Minnewanka Shoreline

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.

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.

The amazing view from the top of the climb. I believe that's Mount Inglismaldie on the opposite side of Lake Minnewanka.

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.

Ryan enjoying a taste of mountain biking

Jeff enjoying the beautiful scenery that's laid out before us

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.

Using this very narrow bridge to cross a stream

The boys entering one of the washed-out sections of trail

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.

Almost at the our turnout point

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!!

Minnewanka Lake Cruise

Trip Date: July 2017

During a recent camping trip to Bow Valley Provincial Park Christine and I took part in the Minnewanka Lake Cruise. The following is a recap of that adventure, which can also be found on the Calgary Guardian website.

Welcome to Lake Minnewanka

Although not as famous as its westerly cousins, Louise and Moraine, Lake Minnewanka might be the most captivating lake in all of Banff National Park. Maybe it’s because it lays in the valley that acted as the original gateway to the prairies or maybe its proximity to the Banff town site is the reason for its infamy, but whatever the reason Minnewanka has long been an enchanting destination for visitors from all walks of life.

The Alberta Explorer would be our trusty boat for the afternoon cruise

Leaving the dock

There are records of human occupation along Minnewanka’s shoreline as far back as 10,000 years. First Nation People actively used the lake and surrounding area for centuries before the first Europeans arrived. The Stoney referred to the lake as ‘Minn-waki’ or ‘Lake of the Spirits’, which was in reference to the belief that everything contained its own spirit. As early European explorers reached the untamed west they mistook the name and assumed a more sinister meaning behind the moniker.

The view from the rear deck

Sheep's Point is poorly named as there aren't many sheep, but there can be eagles!

Our boat was lucky to see this Bald Eagle perched in a dead tree overlooking its favourite fishing grounds

As the wild west slowly became more subdued Lake Minnewanka underwent drastic changes. The lake was damned on three separate occasions making it the largest lake in the entire park. There were also several name changes before settling on the Anglicized version of the Stoney’s original name. Modern tourism began to take shape in the early 1900’s and a resort community known as Minnewanka Landing was established by 1912. Rising water levels were a natural consequence of damming the lake making scuba divers the only visitors to Minnewanka Landing today. Rumour has it that an original porcelain toilet can still be found in the lake’s murky depths and is a popular photo opp for local divers.

The Canadian Rockies have a way of making everything else seem small!

A smokey day out on the water

One hundred years ago there were boat tours on the lake. These excursions, lasting upwards of six hours, would take visitors on site-seeing adventures around the lake’s rugged shoreline and offer glimpses of Banff’s raw natural beauty. The tradition of boat tours still continues today with Brewster Travel Canada’s Minnewanka Lake Cruises. These one-hour jaunts still offer visitors the chance to get a new perspective on one of Banff’s most storied water bodies. The tours are guided by an interpreter who offers deep insight into the lake’s illustrious past and will share more than a few captivating stories about the lake’s early years.

Christine enjoying the afternoon

The Canadian Rockies are raw and rugged

Recently I had the opportunity to partake in one of the cruises and was quite happy with the wealth of knowledge the guide possessed. As someone who is familiar with the lake I was surprised to hear a few stories and facts that were previously unknown to me. Not only does being aboard the boat offer exclusive photo opportunities of some of Banff’s most striking landscapes, but there are also chances to spot elusive wildlife along the shoreline. Our tour was fortunate to see a Bald Eagle perched high in a decaying tree overlooking its preferred fishing grounds. Even with the ever-present smokey haze courtesy of the Verdant Creek Wildfire burning along the border of Banff and Kootenay National Parks the scenery was remarkable. If you’re hoping for a new way to experience Lake Minnewanka the Lake Cruise might be just the adventure you’re looking for, but remember to reserve early to ensure your seat.

Mount Girouard shrouded in smoke

Even with all the smoke in the air the boat cruise was a nice way to spend an afternoon

To learn more about the Minnewanka Lake Cruise or any of the other Rockies Attractions please visit the Brewster Travel Canada website or you can purchase the Ultimate Explorer Pass that provides admission to four of Brewster’s top attractions. You can also connect with Brewster on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Vimeo) and don’t forget to share all your Lake Cruise photos using the hashtag #BanffLakeCruise. To discover more of Minnewanka’s supernatural history please read, The Spirit of Minnewanka. Also Stewart Canyon is a fantastic short hike along the Minnewanka shoreline if you want to stretch your legs after the boat cruise.

Stewart Canyon

Trip Date: October 2016



Stewart Canyon is a family-friendly hike in Banff National Park. Up until recently I had avoided this hike due to the overwhelming crowds, but recently I found myself in Banff with a couple of hours to spare so I thought I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with the beauty offered by this hike and in the middle of October I basically had the entire place to myself! The hike is 1.5km one-way, but that distance can be easily extended. The elevation gain is negligible, which makes it perfect for an easy outing. The trailhead for this hike is the Lake Minnewanka Day-Use Area.

Lake Minnewanka definitely isn't hard on the eyes!

Before reaching the trailhead you'll pass a set of Parks Canada's Red Chairs on Minnewanka's shoreline. You can read all about the Red Chair Program right here.

The trailhead for Stewart Canyon

The trail follows the Lake Minnewanka shoreline and ends at a bridge that spans the steep walls of Stewart Canyon. Beneath the bridge the Cascade River flows into Lake Minnewanka. Officially this marks the end of the Stewart Canyon Trail, but is also the beginning of the Minnewanka Shoreline Trail, which continues for another 15km until reaching the backcountry warden's cabin.

A typical section of the trail

Another section of the trail with a great view of Mount Inglismaldie

The bridge that spans Stewart Canyon

Looking up Stewart Canyon

The Cascade River flowing into Lake Minnewanka

Just past the bridge you will find an unofficial trail junction. Going right will keep you on the Minnewanka Shoreline Trail while heading left will take you on a more rugged trail atop the eastern side of Stewart Canyon. I opted to go left and trekked along a trail that featured great views of the crystal clear water of the Cascade River far below. After approximately 1.2km the trail abruptly drops down to a boulder field with a shallow creek running through it. From here it's easy to rock-hop your way down to the Cascade River and is a perfect spot to stop for awhile. Due to my late start, the quickly fading light, and the ever-present threat of rain this was also my turnaround point. I spent a short while relaxing by the river and snapping a few photos before hitting the trail once again and heading for home.

The boulder field with the Cascade River down below

The Cascade River flowing beneath Mount Astley

Keep in mind that the Minnewanka Shoreline Trail is a multi-use trail and is open to other recrationalists other than just hikers. There is also an seasonal restriction in place from July 10 to September 15, so be sure to check the trail report before heading out.

The setting sun made for some interesting light at dusk

Sunset in the Rockies

If you're like me and want to avoid the crowds give this hike a try in shoulder season or maybe even in the winter for a completely difference perspective on things.

Autumn in the Mountains

Trip Dates: October 2013

There was a beautiful Indian Summer here in southern Alberta and we took full advantage of the great weather.  For three weekends in a row in October we enjoyed family and friends visiting us from Regina.  All of them wanted to get out to the mountains while they were in town, so obviously we obliged!

The first group of people in town were our friends, Sharon and Janson.  You can read about our day-hike with them in my previous post titled, Return to Larch Valley.  Up next was Christine's family, who were all in town over the Thanksgiving long weekend.  Christine's brother was just staying for the weekend, while her parents were passing through as part of a longer trip to Canmore, Banff, and eventually Lake Louise.

We started the day by doing the hike up to The Vault east of Canmore near Lac des Arcs.  This was the second time Christine and I had done this hike, but nobody else had been up to it before.  If you would like more detailed information about the history of the vault and why it's there, please see my previous post titled, The Vault.  

Getting ready in the Heart Creek parking area

You can see the top of Heart Mountain in the distance

Beautiful fall colours

The first part of the hike follows the Trans-Canada Trail

A large canine track.  Could this be from a member of the elusive Bow Valley wolf pack?

The vault is located on Mt. McGillivray

Entrance to the vault

Jerry inside the vault

This was something I didn't notice the first time I was here; large clusters of Daddy Longleg Spiders

There were literally thousands of spiders grouped together throughout the vault.  A quick Internet search revealed this grouping behaviour is to help with climactic changes and/or to ward off predators.  

The main tunnel that leads back outside

Rosemary and Jerry during the hike back to the cars

Crossing some debris from the spring floods

Recently I did a story for Calgary Is Awesome called Mystery on Mount McGillivray featuring this mysterious vault.

After the hike we headed across the Trans-Canada Highway to the Lac des Arcs day-use area.  Here we had a bonfire, a picnic lunch, and thoroughly enjoyed the weather before driving into Canmore.

Lac des Arcs day-use area

Roasting smokies over the fire and Jerry was able to try out his new Coleman stove!

Canmore's mountain scenery

Policeman's Creek flowing through town

The very next weekend my parents were in town for a visit.  They wanted to spend the day in Banff seeing some of the sites.  We started by driving up to Lake Minnewanka.  The windless day made for some great photos!

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka has countless years of history associated with it.  For more than 100 centuries people have hunted and camped along the shores.  The Stoney people called the lake "Minn-waki", which roughly translates to "Lake of the Spirits".  The Stoney respected and feared the lake for its resident spirits.  Early Europeans referred to it as Devil's Lake.

The first building to be built on the shoreline was the "Beach House"; a log hotel erected in 1886.  By 1912 a summer village, called Minnewanka Landing, had been established.  SCUBA divers are the only ones who can visit Minnewanka Landing today as the entire town is under water.  Lake Minnewanka was dammed at least three times.  The first time was in 1895, then again 1912, and finally in 1940.  Collectively the dams raised the water level 25 metres and increased its area by fifty percent, making it the largest lake in Banff National Park.

Mount Inglismaldie standing above the lake

The lake is 28km long and 142m deep

The current dam at the end of the lake with Cascade Mountain looming above

Our next stop was at the ghost town of Bankhead.  Bankhead flourished as a coal-mining town between 1903 and 1922, but all that remains are a few crumbling foundations.  Unfortunately when we arrived at the parking lot we discovered that the whole area was closed for electrofishing.  Since I had no idea what electrofishing was, I had to look it up.  As it turns out, electrofishing is a common scientific survey method where scientists will use electricity to stun fish before they are caught.  When performed correctly electrofishing results in no permanent harm to the fish being studied.  You can read more about the history of Bankhead, as well as view numerous photos, at my previous post titled, Bankhead.

The only site we were able to visit was Bankhead's Holy Trinity Church.  All that remains of the church today are the stone steps.  

After enjoying lunch in Banff we stopped at Bow Falls.  This was our last stop of the day before heading back to Calgary for the evening.  Needless to say we all enjoyed a great day in Banff.

Bow Falls on the Bow River

The view downstream from the falls with Mount Rundle on the right

Bow Falls is 9m tall and 30m wide