Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

This two-day hike in the backcountry is popular during the early and late hiking seasons in Banff National Park.

Plan Around Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

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Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail Details

Hiking and biking along the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail is popular in the early and late seasons in Banff National Park. Plan on spending the night at the Lm8 Aylmer Pass Junction campsite, and if you'd like to extend your hike, stay an extra night to check out Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout. Do note that seasonal restrictions effect recreation in the area due to buffaloberry season, which is July 10 - September 15 annually. The trailhead for this hike is found at the Lake Minnewanka day-use area off of Lake Minnewanka Road. More detailed trail descriptions and maps are available at Banff National Park and Parks Canada Visitor Centres. If you have a topographic map, take a look at 82 0/6, or the Banff and Mount Assiniboine Gem Trek recreation map. Remember when out on the trails that cell phone service is not reliable. Banff National Park's backcountry is mostly accessed by hikers, but bicyclists and horseback riders can venture away from the crowds, too. The main hiking season in the backcountry tends to be May through October, but do keep in mind that because of its altitude, many trails at the higher elevations remain snow-bound through mid-June, and snow is always a possibility, even in mid-summer. That being said, it's important to realize that the weather within the park is unpredictable, and you should be prepared for rain, snow and high winds at any time of year, especially in the backcountry.

Difficulty

High

Distance

16 km

Estimated time

2 days

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

Compare nearby parks around Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

31.7 mi away

Banff

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Glacier

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North Cascades

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Olympic

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418.6 mi away

Mount Rainier

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524.8 mi away

Yellowstone

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Lake Minnewanka

Don't let this trail's gentle start fool you - this is one heck of a mountain biking trail.

0.0 mi away

Stewart Canyon

This hike is short and sweet, with lots to occupy your time along the way.

1.1 mi away

Lake Minnewanka

The namesake of the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, there's plenty to keep you occupied at the "Water of the Spirits," named by the First Nations.

1.2 mi away

Cascade

This former fire roads make for a terrific mountain biking trail in Banff National Park.

1.9 mi away

C-Level Cirque

History comes alive on this hike to a glacially-carved cinque.