Banff Lake Cruise (Minnewanka)

The Lake Minnewanka 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, native folklore and geology of the area.

The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise is approximately 60 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading. The Beer Voyage Cruise is approximately 90 minutes long including the safety briefing and loading.

We have multiple tours running daily. The Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise departs on the hour from 10am - 6pm with additional departures on the half hour during peak summer. The Beer Voyage Cruise departs at 5pm daily.

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is located on Lake Minnewanka Loop — a short 15 minute drive from the town of Banff. Please be aware that Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff’s most popular destinations and the parking lot fills quickly. If you're driving, 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.

For the best experience, leave the drive to us. Show your tour ticket to the Route 6 bus driver of the Bow Valley's Roam Public Transit service from Downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka and get a FREE RETURN RIDE. Visit Roam Transit to see the bus schedule.

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.

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate for a stroller on the boats. They can be left at the boat docks.

Our boat capacity in normal times ranges from 38 to 60 passengers, depending on which boat you're on.

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.

You may swim in Lake Minnewanka at your own risk. We caution visitors against swimming here because Lake Minnewanka's waters are extremely cold, even in the hot summer months.

Yes. Lake Minnewanka is known as a "fisherman's paradise" and ranks in the top ten lake trout fisheries in Canada. Our guides have years of experience and know all the secret spots to help you locate that prized Lake Trout. Let us know if you would like to book a fishing experience.

Yes, the tours do sell out during the busy summer months. We suggest booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

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.

There is a 72 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 72 hours outside your booked tour (up to 10 days for group bookings). No Shows and late comers will not be accommodated.