Lake Minnewanka and the Meanderthals

Lake Minnewanka, also named Devil's Lake by the First Nations, is one of the deepest and largest lakes of the Canadian Rockies. The deep water gives the lake its intense dark blue color. It also has the advantage of being only 5 miles from the RV park. It's a long hike along the north shore, but it is fairly easy.

At 1 mile we crossed the bridge across Steward Canyon. This is looking south, towards the lake and...

this is looking north. 

At 1 1/2-miles we arrived at an elevated viewpoint on Lake Minnewanka.

From here the trail starts descending as we parallel the lakeshore through the woods.

Along the way we encountered a group of mature hikers. It was a hiking club from Canmore, 15 miles from Banff, outside the park. We asked if they had a name and they were pleased to tell us it was the Meanderthals. 

Ten minutes later we passed the other half of the group. They hike once a week, every Wednesday.

Nearing the end of the trail. I don't know the name of this creek with the log bridge.

At the turn-around point we went out to the lake for lunch.

Lunch views.

Normally we have a 4-legged mammal as a lunch companion. Today it was a 2-legged loon.

A tour boat passed us. We waved and the pilot sounded his horn.

Back at the viewpoint, heading home.

Today's hike:

Length 11.06 miles

Duration - 5 hours (including lunch)

Elevation gain - 1,184 feet