Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka ("Devil's Lake" in the Indian language), 11 km (7 mi.) north-east of Banff, is now the largest lake within the national park. Simpson, the Governor of Hudson's Bay Company, rested here in 1841. Along the banks of the lake an old Indian path leads by the edge of the rocky mountain range. Around the turn of the century a small health resort grew up here, but it was not until 1912 that the first dam was built which raised the level of the lake by three meters.

When the mines at Bankhead closed the government decided to build a power station here to provide electricity for Banff. Then, in 1941, a further dam was built below the lake on Cascade River, which raised the water level of Lake Minnewanka by a further 25 m (82 ft). The lake became 8 km (5 mi.) longer, sinking the holiday resort, forests and all traces of the old trail. Now, between May and September, there are trips lasting two hours round the charmingly situated lake which is now some 20 km (13 mi.) long. On the trip it is often possible to spot thick-horned sheep, deer and black bear.

Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in the park on which motor-boats are allowed. It is worthwhile going on to Two Jack Lake - where canoes can be hired - and Johnson Lake. Swimming is possible in summer in the relatively calm lake. A fairly easy path leads round the lake.