Stewart Canyon Trail

This enjoyable trail starts from the Minnewanka Day Use Area. To get the the day use area, you can take Banff Ave north, away from Banff. The trail starts along the shore of Lake Minnewanka, weaving between official trail, the service road, and the pebble beach. It will be crowded at first, but the further you go, the fewer people you'll encounter. You'll pass a kiosk for the Stewart Canyon Trailhead at the end of the service road. From here the trail is going to get less crowded and narrower. Take time to explore the beach and soak in the amazing views of mountains as you go. The trail ends at the bridge over the Cascade River after only about 1.5 kilometers and no elevation gain. You can continue onto the Lake Minnewanka Trail / the Aylmer Pass Trail but from after the bridge be mindful of the bear related trail restrictions: tight groups of four or more and carry bear spray.