Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park, stretching 21 kilometers long. Its name means "Lake of the Water Spirits" in the Indigenous language. Beneath its surface lies a submerged resort town flooded in 1941, making it a popular diving destination. Panoramic 1-hour boat cruises offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks from May to October. The area is home to elk, bears, and bighorn sheep. Hiking trails and picnic areas line the scenic shore.