Trip Date: May 2019
The Minnewanka Shoreline has been on my mountain biking hit-list for awhile now. I was fortunate enough to pick the nicest spring day of the year thus far, to tackle this popular 30km out-and-back trail in Banff National Park. Please note this trail has seasonal closures in place for cyclists. These closures occur between July 10 and September 15 each year. The trail remains open during that time for hiking and backpacking, it's just closed to bikers.
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| The Stewart Canyon bridge that spans the Cascade River |
The trailhead is the Minnewanka Day-Use Area. This is a very popular tourist destination, so you'll want to get there early to ensure you get a parking spot. To access the lakeshore trail you'll follow the paved trail/access road to the
Stewart Canyon trailhead. From there continue on the dirt trail towards the canyon before crossing the bridge that spans the Cascade River. Keep in mind that the Stewart Canyon Trail is very popular so expect it to be busy with hikers, families, dogs, kids, backpackers, and other cyclists. The good news is once you're past the bridge the crowds will begin to thin out and they'll be even smaller beyond the
Aylmer Lookout/Aylmer Pass turnoff at the 8km mark.
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| The amazing view from the top of the climb. I believe that's Mount Inglismaldie on the opposite side of Lake Minnewanka. |
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| Jeff descending a fun section of the trail |
After crossing the bridge you'll encounter the hardest climb of the day (until your return trip), but the scenic views at its crest are more than worth the effort required. After the fun descent you're faced with moderately technical singletrack that's fast and flowy. There are roots and rocks to navigate, as well as several washed-out sections that appear to be casualties from the devastating 2013 floods.
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| Ryan enjoying a taste of mountain biking |
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| Jeff enjoying the beautiful scenery that's laid out before us |
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| Just look at that backdrop! |
Although you can ride this trail past Lake Minnewanka to the Ghost Lakes and eventually out of the park into Devil's Gap and the
Ghost Wilderness Public Land Use Zone beyond, the most popular turnaround spot for bikers is the backcountry warden cabin at the 15km mark. This makes the perfect spot for a snack, to relax on the beach, and revel in the park's surrounding beauty before making the return trip to the parking lot.
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| Using this very narrow bridge to cross a stream |
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| The boys entering one of the washed-out sections of trail |
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| Admiring the view |
Remember this trail rides through the heart of bear country, so ensure you've packed along bear spray and are making noise while riding. It's also recommended to travel in groups. Because this is a national park dogs must be kept on leash at all times. For additional wildlife safety information please review this
website. You can also check the current
Banff Bear Report by following that link.
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| Almost at the our turnout point |
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| The Minnewanka Backcountry Warden Cabin |
In closing I just want to thank the five guys who accompanied me on this ride. My brother-in-law put this whole thing together as part of a Diaper Party he was throwing for me. Although this trail and the length we covered may have been a bit ambitious, it was great having you all along to enjoy the day with. All that work just made the post-ride beers all the more delicious! Thanks gents!!
