alpenglow, the best time of day to hike C Level Cirque is at sunset.
C Level Cirque does not start at the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, but 2.4kms down the West side of the road. It takes approx. 30 minutes to walk there (one-way) or 10 minutes by bike.
Cascade Valley
- Distance: 12.6kms
- Elevation gain: 412m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: moderate
- Estimated time: 3.5hrs
This Lake Minnewanka hike is used primarily by those looking to extend their backcountry travels deep into the lesser explored regions of Banff. You can go to the Cascade Valley bridge as a day hike, but it’s very densely forested meaning there are minimal views along the way. The “trail” follows an old service road.
Bankhead Loop
- Distance: 1.1kms
- Elevation gain: 24m
- Type of Trail: out & back
- Rated: easy
- Estimated time: 25 minutes
Bankhead is a quick and easy trail that wanders through buildings and old equipment that were used when Banff was a mining town. There are plenty of info panels along the way used to educate visitors.
Bankhead is located slightly further down the road from the C Level Cirque trailhead.
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Recommended Hiking Gear for the Rockies
Below are my personal recommendations and favourite products for Rockies specific hiking gear.
If you’re after a more extensive gear breakdown, check out this post.
Backpack: I prefer a smaller 24L pack for shorter day hikes and a 36L bag for longer day hikes + light overnighters. I’ve been using the backpacks below for years and love all the features and durability they offer.
- For women: Osprey Sirrus 24L & Osprey Sirrus 36L
- For men: Osprey Stratos 24L & Osprey Stratos 36L
Hydration: I use the 3L Hydrapak to carry water. A 2L or 3L reservoir is typically the perfect size for any length of day hike. You can also bring lightweight aquatabs if you need to clean water on-the-go.
Footwear: I currently use the Scarpa Kailesh (men’s version) and full cushion crew Smartwool socks.
Safety: carry a communication device. The Garmin Inreach Mini is a fan favourite for its small size and price point.
I also always carry hiking poles (no need to purchase fancy hiking poles), a hat, and an extra layer.
Looking for my backcountry gear recommendations? Check out this post.
Rockies Hiking Gear: Winter
If you’re planning to hike the Rockies in winter, you’ll need to add a few more items to your gear arsenal. The below are my personal favourites.
Spikes: I love Hillsound’s trail crampon which provides killer traction and long-lasting durability.
Snowshoes: I use TSL’s sustainable Symbioz Hyperflex snowshoe, however any snowshoe from TSL is top of the line. This one is their midrange model which offers similar features at a light weight and better price point.
Gaiters: this is my top pick for gaiters which are great for keeping water and snow out of your boots. If you’re on a budget, these ones are a little more cost effective and have plenty of great reviews.
Warmth: I struggle with Raynaud’s disease and use Aurora Heat’s reusable, fur hand + ultra foot warmers which have made a massive difference for both winter hiking and skiing.
Softshell Pants: these are my favourite pants (men’s sizing) for cold weather hiking. They’re water resistant, wind resistant, and warm. If you’re reading from the USA, these REI pants are equivalent: women’s sizing | men’s sizing.
Best Time of Year to Hike at Lake Minnewanka
The best time of year to hike at Lake Minnewanka is from spring to autumn.
The exact dates you can hike at Lake Minnewanka are typically from early April to the end of October. Snow melts quickly and takes a while to accumulate along the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline trail which extends the hiking season here.
In winter avalanches do occur along the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail, but Stewart Canyon remains a popular trail year round and is typically always packed down in the winter months.
If you’re hoping to tackle Aylmer Lookout you’ll usually have to wait until at least early June, although this date varies year to year. The snow usually melts by early July on Aylmer Pass, but I’d recommend waiting until early August to see the wildflower bloom.
For C Level Cirque May to October are usually the best months, but this date depends on snowfall and spring temperatures.
When to Camp at Lake Minnewanka
The best time of year to camp at Lake Minnewanka is in the summer.
Lake Minnewanka has multiple backcountry campgrounds along its shoreline that are open year round, but the best time to camp at Lake Minnewanka is summer. The Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail will be snow-free from late April until late October (approximate dates), but if you wait until July you’ll be able to complete more Lake Minnewanka hikes like Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass from your campground.
During winter the Lake Minnewanka shoreline trail does experience avalanches, so take appropriate precautions if you plan to venture out that way during the snowy season.
The Lake Minnewanka campgrounds must be booked ahead of time via the Parks Canada Reservation Service. And remember, there are trail restrictions at Lake Minnewanka in place from mid July to mid September which will affect your camping plans.
More information about camping at Lake Minnewanka can be found in my guides below
Canadian Rockies Hiking Tips
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is much more advanced than hiking in other regions of Canada and around the world. Here you need to factor in high elevations, extreme weather, potentially dangerous wildlife, and vast wilderness.
Guides for hikes in: Banff | Jasper | Kananaskis | Kootenay | Waterton | Yoho
Approach: if you’re new to hiking in the Rockies, take a conservative approach and know it will likely take you longer than you think to complete a trail. Start out with smaller hikes and gradually work your way up when it comes to elevation, exposure, and remoteness. Additionally, ensure you have more than enough daylight to return to the trailhead. Keep in mind you may experience some form of altitude sickness if you’re new to the mountains.
Best Time of Year: you can hike year round in the Rockies however summer (July-early September) is best for any kind of summit hike, Larch season (when the trees turn yellow) generally happens the last week of September to the first week of October, and spring (May-June) is best for lower elevation hikes that do not cross avalanche terrain.
- Hiking in winter? Check the avalanche bulletin, take an avalanche safety course, stick to conservative terrain, hike in groups, and don’t take risks. If you’re unsure, don’t go as the Canadian Rockies can be volatile in the snow. I go off local knowledge and use a combination of the slope angle tool on Caltopo and Google Maps satellite view to survey terrain before hiking.
- My favourite weather tool for the Rockies is SpotWx.
Pets: Generally dogs are allowed on all trails in the Rockies unless otherwise stated. Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
Safety: Always tell someone (or better yet, multiple people) where you’re going and your estimated return time (check-in). Additionally, ensure you tell your safety contacts when you return (check out).
- Carry a satellite communication device as there’s typically no cell service on-trail in the Rockies. The Garmin InReach Mini is a fan favourite, however newer iPhones (14+) have a satellite feature.
What to Bring: always carry more water and snacks than you need. I always have a thin pair of gloves, sunglasses, and sun protection with me too. Blister care, tissues, and a hat are always good to have on hand. Remember, whatever you pack in, you must pack out.
What to Wear: The key is to dress in layers so you can add or take away clothing on a need basis. A combination of wool/synthetic fibres is the best material and you’ll always want to bring an extra layer for warmth (even in summer). You’ll want sturdy footwear (I prefer boots over shoes), and a water/windproof jacket as weather here is unpredictable.
Wildlife: you’ll come across many animals in the Canadian Rockies (elk, moose, deer, etc). The best thing to do is hike in groups of 4+, make noise, give all animals space, and carry bear spray (learn how to use it, too). Here are bear safety tips from Parks Canada.
Maps: I use the Alltrails+ membership which allows users to download their maps and track their location via satellite even when they’re out of service. Alltrails is also currently the best resource to find hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Canadian Rockies Camping Tips
Camping in the Rockies takes place in two forms – front country and backcountry. Front country camping is in an established campground with amenities like bathrooms, parking, and staff. Backcountry camping is when you hike into your campsite.
Unless you’re on some form of public land – random camping and free car camping is not permitted in the Canadian Rockies. If you do plan to “free” camp in the designated areas, you must purchase the Public Lands Camping Pass.
Camping Reservations: must be made far in advance, especially for popular sites in the National Parks. Reservation day (when booking goes live) typically occurs in February. Try to book your front country and backcountry reservations then as sites will book out instantly for the entire summer.
- Front + backcountry National Park camping reservations can be made here and Kananaskis reservations can be made here: backcountry | front country.
- Can’t get a reservation? Sign up for cancellation notifications via Schnerp. I use this resource frequently and have found cancellations at even the most popular spots in the Rockies like Lake O’Hara.
When to Camp: Camping can be done year round in some locations, however many campgrounds close for the winter. If you’re hoping to backcountry camp, July-August is the best time of year for warmer and more stable weather. Keep in mind, temperatures are typically very cold at night even during peak summer.
Backcountry Campgrounds: generally have a drop toilet (bring your own TP), picnic tables, tent pads, and bear facilities (lockers or a hanging device). Two items I don’t go backcountry without are dry bags for food storage and Stasher Bags for cooking, garbage, etc.
Hut Camping: the Alpine Club of Canada has established alpine huts scattered around the Rockies and beyond. These huts must be booked in advance and cater to backcountry skiers, hikers, and climbers.
Packing advice and my personal gear recommendations can be found in my Backcountry Gear Guide.
These are all the hikes at Lake Minnewanka.
Banff Google Map: 600+ Pins
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Outdoors: hiking trails, campgrounds, ski resorts, waterfalls & lakes
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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.
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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