Frequently Asked Questions

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is located on Lake Minnewanka Loop — a short 10 minute drive from the town of Banff.

If you prefer not to drive, Bow Valley Roam Transit offers regular service from the townsite to the lake.

To ensure we have a boat available for you, we recommend you call the boathouse in advance at 403.762.3473. Otherwise, the boats are available for rent at the docks on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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

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.

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.

You can fish on your own, but the benefit of guided fishing is that the guides are very knowledgeable about the lake and rules of the park. Furthermore, they know the best spots for catching Lake Trout and all the fishing equipment will be provided for you.

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.

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.