Frequently Asked Questions

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise (formerly Banff Lake Cruise) is a unique sightseeing tour exploring Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Your voyage will be an approximate one hour interpretive cruise with an experienced captain and entertaining guide who will introduce you to the rugged paradise, native folklore and geology of the area.

For up-to-date Lake Minnewanka Cruise daily operating hours please visit the Location & Hours page.

The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise and Junior Explorer Cruise is approximately 60 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading. The Premium Cruise and Beer Voyage Cruise is approximately 90 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading.

We have multiple tours running daily. For more details, please visit our Location & Hours page.

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is located on Lake Minnewanka Loop — a short 15 minute drive from the town of Banff. Please be aware that Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff’s most popular destinations and the parking lot fills quickly. If you're driving, please arrive at least two hours prior to your cruise time to ensure you find a parking spot and have time to explore the area from the shore.

For the best experience, leave the drive to us. Show your tour ticket to the Route 6 bus driver of the Bow Valley's Roam Public Transit service from Downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka and get a FREE RETURN RIDE. Visit Roam Transit to see the bus schedule.*

*Route 6 will be back for Summer 2023.

Yes, we are accessible to most standard wheelchairs. For safety, guests in wheelchairs must exit the chair to board the boat and store the chair during the cruise. We recommend you contact the boathouse prior to your arrival at 403.762.4425.

The allowance of pets are up to the discretion of the boat captain and other cruise passengers, so there is no guarantee. For the safety of your pet and the comfort of our passengers, we recommend keeping your pets on leash.

Although wildlife such as bald eagles, big horn sheep, wolves and grizzly bears frequent the Lake Minnewanka area, they can be difficult to find and we cannot guarantee that you will see them.

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate for a stroller on the boats. They can be left at the boat docks.

Our boat capacity in normal times ranges from 38 to 60 passengers, depending on which boat you're on.

Generally, no. Our cruise boats are covered, but there may be a bit of water spray if the windows are open when the boat picks up speed.

Weather can be unpredictable. The lake tends to be cooler than the temperature in the town of Banff so a light jacket is recommended.

The Black Anchor Snack shop is available for a variety of snacks and to-go food and drink items right off the lakeshore. Washroom facilities are available at the parking lot and there are also plentiful picnic and recreational areas around Lake Minnewanka.

No. Parks Canada requires all adult visitors to Canada’s national parks to buy a permit for the duration of their stay to support visitor services and facilities. Day Passes or a yearly Discovery Pass are available to buy in-person at Parks Canada's park gates and information centres in Banff and Jasper. Admission for youth 17 and under is free.

Lake Minnewanka is one of the most popular recreational areas in Banff National Park. There are plenty of great trails for hiking and biking in addition to picnic areas. In addition to these, you can also rent kayaks, fishing boats or visit the Lake Minnewanka Cruise for an interpretive voyage across the lake.

You may swim in Lake Minnewanka at your own risk. We caution visitors against swimming here because Lake Minnewanka's waters are extremely cold, even in the hot summer months.

Yes. Lake Minnewanka is known as a "fisherman's paradise" and ranks in the top ten lake trout fisheries in Canada. Our guides have years of experience and know all the secret spots to help you locate that prized Lake Trout.

You will require a national park fishing license which can be purchased onsite at the boathouse.
A daily fishing permit from Parks Canada costs $9.80 per person, or an annual permit can be purchased for $34.30.

Yes, to book a chartered fishing trip. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise boathouse has a limited number of boats and guides available. Reservations are required to ensure availability.

There is no need for reservation if you already have a license and have your own boat.

Yes. We will provide fishing rods, reels, tackle and modern electronic and sonar equipment on all our guided trips. Each person is allowed to keep two fish, and our guides will gut, clean and prep them for you.

No permits are necessary if you are operating a boat under 10 horsepower. Credit card deposits will be required upon your rental.

Please note that we have limited equipment available on-site at the Lake Minnewanka boathouse on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The boats are tin boats, 16 feet long and can seat 4 or 5 people.

Safety briefings and instructions are provided prior to your departure. Staff will also provide you with emergency phone numbers. You will be instructed to stay within a certain area so that your boat can remain visible to the lake staff. Our boats are designed to avoid flipping and lifejackets will be provided as a safety precaution.