Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that stretches across a broad valley and is surrounded by tall peaks. The water reaches considerable depths and sits at a high elevation within the mountain range.

People settled in this area thousands of years ago, as shown by archaeological finds of tools and weapons. In the mid-20th century, the construction of a dam brought major changes to the lake.

The name comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations language and means Lake of the Spirits. This reflects the spiritual importance the water has held for indigenous peoples throughout time.

The road to the lake offers multiple trails and walking paths with varying difficulty levels along the shoreline. You can explore the area by boat or simply enjoy views from the land-based access points.

Beneath the water's surface lie the remains of an early 20th-century resort that was flooded by dam construction. These submerged structures, including building foundations and bridges, form an unusual underwater archaeological site today.

Location: Alberta

Elevation above the sea: 1,485 m

Shares border with: Banff

Address: Lake Minnewanka, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada

GPS coordinates: 51.25806,-115.37306

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:25