On the surface, Lake Minnewanka in Alberta, looks like most other glacial lakes you will see on your Canada holiday. Surrounded by forests of evergreen trees and nestled along the eastern edge of Banff National Park, the 13-mile-long lake is among the famous places to visit in Canada and has been attracting tourists for years. However, not many visitors know that the lake, as it appears today, is a modern addition to the natural landscape, and that the area, before it was flooded, was home to a bustling lakeside resort town that today lies under the icy cold waters and can be seen when you go scuba diving.

Just a 15-minute drive from the Banff townsite and a signature Canada tourism experience, the Minnewanka Lake Cruise is one of the best things to do in Banff. Usually about an hour, this interpretive cruise is a lovely way to view the scenic mountains and clear waters, while your knowledgeable guide shares inside stories of the region’s fascinating history, culture and geology. Soak in the breathtaking sight of emerald waters melding with snow-sloped mountains and plump waterfalls, while keeping your eyes open for local wildlife along the way.

The lake got its name from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, who call it Minn-waki or ‘Lake of the Spirits’. Along the northwest stretch of the lake, at Sandy Beach, archaeologists have unearthed artifacts dating back to 14,000 years ago, including spear points, arrowheads, and other implements used by the indigenous tribes who once called this region home. The highlight of this spectacular Canadian trip is the Devil’s Gap, a glacial path carved through Lake Minnewanka from the foothills of the Rockies.