Stewart Canyon Trail, Banff

Hike from beautiful Lake Minnewanka to Stewart Canyon in Banff National Park.

Serene and scenic spot on the Lake Minnewanka lakeshore (en route to Stewart Canyon)

Lake Minnewanka is the true star of Stewart Canyon Trail, but there’s some interesting history here. Did you know the Stewart Canyon bridge is where Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum kissed in the 1954 film, River Of No Return? Enjoy an easy 1.5 km stroll to the bridge, then continue through mossy forest for canyon views. The trail follows the canyon’s edge for about 1.5 kilometres before dropping down to the river. While there are limited views past the bridge, it’s a nice escape from the crowds, and the trees offer shade on a hot day.

DYK Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum kissed on Banff’s Stewart Canyon bridge in the 1954 film, River Of No Return? #mybanff
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For the perfect day trip, combine this little trail with at least one of these Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive experiences:

Paddle at Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, or Cascade Ponds;
Take the Lake Minnewanka Lake Cruise;
Hike to the coal mining ruins at Lower Bankhead or C-Level Cirque;
Look for the red chairs, hoodoos, and old hermit cabin at Johnson Lake; or
Picnic at Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, or Cascade Ponds.

Table of Contents

Stewart Canyon Route Description

The trail begins at beautiful Lake Minnewanka

From the Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot, head towards the lake, and turn left. Next, walk along the lakeshore or on the paved path passing the Black Anchor Restaurant on the left and picnic area on the right. At the end of the roundabout, you’ll see a signpost marking the Stewart Canyon Trailhead.

Continue north past a couple small peninsulas and dock. A few undercut sections near the shore are fenced off for your protection (the banks could collapse), so stay on the main trail to stay safe. You can’t miss the pedestrian bridge over the Cascade River. Stop and look west at the smooth, almost vertical canyon walls; and east at Lake Minnewanka.

Enjoy the view on the way to the bridge, then hike through forest along the canyon.

Many people turn back at the bridge, but if you’d like to go further, you can continue to the left to walk along the canyon’s edge (just don’t go too close!). In about 1 km, you’ll come to a junction. Take a left to keep hiking along Stewart Canyon. It’s possible to descend to the water’s edge a bit further down the trail (where a creek joins the river), but we chose to picnic by the lake.

Return the way you came and keep an eye out for wildlife! Bighorn sheep, deer, and even bears are frequently seen around here.

stewart-canyon-lake-minnewanka-06 — Go back the way you came

stewart-canyon-lake-minnewanka-04 — Go back the way you came

Stewart Canyon Trail at a Glance

Distance: 1.5 km one way to bridge / 3 km to river’s edge
Elevation gain: flat to bridge / 250 metres elevation gain to river’s edge
Difficulty: Easy – but the trail is narrow in some spots, and the canyon is quite deep, so keep kids close and away from the canyon’s edge
Stroller friendly? No
Nearest washrooms: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot or Lake Minnewanka Picnic Area
Parking: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot
Trailhead: The Lake Minnewanka/Stewart Canyon Trail begins at the south end of the parking lot and heads east (away from the dam and boathouse). You can take the paved trail through the trees or walk along the lakeshore and rejoin the trail later. **Note: Only the first half of the trail is paved.**

Stewart Canyon Trail at Lake Minnewanka is beautiful in winter too!

Know Before You Go

A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Banff National Park.
SEASONAL RESTRICTION PAST THE BRIDGE: From July 10 – September 15, it is mandatory that you hike in a group of 4 and carry bear spray. Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trail during this time period.
You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.

What to Bring

osprey tempest 30 l backpack — **Osprey Tempest 30L Backpack**

helly-hansen-verglas-3l-shell — **Osprey Tempest 30L Backpack**

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Waterproof mid-height hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* and map of the area, mineral sunscreen, bug spray (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.

*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.

In snowy/icy conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon, MEC, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Sport Chek) are recommended. See our Fall/Winter Hiking Gear Guide for recommended clothing and gear.

Getting Here

The Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot is 1.5 hours west of Calgary, 8 minutes north of the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1), at the end of Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. Get Google Maps directions here.

From May until September, take the ROAM Bus Route 6 (public transit) from the Banff Train Station or Lake Minnewanka Park & Ride (free parking at both lots) to Lake Minnewanka.