Historians claim that for more than 100 centuries people have worked alongside the lands of Lake Minnewanka. The Stoney people called it “Minn-waki” or “Lake of the Spirits” and respected it for its history and it’s resident spirits.
Meanwhile, when the Europeans came to claim these lands they nicknamed it “Devils Lake”.
It was only after they built the damn in 1895, 1912 & a final time in 1941 that the town became uninhabitable. In fact, raising the waters by more than 25 meters and increasing a surface area more than 50% of it’s previous size, the town of Minnewanka is now fully submerged and only visible by adventurers willing to dive to the site.
Unable (and quite frankly unwilling) to venture in those cold waters, join my friends and I as we step away from the Badlands of Alberta and explore yet another part of the beautiful Banff backcountry.
The top side of Lake Minnewanka, the surrounding mountains and crisp, clean air of the Canadian Rockies are almost too much for any one man to handle…almost!
The Spirit of Lake Minnewanka
Have you ever explored this part of Alberta, Canada? Where else in North America do you enjoy getting great great hikes & scenic views?
What a beautiful place. I would never get tired of those views…and what an interesting story to go along with it! I wouldn’t go diving into the water either…but viewing the mountains would be enough for me!
Wow that is gorgeous! I haven’t been to Canada in forever and I really want to go back. There’s so many beautiful places like this one. Water looks very cold though!
Yeah Lake Minnewanka is absolutely gorgeous in person…and you’re right, the water is FRIGID! lol
What a beautiful area! We have a town near us that has been submerged by a reservoir, and when the waters are low you can see the top of the church steeple! insane!
Whoa, that’s pretty crazy! Have you ever gotten gear and explored the area underwater? I bet it’s pretty cool!
Truly striking views. I would love to spend a day just staring at those peaks! Mountains always humble and calm me down!
They were quite humbling Marysia. You should explore the mountains out near Mt. Everest…if you like mountains, they’re quite a site to behold as well. 😉
I can’t wait to get to Banff NP! The views are obviously inspiring, and outdoor adventure plentiful – had no idea though that there were cool local legends! Maybe we’ll have to test out a seance at Minnewanka!
That’s something I’ve been getting into a lot here recently Meg. I’m always interested to see the local legends, history and folklore of an area. If you do visit, be sure to drop me a line. I’d love to see your point of view from Banff! 🙂
Beautiful photos!!! Nature pictures are always my favorite 🙂
Thanks Christine…there’s no place to be both at one & find humbling solitude other than nature. 🙂
Ohhh I love these kinds of places, where tales and legends are intertwined with a great scenery. Stunning!
Yes local tales, legends & folklare do have a way of both bringing a place to life and giving it a deeper meaning with character.
Breath taking shots Ron!!!! What an awesome adventure!
Thanks Raphael! 🙂