Runs

Canadian Trails - Lake Minnewanka Trail

June 25, 2010
By Phil Villeneuve

Location: Banff, Alberta

Route options:

29K return (to Ranger Station)

31K point-to-point (to Ghost Wilderness Recreational Area)

Start: Minnewanka Lake parking lot

Getting there: From the Trans-Canada Highway, take the Lake Minnewanka Exit, 5.5K to Lake Minnewanka. Park in the large parking lot and follow the paved path past the boat concession to the lakeshore trail.

It’s no secret that Bow Valley trail runners benefit from the Canmore-Banff region’s dry microclimate and can usually run all winter long due to the area’s minimal snow accumulation. But with much of the higher elevations still covered in snow until mid-summer, most valley dwellers must rely on local knowledge to add variety to their options of snow-free running destinations.

With its low elevation gain and close proximity to civilization, the Lake Minnewanka Trail is always an early-season favourite.  At this time of the year, most of the lake is still frozen and therefore free of tourist traffic - another big bonus.  It offers two options:  a 29K out-and-back run to the Ranger Station (at the 14.5K mark) or, if you’re looking for the adventure pack, a 31K point-to-point traverse to the Ghost Wilderness Recreation Area that will require you to convince a friend to make the long journey around to pick you up.

Regardless of your choice, both options start at the Minnewanka Lake parking lot and run along the lake’s south-facing slope, following the terrain’s contour as it snakes its way east towards the Ghost River.  The only major climb comes early in the run, at the 1.5K mark, after crossing Stewart Canyon bridge. This takes you up to the trail’s highpoint, which is scarred by an old prescribed burn.  From here, it’s mainly level terrain. Aside from a few scree (loose rock) sections and potential wet feet as you rock-hop your way across the odd mountain-fed stream, the trail is fast and dry and offers stunning non-stop views of the Rockies.

The Ranger Station is a welcome site and marks the halfway point of the run. It also features a nice grassy area to take a break and grab a bite along the shores of Minnewanka.  If you’ve made shuttle arrangements, it’s time to push on through the remaining 15K or so past the three Ghost Lakes and Devil’s Gap.  Otherwise, turn back and get ready for a re-run of that great bit of singletrack you just covered.

Local’s Tips:

Be aware of wildlife: Make noise, travel in small groups and don’t forget your bear spray.

Campgrounds: The trail is marked by several campgrounds along the way.  Stick to the main (most-used) trail to stay on easterly course.

Go early:  The longer you wait, the more traffic you’ll encounter.  Campers, hikers and bikers turn this trail into a high-traffic area; the earlier you go in the morning, the better.

Want more? At the 7.8K mark, take a left up Aylmer Lookout (junction and campground) - this will add another 3.5K and 550 metres of elevation gain to your day.

For more info on the Lake Minnewanka Trail and other runs in the Canadian Rockies, visit: www.mtnrunning.ca.

Phil Villeneuve is a Canmore-based trail runner and Nordic skier.