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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
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.
408 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
30.2 km
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.
1.5-2.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Minnewanka Loop

Panoramic view on Minnewanka Loop road biking route in Banff National Park
Measurement:

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Table of contents

The bike ride around Lake Minnewanka on the Minnewanka Loop is a classic road bike ride near the town of Banff. Head out from town along Banff Avenue and quickly get on a beautiful bike loop that provides great views, and often lots of wildlife. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride back to town.

Route Description for Minnewanka Loop

OK, so it’s almost impossible to choose a best bike ride in Banff, they are all great. However, this is the ride we do most often. We add this loop onto almost any ride we do, as it has incredible views, lots of wildlife, a good uphill challenge and a fun downhill.

The hardest part of this bike ride is finding parking if you’re not staying in Banff. We usually get there early and park in the parkade near Nester’s Market, at 122 Bear Street. This is right in downtown Banff and also allows us to pick up last minute snacks before we head out. Other parking options can be found on the Banff parking site. The Fenlands Parking lot is another great option, and is located on Norquay Road by the Trans-Canada Highway. You could also park at the Minnewanka Park-and-ride, which really shortens the ride as you start on the Minnewanka itself.

Our map shows starting in Banff, so get your bike and head towards Banff Avenue, the main drag through Banff. In the morning, it feels great to ride along Banff Ave and have the road to yourself. The crisp air usually means clear views of the stunning scenery ahead.

Head out of town along Banff Ave in a northern direction and then NE as the road curves. You’ll pass many hotels on your left. After passing the Inns of Banff, you will see the Legacy Trail bike path on the right-hand side of the road, which you can join. While the Legacy Trail goes all the way to Canmore, you’ll only take it to an underpass that goes beneath the Trans-Canada Highway.

In about 2.0 km you will reach Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, a series of cabin-like buildings at the intersection of Tunnel Mountain Road. Be careful crossing this road, as tourists often aren’t aware there is a bike lane here.

Once across the road, continue on the Legacy Trail for 1.5 km as it curves to your right and comes to a fence. You’ll notice more traffic on your left, as it’s the Trans-Canada.

After passing through the fence, you’ll notice a tunnel to your left that is easy to miss. Take this tunnel as it goes under the Trans-Canada and through a forest to the very pretty Cascade Ponds. You’ll likely want to stop here and get a few photos.

Go along the path beside the Cascade Ponds until you come to a T-junction. Go left here, and you’ll soon reach a major road, where you go right, now you’re riding along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.

Which direction to ride the Minnewanka Loop is a decision best left to a few rounds of beer with the locals. Everyone has their reasoning to ride clockwise or counter-clockwise. We like cycling counter-clockwise because there is a bit less traffic and the viewpoints you want are on your right, so you don’t need to cross traffic to see them.

To go counter-clockwise, 650 m after you turn onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic drive you need to take a right, on the route that is signposted for Two Jack and Johnson Lakes.

Once on this route, you’ll head downhill before starting a series of rolling bumps heading uphill.

After 2.9 km you’ll come to a meadow, which is an excellent place to spot some elk, which often congregate here.

Continue along the road and 700 m after the meadow you’ll come to a junction with Johnson Lake Road. We love this detour, and this 2.2 km road gains about 65 m on the way to Johnson Lake. Once you’ve taken in Johnson Lake, ride back the way you came on Johnson Lake Road and take a right back onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road.

You’ll ride for 4.6 km along the road, passing Two Jack Lakeside and Two Jack Main campgrounds. You’ll then come to Two Jack Lake day use area, which is a popular place for wedding photos. The views are incredible, and it’s worth riding down to the lake, though we think the best views are past the turn-off, on the main road.

From the Two Jack day use area you have 2.4 km to the end of the Minnewanka causeway. Along the way are two viewpoint turnoffs, however the best view is while riding along the causeway. You look out at Lake Minnewanka, and the massive mountains that frame this spectacular lake. Our favourite mountain here is Mt Inglismaldie, which is on the right of the lake.

At Lake Minnewanka you can turn right at the end of the causeway to find the Black Anchor snack shop and the Lake Minnewanka Cruise. There are also some stunning views if you continue on the walking trail past the Black Anchor. Head down to one of the small beaches where you can rest and relax with an exceptional view.

There are also washrooms in the parking lot.

Now’s the time to complete the loop, and head downhill on a fun roller coaster ride. Take the signed trail back to Banff and Bankhead – do not go back across the causeway. You now have a 5.3 km ride downhill, and it’s a great bike ride.

While heading downhill, keep your eyes open for cars and wildlife. Once you pass the turnoff that you took on the ascent, in 650 m take the left back into Cascade Ponds. It’s super easy to miss this turnoff, so if you reach the cattle gates, you’ve gone too far, and should turn around.

At the junction go right, into Cascade Ponds Parking lot. From here, follow the route back through the parking lots, into the forest and under the Trans-Canada. When you’re back on Legacy Trail go right and head straight back into Banff.

Insider Hints for Minnewanka Loop

  • We like to link this trip up with either the Tunnel Mountain Loop, Legacy Trail to Canmore, Vermilion Lakes, Banff Springs Golf Course or Mount Norquay.
  • You can rent a bike at Banff Cycle or Snowtrax or Ultimate Sports.
  • We love finishing a great bike ride with a slice of pizza from Aardvark Pizza, yum!

Getting to the Minnewanka Loop Trailhead

You can start anywhere in Banff. We usually start on Banff Avenue. In summer parking can be hard to find, so arrive early or park at the Minnewanka Park-and-Ride during summer months and skip the bike ride from Banff.

Route Information

  • Re-supply points:

    Lake Minnewanka

  • When to do:

    May - October

  • Toilets:

    At Minnewanka parking lot

  • Level of Car Traffic:

    Moderate

  • Road Type:

    Shared roads with cars

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Minnewanka Loop Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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