Locals' Appreciation Day at Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Locals' Appreciation Day at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Pursuit Collection had a Locals' Appreciation Day on May 27, 2018. On this day, locals had a chance to enjoy free admission with donations instead of paying discounted or full rates to selected attractions. Most of my colleagues and friends went to Banff Gondola but I decided to go for Lake Minnewanka Cruise as I have never been to Lake Minnewanka before. Honestly, I wanted to go to both Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka Cruise but there's only so much time in a day that I had to sacrifice one of them.

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Took the 9am-ish bus from the nearest stop to my staff accommodation so that I could catch the first cruise. It took me almost half an hour by bus to reach Lake Minnewanka. It was great to see the vast Lake Minnewanka, especially after getting stuck with my routine in Banff Avenue. lol! Anyway, I saw a few bighorn sheep while we were on the way to Lake Minnewanka. So, that was a nice surprise :)

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

There was quite a long line when I arrived at the dock that morning. I guess most people had the same idea as me. Or, maybe they were there early so that they could go to Banff Gondola next. In any case, the waiting time was quite long. Had to queue to get the ticket and then had to queue again to board the cruise.

Tip: Do book online or with your hotel's front desk agents or any tour operators so that you can cut the waiting time. It'll be no fun to show up without the ticket as you may waste a lot of time waiting.

Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The cruise lasted for an hour and a half. A lil bit too short in my opinion. I felt that I needed more time to soak and enjoy the view but then to each of their own, eh. And, as I mentioned in this post, the ride was fun and informative. Passengers were supplied with information on Lake Minnewanka and the nearby area. Our guide was particularly entertaining and almost all the kids loved hearing her explanation. And it was nice hearing an explanation from someone who studied Geology :)



Tip: They do have 2-hour cruises but they are offered at selected times. So, do check the timetable on their website.


Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

As what happened on my ride and explained by the guide, the cruise will stop for about 10-15 minutes in the middle of the lake so that everyone can soak and enjoy the view. You'll feel so small as you're taking in the view. Subhanallah. I know I did. This is also the perfect time for photo ops provided the weather is great and the lighting is on your side.

Tip: Do go for a cruise that departs around 12 pm or after that so that you'll not get backlight for most of your ride.


Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

I then spent about half an hour at the deck after the cruise to just soak in the view again. In my opinion, the deck is one of the best photo spots in Lake Minnewanka. There are a few red muskoka chairs as well on the deck so visitors can take their own sweet time sitting and enjoying the view. I personally wanted to stay for longer, maybe walking along the trails there on top of sitting on the muskoka chair but I had to rush home as I needed to go to bed. Maybe I'll be back to Lake Minnewanka again once the weather is good? After all, I still have a few more free tickets for the cruise :)

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20 Comments

  1. suka gila tengok warna air yang hijau dan langit yang biru. cantik sangat :D
    teringin rasa nak naik cruise camnie sambil menikmati pemandangan sekeliling :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was lucky this time sebab lepas tu mendung je sepanjang hari :D

      Insya Allah BV, one fine day ^^

      Delete
  2. nasib baik cuaca cerah haritu. nak amek gambar pun nampak lawa!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cantiknya. Tenang je nampak keindahan alam . Biru 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Memang tenang sangat walaupun ramai orang masa tu :)

      Delete
  4. The view is sooo calming!! T^T I'm jealous all over again.. >_< hehe Happy Eid anyway ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed. Eid Mubarak to you as well, Hana :)

      Delete
  5. tak pernah tak cantik Canada ni, hehhe... atas gunung tu bkn salji kan?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rasanya ada je tempat yang tak berapa nak cantik dekat Canada ni juga. Cuma tak pernah pergi lagi je. Hehehhe.

      &

      Yang dekat atas gunung tu, salji. Sekarang ni ada je lagi saki baki salji dekat puncak-puncak gunung dekat sini.

      Delete
  6. bahagianya dapat tengok view yang cantik sangat macam ni

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Memang bahagia sangat-sangat. Especially lepas stress gila dengan kerja.

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  7. Subhanallah. Cantik. Memang kalau nak gambar cantik better gi pagi-pagi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesss, lagi lagi kalau tak ramai orang la :D

      Delete
  8. aiiii santikkkkkknya lahaiiiiii..... bila laa sy dpt terjah ke sini...

    ReplyDelete

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