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, Indigenous history and geology of the area.
The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise, Premium Cruise, and Junior Explorer Cruise are approximately 1 hour long including the safety briefing and loading. The Beer Voyage Cruise is approximately 1.5 hours long including the safety briefing and loading.
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.
There are a few convenient ways to reach Lake Minnewanka:
Free Shuttle
The Lake Minnewanka Free Shuttle operates from June 13 to September 7, 2026, and is the best option during peak season. The shuttle service is complimentary for Lake Minnewanka Cruise ticket holders. Simply show your same-day, pre-purchased ticket to the driver for round-trip access.
View the free shuttle schedule
Public Transit
You can also take Roam Transit Route 6, which runs from May 13 to October 4, 2026. Roam service is complimentary for Lake Minnewanka Cruise ticket holders. Simply show your same-day, pre-purchased ticket to the driver for round-trip access.
View the Roam transit schedule
By Car
For driving directions, enter “Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot” or “Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park” into your GPS. Please note that parking is limited, especially during peak season, so taking transit is strongly recommended.
Most Lake Minnewanka Cruise boats are wheelchair accessible on the back deck only. Guests using wheelchairs can enjoy the cruise from the back deck, but please note that interior areas of the boats are not accessible by wheelchair. If you've booked online, please contact our ticket office at 403.762.4425 to make arrangements. We can accommodate mobility aids, including wheelchairs up to 32 inches wide. For any other inquiries related to accessibility, please contact our team.
Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate strollers on the boats. They can be left at the boat docks.
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.
Our boat capacity in normal times ranges from 38 to 60 passengers, depending on which boat you're on.
It's always a good idea to dress in layers with a waterproof jacket as weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. It is always a little colder at the lake, however all our cruise boats are heated and covered. We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen.
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.
