Minnewanka Lake is a nice break from the Banff crowds – once you get away from the parking lot and hit the trails.
Make sure you bring four people with you, along with your bear spray. Parks Canada has some crazy logic that almost all bear attacks happen to groups with less than four people. Duh – most people HIKE in groups of less than four people… Goes to show that you can twist data multiple ways.
We figured that we’d find other hikers looking to buddy up, and a group of three young ladies asked to join us.
Once we cleared the "Do you guys talk a lot", "Do you have a bluetooth speaker", and "Are you slow or whiny", we all decided that we were a good fit and set off down the Minnewanka Lake Trail.
Hoping to see grizzlies.
Alas, no grizzlies – but what we had was a beautiful lake and gorgeous surroundings despite the heavy layer of smoke in the air.
The trail itself is on the north side of Minnewanka Lake and is pretty exposed, so pack plenty of sunscreen and a big hat. The end of the out-and-back trail is also a bit disappointing, ending in a clearing in the woods with the rest of the trail to the campsites along the water closed due to bear activity. Bah.
We’d skip this hike unless you have plenty of time in Banff and just need to get away from the crowds.

Follow the Leader

Colette leads our little group along the Minnewanka Lake Trail

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The Fishing Spot

This must be the best spot, since we saw several different boats hang out here during the day.

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Back Up The Hill

This uphill is a hot slog with no tree cover

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Bear Restrictions

89% of bear attacks occur in groups of less than 4 people – because most people hike in pairs. Talk about twisting data…

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Coastal Maine

This could be coastal Maine or Northern Minnesota if it weren’t for those peaks in the background.

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