Both gas and electric motorized boats as well as non-motorized watercraft may be used on Lake Minnewanka with a permit. Permits are essential in preventing the introduction of invasive species (non-native plants, animals and diseases) to preserve the delicate ecosystem of Lake Minnewanka. All motorized boats must obtain an AIS Inspection Permit at the Lake Minnewanka Boat Inspection Station located on the Lake Minnewanka access road. Hours for inspection for the 2024 season are:

-May 17 to June 6: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-June 7 to September 2: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

-September 3 to September 30: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-October 1 to season end: by appointment only

All non-motorized watercraft, aquatic recreation equipment and fishing equipment used at Lake Minnewanka also require a permit, but can be self declared. The declaration requires that any aquatic equipment has been properly cleaned, drained and dried. Equipment must be dried for at least 48 hours after use in water bodies within AB, BC, Yukon and NWT. If your equipment has been used on a body of water in the USA or any other province, it must be dried for 30 days. Self Declaration Permits may be printed and filled out in advance, obtained from the visitor center or completed at the self service kiosk on site. Permits must be filled out every time you enter a lake, stream or river within Banff National Park. Violators can be charged a hefty penalty up to $25,000 by the Canada National Parks Act if caught.

There is an unloading ramp at Lake Minnewanka, but the boat dock is not permitted for public use.

Save time on inspections and watercraft permits and rent instead! Lake of the Spirits Rentals offers 16ft aluminum motor boats as well as a fleet of canoes to make your fishing trip a breeze. Though you still need a valid national park fishing license, all of our watercraft stay on site all season and are under 10 horsepower, so do not require any additional inspections or boat licenses. Our boats are inspected daily and equipped with everything you need to travel safely and comfortably on Lake Minnewanka, including gasoline for motorboats, life jackets, bailing equipment, a sounding device and watertight flashlight.

Travel light and avoid filling out AIS prevention permits, fishing rods, reels, tackle and nets are available for rent right here at Lake of the Spirits Rentals. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help orient you with our equipment. Be sure to ask for insider tips on best locations for fishing on the lake!

Boats and fishing gear may be rented from 8am-7pm with hourly rates for motorboats starting at $150 and only $75 for canoes. Fishing gear starts as low as $30 when added to any boat rental. We have plenty of options for day rates, group packages and discounts for twilight rentals too.

Reservations can be made up to 1 week in advance using our online booking service. We do keep a few boats available for rent on a first come first serve basis, but it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Check out our homepage for more info on boat rental packages for fishing on Lake Minnewanka.

The season for fishing at Lake Minnewanka runs from May 18 and September 2, as long as you have a valid National Park Fishing Permit and an Aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention permit for your fishing equipment. Permits can be obtained from the National Park Visitor Center. Provincial fishing licenses are not valid. Youth under 16 years old can fish in the national parks without a permit if accompanied by a national park permit holder 16 years of age or older.

Daily permits cost $13.50 and Annual Permits cost $46.25. An annual permit is a great option for those who plan to fish often or will be traveling to our neighboring national parks. They are valid in Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay!

From 1901 to 1972 Lake Minnewanka was stocked with many species of fish that were not native to the area. Some species were unable to survive while others flourished, affecting the original native species. Today, the most common fish reeled in at Lake Minnewanka are Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish and Mountain Whitefish.

The possession limit is 2 for Lake Trout and 0 for all other species. Anglers are responsible for correctly identifying which fish species they have caught, if you aren’t sure, release it right back! Lake Trout can live up to 70 years, help increase its chances by handling the fish as little as possible and releasing quickly if you aren’t taking it home.

If you plan to cast from shore, remember you’re in bear country. Grizzly and black bears are common in the Bow Valley and frequently travel around lakes and rivers. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it in the event of an encounter is beneficial for both you and the bear. Bear spray can be purchased from many outdoor retailers in the Town of Banff.

Looking for more locations to fish? The upper bow river boasts plenty of Brown Trout and Mountain Whitefish and runs right through the Town of Banff! Though not as common, anglers may have the opportunity to catch a Cutthroat or Bull Trout here. Keep an eye on closures and updated regulations on fishing in Banff here.