For more than 100 centuries, people hunted and camped along the original shores of the lake. Although I was prepared. Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8) is roughly 8.8km from the parking lot and has 10 sites with great views of Lake Minnewanka. Beware the steep drop off on your right at times. If you’re feeling strong you can turn right at the junction, heading out to Aylmer Pass. Beware of ticks, as this is a common place to pick them up. If you’re feeling strong you can turn right at the junction, heading out to Aylmer Pass. This summer service leaves downtown Banff every 30 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the lake. Parking at Lake Minnewanka. Route Description for Lake Minnewanka Lakeside The walk along the shores of Lake Minnewanka is a wonderful hike, offering the option of customizing the route distance depending on your fitness. Access: From the Trans-Canada Highway at the Banff East exit interchange, follow the Lake Minnewanka Road 5.5 kilometres (3.5 miles) to the parking area at the lake. As a backcountry user, you can access treasured natural wonders … We like this trip as it offers the option of customizing the route distance depending on your fitness. Lake Minnewanka has a rich history. There is a generous Parking lot at Lake Minnewanka however parking can be a bit of a nightmare so you’ll need to be prepared for this. Campground office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The 25km … Pack up your tent, make sure you haven’t left any garbage and haul it all back to the Lake Minnewanka trailhead. You can also scamper down to a man-made path closer to Lake Minnewanka, and there are some wonderful photo opportunities around here. Description: Locate the trailhead on the lakes west shore just past the picnic area. There are food lockers for walk-in campers. Take in breathtaking mountains and emerald-green water as you keep a watchful eye … This first section is roughly, Our map shows the trip to Aylmer Lookout, to head there go right at the junction and go through the forest some more as it rises quickly. Backpacking. Your first stage of the hike is to the junction where the trail splits, left goes to Aylmer Pass and right to Aylmer Lookout. Two Jack Lakeside is on the Lake Minnewanka loop road, 12 km from the town of Banff. This is yet another beautiful hike just a few kilometers outside Banff, Alberta at Lake Minnewanka. Beginning from the western end of the largest lake in Banff, the Lake Minnewanka Cruise sets sail under towering peaks. It is a beautiful spot, … You won’t see the lookout until you’re almost there. Add another 6.5km and 400m of elevation gain to also hit Aylmer Pass on the day. A 73 km drive from Banff. Drive to Lake Minnewanka, either from the Trans-Canada turnoff or take Banff Avenue North over the Trans-Canada Highway. Roam Route 6 services the rugged and beautiful Lake Minnewanka. The lake itself is glacier-fed and a stunning blue-turquoise color. Lake Minnewanka Trail is a 35.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Banff, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The path now continues to follow the scenic shoreline of Lake Minnewanka until you must cross over Stewart Canyon (1.6km). You can reserve all of these sites on the Parks Canada website. Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake five kilometers (three miles) from the town of Banff. The perfect solution to a light afternoon craving after a day of exploring. Whether you choose to start at Johnson Lake or opt to start out at Lake Minnewanka, your journey through this spectacular landscape is about to start. You won’t see the lookout until you’re almost there. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. This lake is so beautiful! Waterfowl Lake Campground. Both are great. After this bridge there is a path off to your left, up Stewart Canyon, however take the path that switchbacks up through the forest. Inglismaldie, Mt. However, that statement speaks to the epic splendor of the latter two lakes rather than disparage Lake Minnewanka. If you are out between July 10 and September 15 you’ll need to stay at either Aylmer Canyon (LM9 – 1.0km away) or Mount Inglismaldie Campground (LM11 – 3.0km away). Joshua's yard is welcoming and serene, and accommodating to many (a family could happily … Glad you stopped by and enjoyed views and the trail to Stewart Canyon. This backpack goes through prime grizzly bear habitat, so make sure you meet the Parks Canada requirements for group size. From the Lake Minnewanka parking lot, go in the direction of the lake and follow a road. Take in the amazing views with a picnic beside the lake, or grab lunch after your Lake Minnewanka Cruise. A hiking and mountain biking trail runs along the northern shore of the lake, passing Stewart Canyon and six backcountry campsites. Lake Minnetonka Lake Shore Lake Minnetonka feels like you're in the Hamptons but you are right in the Midwest. Maximum 1 RV per site (up to 8 metres (27') in length). The 25km trail is very popular with hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. A maximum of 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 people are permitted on each site. Motorboat and … Campers must park in the designated parking area and access campsites … If you plan on a 3-day trip, then head up to Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout on the 2nd day before coming back on the 3rd day. It is a beautiful spot, popular for picnicking, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, diving, and snowshoeing. Lovely hike, lovely wilderness area, I really felt safe here. The campground, managed cooperatively by the American Alpine Club and Mohonk Preserve, is located at 953 State Route 299 Gardiner, NY 12525, within a five minute drive of the main entrances of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! Mount Inglismaldie (LM11) has 5 sites, epic views and also has a firepit. Watch out for bears and bring bear spray, there are lots of berries on this hike! It's a very popular spot for both locals and tourists, so expect a crowd, especially on beautiful summer days. There are frequent deer sightings here so beware of ticks as well. In terms of pure beauty, Lake Minnewanka is a distant third to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Failure to do so means a fine of up to $25,000! you must hike / backpack in groups of 4 or more. LM by the way, means Lake Minnewanka and the number … This is prime grizzly habitat, and you must travel in groups of 4 as you head up the Aylmer Valley. The Stoney people called it “Minn-waki” or “Lake of the Spirits”. All vehicles (maximum 2) and tents must be set up or parked on the gravel area of the campsite. Head back towards Minnewanka and back to your campsite. Banff Campgrounds; Banff Hostels; Banff Family Hotels; Banff Green Hotels; Banff Business Hotels; Banff Resorts; Banff Spa Resorts; Romantic Hotels in Banff; Banff Luxury Hotels; Banff Ski-In / Ski-Out … It is the closest lake … You’ll pass above the boat launch for the Minnewanka River Cruises, a pretty way to spend the day. This stage of the hike takes, On the way back down, retrace your steps on the gentle route back to the junction. Your first stage of the hike is to the junction where the trail splits, left goes to Aylmer Pass and right to Aylmer Lookout. There is a 23-site walk-in tenting area. From the lookout, there are exceptional views across to Mt. You’ll want to take a break here and enjoy the views. The LM8 campground is also at this point. As of 2018, from July 10 to September 15th you must hike / backpack in groups of 4 or more. Moreover, it is the largest of the three main lakes in Banff. The route to Aylmer Pass is, Head back towards Minnewanka and back to your campsite. There will be a few buildings on your left and Lake Minnewanka below on your right. Inglismaldie (Lm11). At nearly 30 kilometers from the end of Lake Minnewanka … Aylmer Canyon (LM9) has 5 sites, unobstructed views of Mount Inglismaldie and a firepit with a pretty epic view! Consider bringing some firewood as there are firepits in the backcountry campgrounds. Honestly, a must see. Day 3: Hike back the way you came (9.5km, 190m). There will be a few buildings on your left and Lake Minnewanka below on your right. 3.0 - Lake viewpoint (1525 metres). You can reserve all of these sites on the, Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8) is roughly, If you are out between July 10 and September 15 you’ll need to stay at either Aylmer Canyon (LM9 –, To get to these wonderful hikes, walk back along the main path to LM8 campground and go right at the junction, heading uphill. The lake has six backcountry sites, Lm8, 9, 11, 20, 22 and 31. We have historically stayed at this campsite, however it is now impacted by the seasonal closure for grizzlies from July 10 – September 15th, so you during that time you’ll have to stay at LM9 or LM11. A small campground … Few people make it to the Pass, so you may have it entirely to yourself. Banff National Park is a very special place to enjoy a backcountry experience. The backpack along the shores of Lake Minnewanka is a wonderful trip, perfect for novices who want to try something a bit more challenging. We have historically stayed at this campsite, however it is now impacted by the seasonal closure for grizzlies from July 10 – September 15, , so you during that time you’ll have to stay at LM9 or LM11. The Minnewanka Trail runs along the lake’s northern shoreline and features several backcountry campgrounds. Towering sand dunes and pines line our beach and a second, inland lake … Lake Minnewanka trail ahead. Continue along the trail, crossing some basic bridges until you approach the Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8). The LM8 camping area is quite lovely, there are a number of sites that look out over the lake. Flush toilets, no showers. Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8) is roughly 8.8km from the parking lot and has 10 sites with great views of Lake Minnewanka. Best of all, there’s a firepit here, so bring some wood and enjoy a wonderful evening of hot chocolate, wine and a campfire. The lake is 21 kilometres (13 miles) long and 142 metres (466 feet) deep. The lake is … The route to Aylmer Pass is 3.1km with 400m of elevation gain, and the views are stunning. This 18 mile (25 km) long, one mile (2 km) wide lake, with depths of up to 400 feet (130 m), may or may not be home to spirits, but it is certainly home to trophy size Lake … Walk to the access gate leading to the … Strong … This is a Banff backpacking classic, a perfect trip to head out Friday after work and come back Sunday. This first section is roughly 2.3km and you gain 386m. All boats are fully equipped and include everything you’ll require: rods, reels, tackle and modern fish tracking equipment to help locate that prized Lake … If you did Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass you’ve done a big day of 14.0km with 985m of elevation gain, plus whatever distance to and from your campsite. Two Jack Lakeside is on the Lake Minnewanka loop road, 12 km from the town of Banff. The service … Mount Aylmer which at 3,162 m (10,374 ft) is the highest mountain in this … Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Failure to do so means a fine of up to $25,000! We like to use the middle day to head up to Aylmer Lookout and/or Aylmer Pass. It’s also an amazing multi-day getaway for more experienced lake canoeists who want … Cool place! The lake usually freezes around the end of December each year, later than most (if not all) in the area. Once on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, head to the parking lot by the dam. Rules & Regulations | Reservations There is a 23-site walk-in tenting area. Enjoy the stunning views over Lake Minnewanka while you stroll along the shore. Continuing around the lake (clockwise), there are three backcountry campgrounds: Aylmer Pass Junction (Lm8) – currently closed, Aylmer Canyon (Lm9), and Mt. If you did Aylmer Lookout and Aylmer Pass you’ve done a big day of, Day 1: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot to Aylmer Canyon (LM9) campground (. Campground (LM8) right 100 metres. Left takes you back to LM8 and the lakeshore. 7.8 - Aylmer Pass Junction (1490 metres). A Trail of Stunning Canadian Rockies Scenery and Backpacking in Banff National Park: Lake Minnewanka to Devil’s Gap. Trail descends to lakeshore. There is also a seasonal restriction requiring you to be in groups of 4. All the best, Travis Mann GM- Lake Minnewanka … The longer you go, the fewer people you will see. Biking:Bikers can use the extensive carriage road… For over 100 centuries, people have camped and hunted along the original shores of Lake Minnewanka. Lake Minnewanka offers the premier fishing experience in Banff National Park. It’s not the nicest one in the area, and the campgrounds further on, particularly LM11, are much nicer (IMO). The search results pages also have a wealth of information on Lake Minnewanka … To get to these wonderful hikes, walk back along the main path to LM8 campground and go right at the junction, heading uphill. All washrooms have hot and cold running water, flush toilets and showers. Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park and is about 5 miles (8 km) from Banff town site. Backpacking along Lake Minnewanka is great. For this backpack, expect Lake Minnewanka to be on your right while you walk out and on your left on the way back. Reservable backcountry camping information . LM9 would be our choice as it’s closer to the junction for Aylmer Pass and Aylmer Lookout. You’ll pass above the boat launch for the, The path now continues to follow the scenic shoreline of Lake Minnewanka until you must cross over Stewart Canyon (, Continue along the trail, crossing some basic bridges until you approach the Aylmer Pass Junction backcountry campground (LM8). Lake Minnewanka has a number of backcountry campsites available, but since we only had one night, we just went as far as the closest one, which was 8kms in from the trail head. Continue on the road, as it becomes a path, passing several picnic areas. Sometimes you can do it as early as May, though we usually go in June. Get instant access to a lot of relevant information about Lake Minnewanka - Castle Mountain, Canadian Rockies, AB real estate, including property descriptions, virtual tours, maps and photos. Hi Simon1985, thanks for stopping by Lake Minnewanka. This backpack goes through prime grizzly bear habitat, so make sure you meet the. Lake Minnewanka is a 21km long glacial lake … There are picnic shelters in this campground. Gain to also hit Aylmer Pass lunch after your Lake Minnewanka to be in groups of 4 more. Are stunning towards Minnewanka and back to the Lake and follow a road summit... Tents must be kept on leash a man-made path closer to the Lake it all to. Can turn right at times stunning views over Lake Minnewanka until you approach the Aylmer Pass and Aylmer and/or. 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