Banff National Park’s biggest lake is actually man-made and was damned up to bring water closer to Banff town. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Minnewanka Landing was a small mining town and operation on the banks of a nearby river and was purposely dammed in the mid 20th century to bring more freshwater to a growing Banff town.
Minnewanka Landing was left intact and still remains at the bottom of Lake Minnewanka now and is often visited by divers looking for an underwater adventure. The 1912 Dam Blockhouse is the most visited place from Minnewanka Landing. You can dive here year-round as well, but the hiking on the shores of the lake are just as exceptional and provide incredible views. Boat tours are also offered here, too.
Banff National Park is home to 53 species of mammals. This incredible diversity of wildlife is a reflection of the wide range of habitats found in the park due to variations in elevation, climate, and plant communities. you will regularly see elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Hiking in the mountains you’ll sometimes come across grizzly bears, black bears, mountain caribou, moose, wolves, hoary marmots, wolverines, bald eagles, beavers, owls, and pumas.
BANFF PARK ORIGINALLY STARTED AS A 10-SQUARE MILE RESERVE AROUND THE SULPHUR MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS
Lake Louise is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in the world and is home to the world-renowned Fairmont Chateau. Although it was first called Emerald Lake, the lake’s name was later changed to Lake Louise after Princess Caroline Alberta Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Canada’s Governor-General.
People who work in Lake Louise live in accommodation provided by their employer. There is a “need to reside” requirement in Lake Louise and all of Banff National Park. To be an eligible resident you must be employed or operate a business within the park, or be a spouse or dependent of someone who meets the criteria.
Lake Louise doesn’t thaw until the first week of June and it can and has snowed during any month of the year. As most of the lakes in the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise is not a lake you would want to swim in. The temperature of the water would rarely get above 5C. (41F.) The water is so frigid that the Lake Louise Polar Bear Dip is held during the Canada Day Celebrations on July 1st.
I'm a wanderer, website manager, and storyteller. I live in sunny SC with my husband of 30 years and our goldfish, "Please Survive"(long story!). When I'm not untangling CSS or wrangling PHP you'll find me writing my next tale, planning my next road trip, or just hanging out with the grandkids.
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I definitely want to road trip to BANFF in the near future. Probably in the summer – because I know it would be way too cold to truly enjoy it in the winter!
I bet it would be too. We’re going in early June and I’m a little worried about it.
How beautiful! I’d love to take a trip to Banff. I’d stay out of the water though. I complain when I go to the ocean and it’s dropped into the 70’s. 🙂
Yes I agree Pam! Way too cold for me.
I have never been to Banff but it looks so special. I will try to get there someday but only in spring or summer.
Hi Melissa! I can’t wait to get there this summer. Lots more pics to come!
How lovely. Although I think it would be a lot of fun to see Minnewanka Landing, I don’t scuba dive. I could go for the hiking and the boat tours though.
I’m just like you Karen! I am not scuba diving. No way!
I was there when I was a teenager and I loved it then. I know I would appreciate it even more now. That is probably one of the best places to explore. It is just gorgeous. I wish there was a better word than gorgeous because it just would describe it so much better.
Thanks Jeanette! I am thoroughly excited to go.
Seriously, no less that 10 of my neighbors went to Banff this summer for vacation. I hadn’t heard of it until then and now I keep seeing it! Your post was so good, it is the first that told me what it really is. Thank you!
It’s a sign Terri! You need to go.
Banff National Park is really a lovely place. I’d love to take the family there someday. There’s just so much fun stuff to do and the sights are breath-taking.
It is an amazing, beautiful place! I can’t wait to go Brianne.
It would be really cool to visit the National Park and see some of the wildlife. Diving would be super fun too.
My husband refuses to fly so all of our trips are by auto.
Lake Louise and Banff are like going to heaven. And all along the road to Jasper too. Canada’s highways are gorgeous and animal lovers will delight when they see the many overhead crossings for animals that the Canadians have built to honor and take care of their wild life.
I am so excited to go there Beth!
I love learning new little known facts about places. Especially National Parks. I’ll be checking out more about this location to add it to my travel bucket list.
That’s great Brandy! You should check out some of my other posts.
Thank you for sharing this info on Banff National Park. I wasn’t even aware of this park before! I’d love to take a guided tour and enjoy stunning views of the water and its surroundings.
It’s a beautiful place Denay! I hope you get there one day.
I never even knew about this park before. Thanks for sharing about it. It’s always interesting to hear more about parks like these.
Thanks, Kathy! I love our National Park System.
Banff is on my bucket list. Looks absolutely beautiful!
It does! It’s at the top of mine too Cheryl!
Banff is a place that’s definitely on my bucket list. It looks beautiful there. These were some interesting facts also.
Thank you, Victoria. I can’t wait to travel there.
That is such an awesome park! I have never seen it before but now I really want to!
I haven’t been there either, but I will be this summer!
I really enjoyed reading this post. I would love to visit this park. This information is so helpful.
Thank you Tasheena. I’m happy that you liked it.
oh wow, i didn’t know some of that. beautiful area. i would love to go there.
I need to add this to my travel bucket list, looks like an amazing place to visit with the family