Town of Banff

Scuba Diving

Lake Minnewanka is a favourite destination for scuba divers in the Banff area, mostly because of the interesting archaeological and historical sites submerged in the waters of the lake.

Power-generating dams built in 1912, 1923 and 1941 increased the size of the lake and deepened it, flooding several small settlement sites that were built around the shores of the natural lake.

Divers at Lake Minnewanka can explore the submerged townsite of Minnewanka Landing (established in 1888) and a dam built in 1895. Features include a hotel, several house foundations, wharves, breakwaters and bridge foundations.These sites were partially flooded in 1912, and completely submerged  in 1941.

All dives at Lake Minnewanka are cold water. Visibility fluctuates depending on the time of year and the number of divers at the site. Dives vary in depth from 12 m to more than 25 m (80 ft.), and varying according to the time of year, rising as much as 5.5 m from spring to fall. The townsite dive requires access by boat.

There are no local operators who provide Scuba tours, training or rentals. However, several Calgary dive shops organize trips to Lake Minnewanka.

More information: Diving Lake Minnewanka (Parks Canada website)