Feel the fresh mountain air, watch for wildlife and get adventurous on Banff's largest lake. Choose from one of our acclaimed cruises and explore under the lead of a knowledgeable guide on a heated, covered boat. Or set your own course with a kayak, canoe or motorboat rental.
Back on the shore, stop by the Black Anchor Snack Shop for a picnic lunch. It just feels like summer out here!
Lake Minnewanka is one of Banff's most popular destinations and the parking lot fills quickly; 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.
Please check in at least 15 minutes before departure at the Ticket Office, a 10-minute walk from the parking lot on the boarding docks.
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 on the day of your cruise.*
*Please allow for 30 minutes of travel time if taking Roam Public Transit.
Alberta residents save up to 20%
Ages 5 and under ride free anytime
2023 Dates: May 12 – October 9, 2023*
*Weather dependent
The tour guides, Will & Matt made the "booze" cruise so much fun. Their stories were perfectly timed and the banter between them was just enough to have us all in stitches! The beer selection was amazing and the bread! Yumm! Definitely will recommend to all my friends!
Went on the one hour cruise as a family of 4. It was absolutely beautiful and the tour guides were awesome! My son's loved all of the information and stories. I would highly recommend going and I would even go again in the future.
The view was beautiful as it's been every time we have visited before, and the social distancing procedures didn't hinder the experience in any way but were still safe and effective.
Went on the tour the morning of my birthday, and it was absolutely incredible. They shared some great stories about the area, while providing such a great view. Highly recommend to anyone who's in the area, it was wonderful.
I went on this cruise multiple times in the past 10 years but my recent visit has been my favourite so far! Melissa and Mackenzie were beyond AMAZING. They were super super fun and knowledgeable and the tour was very informative and interactive.
From family-friendly expeditions to cruising with a craft beer in hand, find the right tour for you on Lake Minnewanka.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise is located at Lake Minnewanka, a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff along the Minnewanka Loop Drive, in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
See 2024 Daily Operating Dates and Times
If you're driving, please arrive at least two hours before your cruise to ensure you find a parking spot and have time to explore from the shore.
Please check in at least 15 minutes before departure at the Ticket Office, a 10-minute walk from the parking lot on the boarding docks.
To find the Ticket Office, follow the signs on the path from the parking lot or Roam Transit station, turn right after passing the Black Anchor Snack Shop and arrive on the right side of the docks.
Classic Cruise |
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| June 23 – September 4 | 9 AM – 7 PM Regular departures |
| September 5 – October 1 | 10 AM – 6 PM Departures every hour on the hour |
| October 2 – October 9 | 10 AM – 5 PM Departures every hour on the hour |
Premium Cruise |
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| May 26 – October 1 | Daily departure, 10:30 AM |
Beer Voyage |
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| May 26 – October 1 | Daily departure, 5 PM |
Explorer Cruise |
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| July 1 – September 4 | Daily departures, 12:40 PM and 3:20 PM |
*Weather dependent
**Junior Explorer Cruise includes one child admitted free with each paying adult.
The majority of the boats on Lake Minnewanka are now fully wheelchair accessible. If you book your tickets in advance online, please contact our boathouse at (403) 762-4425 ahead of your visit to make necessary arrangements.
Rates and hours of operation subject to change without notice.
Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis and specific departure times cannot be guaranteed without pre-purchased tickets.
For the safety of those onboard bear spray is not permitted on cruises.
Questions? Contact our Local Experts
A member of our team will respond within 24 hours (weekdays) and 48 hours (weekends).
