Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop is a popular route for road cyclists in Banff National Park. Anyone comfortable riding with traffic will want to add this scenic route to their must-do Banff road bike routes while visiting the Banff National Park.
This road cycling route in Banff takes cyclists on a scenic ride past the popular Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and even Johnson Lake, with a slight detour. Not only that, but cyclists will also enjoy panoramic mountain views throughout the ride.
While many road cycling enthusiasts may be looking to cover as much distance as possible, there are plenty of opportunities to stop along this route. If you have the time, we recommend enjoying one of the excellent Lake Minnewanka hikes or a picnic by the lake into your plan.
Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop Details
How to Cycle Lake Minnewanka Loop
Cycling Lake Minnewanka Road from the Town of Banff
You can start this bike ride from anywhere in the town of Banff, which is a great place to grab some snacks before heading out for the day. In Banff, you can find parking at the Fenlands Recreation Centre or the Train Station.
From there cycle through town and get on the Banff Legacy Trail on the east end of Banff Avenue. Shortly after crossing Tunnel Mountain Road, the Legacy Trail will turn right and be parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Turn left at the first intersection, going under the highway, towards Cascade Ponds. From there you can cycle past Cascade Ponds to the parking lot then out onto Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.
Cycling Lake Minnewanka Road from Cascade Ponds
Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Road is easiest from Cascade Ponds (or from the small parking lot opposite the turn into Cascade Ponds). Simply leave from the parking lot back to the road and make a right onto the start of the Lake Minnewanka Loop.
Cycling Lake Minnewanka Road from the Legacy Trail
Want some serious distance? Bike from Canmore to Lake Minnewanka!
The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a multi-use pathway that connects the two mountain towns of Canmore and Banff. Cycling the Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff, you’ll encounter an intersection as you approach Banff.
If you stay on the Legacy Trail will bring you into the Town of Banff. If you turn right towards Cascade Ponds, you can continue your bike ride up along the Lake Minnewanka Road Loop and add on approximately 16 km.
How Long is the Lake Minnewanka Loop?
The Lake Minnewanka Road loop is 13.1 km from the T-intersection. This 13.1 km includes only the cycling on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and no additional stops along the way. Riding from the parking lot Cascade Ponds will add on an additional 2 km for a total of 15 km.
If you bike to Johnson Lake and back, that will add another 3 km each way for a total of 21 km.
Is Biking the Lake Minnewanka Loop Difficult?
While we always enjoy getting out on our bikes, whether it’s on the pathways with our kids or mountain biking, we aren’t hard-core cyclists. We found the Lake Minnewanka Loop to be a relatively easy bike ride.
There were 2-3 hills that required some effort but overall, we didn’t find it difficult and from Cascade Ponds it’s only 13.1 km.
How Long Does it Take to Bike the Lake Minnewanka Loop?
From Cascade Ponds, it took us approximately 75 minutes to cycle the complete Minnewanka Loop. While we skipped the section to Johnson Lake, given that we go to Johnson Lake often with the kids, we also stopped for a lot of pictures.
Add on any extra time for stopping for pictures, a picnic lunch or for doing the additional 6 km to Johnson Lake.
What’s the Best Direction to Cycle the Lake Minnewanka Road?
That’s the question of the day! When we drive the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, we always do it counter-clockwise. Perhaps that’s because we are often going to Johnson Lake and are used to turning that way.
When we cycled the loop, we opted to go clockwise (staying straight at the T-intersection) and only had a couple of hills to climb. We loved the views of Cascade Mountain as we had an extended downhill after Johnson Lake.
The benefit of cycling the Minnewanka Loop counter-clockwise, especially in the summer when the road is busy, is that almost everything will be on your right. There’s no need to cross traffic to get to any of the lakes.
Best Time to Cycle the Lake Minnewanka Road Loop
For the months of June through September, the best time to bike the Lake Minnewanka Loop will be either in the mornings or later in the evenings when there is less traffic on the road. The road does not have much room on the sides or any shoulders, leaving cyclists exposed on the road with traffic.
Especially during high season in the summer when Banff is full of tourists, this entire area will be extremely busy, especially Lake Minnewanka.
Parking for Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop
The best place for cycling the Minnewanka Loop is at Cascade Ponds or in the small parking lot opposite the turn into Cascade Ponds Day Use Area.
To get to Cascade Ponds Day Use Area, exit off the Trans-Canada Highway towards Lake Minnewanka and turn right. Cascade Ponds is the first right off Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive.
6 Things to do on the Lake Minnewanka Loop
If you have time for more than just cycling Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, there are plenty of incredible things to do along the way.
1. Cascade Ponds
Cascade Ponds is the ideal place to start this road cycle in Banff. Not only does it have plenty of parking, but it’s one of the best picnic spots in Banff. It’s the perfect spot to finish off a bike ride and enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of Cascade Mountain.
2. Lower Bankhead
Lower Bankhead is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Banff, but even adults will love it. The Bankhead ghost town hike is an easy 1.1 km trail through the remnants of an old Banff coal mining town.
If you are biking the Lake Minnewanka Road clockwise, Lower Bankhead will be one of the first roadside attractions at 2.8 km. There’s also a World War 1 Memorial on the opposite side of the road.
3. Upper Bankhead
Upper Bankhead is reached shortly after Lower Bankhead at around the 3.5 km mark.
The Upper Bankhead area has a picnic area, that will be much quieter than the other picnic areas of the nearby lakes. The C Level Cirque hike also leaves from here. It’s a 7.8 km out & back hike with 455 m of elevation gain.
4. Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is obviously one of the highlights of the Lake Minnewanka Road Loop. In addition to being the home of the iconic Lake Minnewanka Cruise, it’s another great picnic spot. Alternatively, you can do the Stewart Canyon hike or mountain bike/hike the Lake Minnewanka Trail.
Biking past Lake Minnewanka on the causeway offers some of the best mountain and lake scenery!
5. Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is one of the most scenic stops along the way. Seeing it from high on the Minnewanka road on a calm day offers the most incredible view of Rundle reflecting in the water.
Two Jack Lake has picnic tables, the Banff red chairs and a pleasant walk around the shore. We highly recommend taking the time to stop and appreciate the views surrounding Two Jack Lake.
Two Jack Lake is also home to two popular Banff campgrounds. If you are staying at either Two Jack Lakeside or Two Jack main, this would be an excellent starting point for biking the Lake Minnewanka Road.
6. Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake is a 3 km (each way) detour off Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, but there are plenty of things to do at Johnson Lake. With a small beach, picnic tables and a short but pleasant hike around Johnson Lake, you might just want to lock up your bike and spend the day.
When Nature Calls
Toilets can be found at Cascade Ponds, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake.
Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop with Kids
Due to the amount of vehicle traffic, we wouldn’t cycle the Lake Minnewanka Loop with our young kids, who are 5 and 7 years old. They just don’t have the focus and listening skills yet for it to be safe.
Read More
These other kid-friendly bike rides in Banff and area may be a better idea for your family trip to Banff.
9 Tips for the BEST Experience Cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop
1. Start Early
The Lake Minnewanka Loop will be the busiest at mid-day on weekends. By starting early, you will have no issues getting parking but it will also be much quieter. The entire Lake Minnewanka area is extremely busy in the summer.
2. Be Prepared for Animal Encounters
It’s not uncommon to see bears along the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, especially in the early mornings or evenings. Lake Minnewanka is on the edge of prime grizzly bear area. Ride in a group, carry spray in an easily accessible holster and make a lot of noise.
3. Don’t Cause Parking Issues
There are several options for free parking in Banff and closer to the Lake Minnewanka Loop. Please always park legally in designated parking lots.
To ensure a parking spot, arrive earlier or consider cycling from the town of Banff by parking at Fenlands Recreation Centre or the Train Station.
4. Ride the Lake Minnewanka Loop on a Weekday
If you can swing it, cycling the Lake Minnewanka Loop on a weekday will be much less busy and a much more enjoyable experience.
5. Don’t Rush
Take the time to stop and take pictures of the incredible views along this scenic Banff road. Make a day of it by stopping at one of the lakes or other spots along the way.
6. Be Safe
As one of the most scenic drives in Banff, there is a lot of vehicle traffic.Wear a helmet and, if riding with kids, teach kids about biking etiquette, most importantly about following the rules of biking on a road.
7. Dress for Cool Mornings
You can expect mornings to be cool, even in the summer. Pack layers and even gloves. Don’t forget hats and sunscreen for stops along the way.
8. Bring a Bike Lock
If you stop to do a hike in the area, keep your bike safe by locking it up.
9. Leave No Trace
With millions of annual visitors, we all need to do our part to keep Banff National Park beautiful and safe for the animals who call it home. Please pack out everything you bring with you.
Bike Rentals for Biking the Lake Minnewanka Road
If you don’t have your own bikes while visiting Banff, bikes can be rented in Banff. Always make sure you get a lock and everyone in your party gets a well-fitting helmet.
Banff Bike Rentals: Ultimate Sports or Snowtips Bactrax
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Celine Brewer, a local Canmore resident, is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada. She has a passion for being out in the mountains any time of year. In the summer, you'll often find her hiking or mountain biking. In the winter, she enjoys cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking the most.
As much as she loves the mountains, she also loves travel! When she's not playing outdoors at home, she's either traveling the world with her husband and two kids or working on their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.