If you read our article about the Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Canada, you already know about Condé Nast Traveler, a lifestyle travel magazine, and their knack for making lists.
The magazine is back at it with its Winter Wonderlands Around the World, a list of, you guessed it, winter wonderlands!
Unlike Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario, there is much more to see at these festive locales than snotty-nosed children and Charlie Brown working a nine-to-five.
Condé Nast Traveler’s list was last updated on October 24. Included on the magazine’s list of 32 winter wonderlands is our very own Lake Minnewanka!
We already knew how great Minnewanka is… now the world will know!
If you have visited Lake Minnewanka before, you know precisely why it made the list. If not, let’s break it down for you!
Lake Minnewanka is located in the heart of Banff National Park. The area is packed with breathtaking views that are elevated to another level when the snow starts to fall.
From snow-dusted peaks and frost-covered trees to the serene silence and crunch of snow underneath your feet, there isn’t much to dislike about Banff National Park in the winter.
Except maybe absurdly long lines at your favourite ski resorts.
So, what makes Lake Minnewanka so special?
Located about 10 kilometres from the Banff townsite, Lake Minnewanka is a head-turner and a treasure trove of history that some visitors might need to know.
Uncover Lake Minnewanka’s History
We don’t blame them. It’s hard to know about the lake’s history when buried underwater! An entire village, to be exact.
A dam constructed in 1941 flooded the village, but the cold waters of Lake Minnewanka have preserved many of its structures.
You could always go scuba diving and see the town for yourself! Lake Minnewanka is one of two places in Banff National Park where scuba diving, including ice diving, is available.
If your idea of a winter wonderland is diving into the ice-cold, deep, and dark water of Lake Minnewanka, go for it! Just make sure you have the necessary equipment and permits.
Winter Adventures at Frozen Lake Minnewanka
Of course, you won’t be doing much kayaking or canoeing on a frozen lake, but there are plenty of other things to try.
In November and December, when the lake freezes over but before the big dumps of winter snowfall, you can try “wild skating.” Wild skating is the practice of skating on natural ice outdoors, tough on snow-covered lakes unless you brought your own Zamboni–but Minnewanka is one of the prime destinations for wild skating as low snowfall and constant winds scour the ice surface clean.
Other fun adventures on the lake are fat-tire biking (using studded tires) and kick sledding, which is like a dogsled without the dogs and propelled by your feet.
There are also trails worth checking out. There are nearby cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails.
If we had to recommend one trail, it would be the Stewart Canyon Trail. The trail is just under six kilometres long and takes about an hour and 45 minutes to complete.
Hiking or skiing along the trail takes you through the shores of Lake Minnewanka, the surrounding forests, and a bridge over the Cascade River. You get a little bit of everything, which is perfect for the indecisive folks!
According to AllTrails, the trail is considered “moderately challenging.” Still, visitors have nothing but nice things to say about it, except for a few comments about muddy sections on warmer days.
“Lake Minnewanka is awesome (in the) winter and summer. Once the lake freezes solid, it is very accessible and safe – on our recent visit, we saw several people on the ice, some were making a skating rink. We were there to do some cross-country skiing and had a terrific time on the well-maintained trails that start from the Lake’s parking lot,” wrote Ben B. from Calgary on TripAdvisor.
If you are looking for Instagram-worthy photos, you’re in luck.
“We visited in the winter and walked along frozen Lake Minnewanka. The view of the mountains is amazing and the perfect backdrop for photographs,” wrote 277jamieleea from Australia.
After enjoying some of the winter activities available at Lake Minnewanka, you might have an appetite.
The good news is that a few delicious restaurants are nearby, ranging from Mediterranean to American-style bars.
Lake Minnewanka is a must-visit during summer, attracting a quarter of Banff National Park’s four million annual visitors.
However, Lake Minnewanka is just as worth seeing in the winter, especially if you love winter wonderlands as much as we do.
If winter wonderlands aren’t enough to get you in the festive spirit, here are the top five things to do in Alberta before Christmas!
