Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta, is a magical destination with incredibly blue water in the summertime and one of the most incredible skating rinks in the wintertime.

While the ice is different from that of an indoor surface, few places compare to the legendary reservoir, after all, there’s far more than meets the eye.

Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta

Located northeast of the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka or Minn-waki (Lake of Spirits), is a year-round wonder.

Here not only can you breathe in the fresh air and take photos against a scenic backdrop, but once it freezes over, you can glide knowing that there’s an entire town under your skates.

Originally enjoyed by the Stoney people who hunted along the shores, the lake was both respected and feared for its “resident spirits.”

In 1912 a townsite called Minnewanka Landing was established, grew, thrived, and then was lost to a nearby dam which flooded, raising the lake 30 metres.

What’s left of the townsite now lies, frozen in time under the surface.

Safety first!

Want to go skating this year? Be patient!

Lake Minnewanka is a giant, so it doesn’t freeze over until well into winter, according to Parks Canada.

Once it’s rock solid, you’ll also need to be extra careful while on the ice.

“The west end of the lake, near the Lake Minnewanka Road, is the last part of the lake to freeze each winter,” they explain.

“As this is an artificial reservoir, water level varies throughout the winter and ice can be cracked near the shoreline. Winds can be strong on this 30 km long lake.”

For this reason, skaters may have a difficult time skating back to shore and should bring boots or stay close to their starting point.

“The lake is large — be aware that help can be a long way away if you get into trouble.”

Additionally, excitement-seekers should dress warm, bring snacks, and come with a friend, family member, or someone extra special.

There’s no place like it, but it can get pretty chilly in the mountains — plus, everything is better in good company.

Enjoy, stay safe, and tag us in your adventures.

It’s an incredible spot.

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park Alberta

Where: Improvement District No. 9, AB

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Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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