Throughout the day
Departure Time
1 Hour
Duration
All Ages
Age
Leisurely
Activity
May-Oct
Season
See the Rocky Mountains from a new perspective on a 1 hour interpretive boat cruise of the largest lake in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka.
Beginning from the western end of the largest lake in Banff, the cruise sets sail under towering peaks. Take in breathtaking mountains and emerald-green water as you keep a watchful eye on forested slopes and rocky shorelines for wildlife and waterfalls. Interpretive guides will teach you about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit the Canadian Rockies.
The highlight of the tour is the Devil’s Gap; a glacial path carved through Lake Minnewanka from the foothills of the Rockies. The Lake Minnewanka Valley offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.
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Dean's Pick
"A relaxing boat cruise along the length of Lake Minnewanka. A great way for those who are less mobile to see more remote areas of Banff National Park. Keep an eye on the shoreline to spot for wildlife." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
1
1 hour interpretive boat tour
Interpretive guides will share stories of native folklore and the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing while you survey the shoreline for big horn sheep, bald eagles and the occasional bear.
2
Devil's Gap
The highlight of the tour is the Devil’s Gap; a glacial path carved through Lake Minnewanka from the foothills of the Rockies.
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Dean's Pick
"A relaxing boat cruise along the length of Lake Minnewanka. A great way for those who are less mobile to see more remote areas of Banff National Park. Keep an eye on the shoreline to spot for wildlife." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
This tour is a one-hour boat cruise. Guests are asked to arrive at the boat docks 30 minutes prior to their tour.
The Banff Lake Cruise is a unique sightseeing boat 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 an entertaining guide who will introduce you to the rugged paradise, native folklore and geology of the area.
Please meet at the Lake Minnewanka Boat Docks 30 minutes before your preferred activity time. The lake is located approximately a 15 minute drive from downtown Banff and detailed driving instructions will be included in your booking confirmation.
Alternatively, the Roam Transit bus runs seasonally from downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka, however this route is not operating in 2020 due to COVID-19.
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 so it cannot be guaranteed that you will see them.
Generally, no. The cruise boats are covered, but there may be a bit of water spray if the windows are open when the boat picks up speed.
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 the cruise boats are heated and covered. It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen. For the safety of those onboard bear spray is not permitted on cruises.
Lake Cruise tickets have a 48 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 48 hours prior, and are set for specific days and times. If you would like to change your upload time once purchased, please phone the number on your ticket.
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Dean's Pick
"A relaxing boat cruise along the length of Lake Minnewanka. A great way for those who are less mobile to see more remote areas of Banff National Park. Keep an eye on the shoreline to spot for wildlife." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
- Tours are weather permitting, particularly early and late season departures.
- Reservations are required to guarantee your timeslot. Please show the bar-code voucher for entry, for the specified time reserved.
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Dean's Pick
"A relaxing boat cruise along the length of Lake Minnewanka. A great way for those who are less mobile to see more remote areas of Banff National Park. Keep an eye on the shoreline to spot for wildlife." - Dean , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
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