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    Lake Minnewanka

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    2-3 days
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    24.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    700 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.5
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama from Lake Minnewanka backpacking trail in Banff National Park

    This is a Banff backpacking classic, a perfect trip to head out Friday after work and come back Sunday. Enjoy the stunning views over Lake Minnewanka while you stroll along the shore. If you plan on a 3-day trip, then head up to Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout on the 2nd day before coming back on the 3rd day.

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    Route Description for Lake Minnewanka

    This backpack goes through prime grizzly bear habitat, so make sure you meet the Parks Canada requirements for group size. As of 2018, from July 10 to September 15th you must hike / backpack in groups of 4 or more. Failure to do so means a fine of up to $25,000!

    Day 1

    The backpack along the shores of Lake Minnewanka is a wonderful trip, perfect for novices who want to try something a bit more challenging. We like this trip as it offers the option of customizing the route distance depending on your fitness. The longer you go, the fewer people you will see.

    For this backpack, expect Lake Minnewanka to be on your right while you walk out and on your left on the way back.

    From the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, go in the direction of the lake and follow a road. There will be a few buildings on your left and Lake Minnewanka below on your right. You’ll pass above the boat launch for the Minnewanka River Cruises, a pretty way to spend the day.

    Continue on the road, as it becomes a path, passing several picnic areas. You can also scamper down to a man-made path closer to Lake Minnewanka, and there are some wonderful photo opportunities around here.

    The path now continues to follow the scenic shoreline of Lake Minnewanka until you must cross over Stewart Canyon (1.6 km). After this bridge there is a path off to your left, up Stewart Canyon, however take the path that switchbacks up through the forest.

    You continue on this path, eventually rounding the inlet from Stewart Canyon and coming back towards Lake Minnewanka, with lovely views out across the lake. Beware the steep drop off on your right at times.

    Continue along the trail, crossing some basic bridges until you approach the Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8). We have historically stayed at this campsite, however it is now impacted by the seasonal closure for grizzlies from July 10 – September 15th, so you during that time you’ll have to stay at LM9 or LM11. You can reserve all of these sites on the Parks Canada website

    Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8) is roughly 8.8 km from the parking lot and has 10 sites with great views of Lake Minnewanka. Best of all, there’s a firepit here, so bring some wood and enjoy a wonderful evening of hot chocolate, wine and a campfire. There are frequent deer sightings here so beware of ticks as well.

    If you are out between July 10 and September 15 you’ll need to stay at either Aylmer Canyon (LM9 - 1.0 km away) or Mount Inglismaldie Campground (LM11 - 3.0 km away). Aylmer Canyon (LM9) has 5 sites, unobstructed views of Mount Inglismaldie and a firepit with a pretty epic view! Mount Inglismaldie (LM11) has 5 sites, epic views and also has a firepit. Both are great. LM9 would be our choice as it’s closer to the junction for Aylmer Pass and Aylmer Lookout.

    Day 2

    We like to use the middle day to head up to Aylmer Lookout and/or Aylmer Pass. If you’re feeling strong you can try and do both in one day.

    This is prime grizzly habitat, and you must travel in groups of 4 as you head up the Aylmer Valley.

    To get to these wonderful hikes, walk back along the main path to LM8 campground and go right at the junction, heading uphill. Your first stage of the hike is to the junction where the trail splits, left goes to Aylmer Pass and right to Aylmer Lookout. This first section is roughly 2.3 km and you gain 386 m.

    Our map shows the trip to Aylmer Lookout, to head there go right at the junction and go through the forest some more as it rises quickly. You won’t see the lookout until you’re almost there. This stage of the hike takes 1.6 km each way, with another 200 m of gain. You’ll want to take a break here and enjoy the views. From the lookout, there are exceptional views across to Mt. Inglismaldie, Mt. Girouard as well as down Lake Minnewanka.

    Beware of ticks, as this is a common place to pick them up. Just over the summit of the lookout are the foundations of the original fire lookout.

    On the way back down, retrace your steps on the gentle route back to the junction. If you’re feeling strong you can turn right at the junction, heading out to Aylmer Pass. Left takes you back to LM8 and the lakeshore. The route to Aylmer Pass is 3.1 km with 400 m of elevation gain, and the views are stunning. Few people make it to the Pass, so you may have it entirely to yourself.

    Head back towards Minnewanka and back to your campsite. If you did Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass you’ve done a big day of 14.0 km with 985 m of elevation gain, plus whatever distance to and from your campsite.

    Day 3

    Pack up your tent, make sure you haven’t left any garbage and haul it all back to the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. Head into Banff for a celebratory beer, you’ve had a great backpacking trip!

    Sample Itinerary:

    Day 1: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot to Aylmer Canyon (LM9) campground (9.5 km, 190 m)

    Day 2: Hike to Aylmer Lookout (12.0 km, 560 m). Add another 6.5 km and 400 m of elevation gain to also hit Aylmer Pass on the day.

    Day 3: Hike back the way you came (9.5 km, 190 m)

    Insider Hints for Lake Minnewanka

    • This is a great early-season hike as it’s relatively flat and on the valley floor. Sometimes you can do it as early as May, though we usually go in June.
    • Consider bringing some firewood as there are firepits in the backcountry campgrounds.
    • Watch out for bears and bring bear spray, there are lots of berries on this hike! There is also a seasonal restriction requiring you to be in groups of 4.

    Getting to the Lake Minnewanka Trailhead

    Drive to Lake Minnewanka, either from the Trans-Canada turnoff or take Banff Avenue North over the Trans-Canada Highway. Once on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, head to the parking lot by the dam.

    Route Information

    • Re-supply points

      None

    • When to do

      Mid June - September

    • Mountain Huts

      No

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes

    • Toilets

      Trailhead

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Accommodation Type

      Tent

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Lake Minnewanka Elevation Graph

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    Lake Minnewanka Reviews

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