Minnewanka Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaBanff National Park
Alberta -
AKAMajor Wanker
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Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlue (2 votes)
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Fat
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingModerate
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SeasonSept 15 - July 10
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Global Ranking
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Local Popularity65 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 65 in Trail Running
- 75 in Hiking
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Land Owner
Out and back trail along Minnewanka lake. Usually opens up early in the season for riding. The hardest climb is near the beginning, the rest is up and down along the lake shore. The riding is not super-technical, but it is singletrack with roots and rocks. It's also fun in the winter, where you can ride on the frozen lake [studded tires recommended - make sure it's frozen - ride at your own risk].
Note that Minnewanka is one of the most popular trails in Banff. There can be HUGE crowds of hikers on weekends. Start and finish early on the weekends, or ride on weekdays to avoid the masses. If you are riding the trail, don't stop for a rest on the narrow exposed sections - keep moving until you can find a spot to stop where others can pass you.
Seasonal Restriction for bicycle is in effect from July 10 - September 15.
Access Info
Public Transit - Route 6
From the Minnewanka parking lot, the trail starts at the northeast end past the picnic tables.
Disclaimer
Seasonal Closure to bikes is from July 10 - September 15
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Minnewanka multi-use trail trail
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Altitude change69 ft
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Altitude min4,923 ft
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Altitude max5,143 ft
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Altitude start4,923 ft
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Altitude end4,990 ft
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Grade0.1%
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Grade max-28.2%
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Grade min25%
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Distance climb3 miles
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Distance down3 miles
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Distance flat3 miles
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Avg time01:45:14
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Avg reverse time02:24:09
- view trail stats
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
- Description
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- Description & Photos
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- most popular
- popular
- less popular
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- mountain biking recent
- mountain biking (>6 month)
- hiking (1 year)
- moto (1 year)
- Downhill Ski
- Backcountry Ski
- Nordic Ski
- Snowmobile
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SaveMinnewanka Trail Reports
Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail
- 0 rides
- 8 rides
- 19 miles avg distance
- 165 rides
- Last: Jul 9, 2025
Photos
Trail Lists
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2018 Shred List85 trails
Routes with this trail
15 Reviews & Comments
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Videos
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Banff National Park
- By danny
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- #5946 - 33,517 views
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