The scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka in the Canadian Rockies

Lake Minnewanka is a glacial deep blue lake fed by Cascade river, located just outside the town of Banff, in Alberta, on the western part of Canada.

How long is the road to Lake Minnewanka?

Tucked away in the eastern area of Banff National Park, the scenic road to Banff's largest lake is totally paved. It’s a 13.0 km (8.07 miles) loop road starting and ending at the paved Trans-Canada Highway.

Is the road to Lake Minnewanka open?

Set high in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the road, also known as Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop, tops out at 1.537m (5,042ft) above the sea level. It is open all year round, but some parts of the road are closed November to April. Lake Minnewanka means “Lake of the Spirits” in the Stoney Indian language.

How long does it take to drive the road to Lake Minnewanka?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 20 and 30 minutes. However, due its beauty, plan a longer time. This loop takes you past Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, Lake Minnewanka and the ghost town of Bankhead. Keep your eyes peeled. This route offers an excellent opportunity to see wildlife, particularly in the spring. Look for bighorn sheep next to the road and up on the cliff sides on the section from Two Jack Lake to Lake Minnewanka. You may also see elk, mule deer, white tail deer, fox, wolves, coyotes and a bear if you’re really lucky. During the winter it is one of the best places in Banff National Park to view the Northern Lights.