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 and Junior Explorer Cruise is approximately 1 hour long including the safety briefing and loading. The Premium Cruise and Beer Voyage Cruise are 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 two options to get to Lake Minnewanka:
By Public Transportation: Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff’s most popular destinations and the parking lot fills quickly. For the best experience, consider taking the bus. Hop on Roam Transit's Route 6 service and show your cruise ticket to the bus driver to get a FREE RIDE.
Board a bus from downtown Banff no later than an hour prior to your cruise time to ensure you arrive on time. Review Roam's bus schedule to find the most appropriate timing*.
*Free Roam Public Transit ride with tour ticket returning May 16, 2025..
By car: 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.
Most Lake Minnewanka Cruise boats are now wheelchair accessible. If you've booked online, contact our ticket office at 403.762.4425 to make necessary arrangements. Mobility aids, including wheelchairs up to 32 inches wide, can be accommodated. 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.
