Just a short drive away from Banff lie the pristine Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes lie sprawled at the foot of Mount Norquay, surrounded by the peaks of the Canadian Rockies and sheltered by the blue canopy of an open sky. The lakes and their surroundings offer visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. The site is especially popular amongst amateur and professional photographers who cannot resist the lure of the lakes' untouched beauty. The lakes are clearly visible from the highway and make a remarkably breathtaking sight indeed, especially at sunset when the scene is awash in the red, gold and crimson hues of the setting sun. The scene inspires romance and is a great choice for a leisurely drive on date night.

Ces bains naturels, bouillonnants sont une tradition pour les locaux comme pour les touristes. Une fois enlevés vos habits de ski, plongez et laissez ces bains atténuer les douleurs accumulées pendant la journée. Spécialement accueillants pendant l'hiver ou les jours de pluie fine, les bains sont ouverts toute l'année. Pour ceux qui n'auraient pas prévu une telle surprise, vous pourrez louer un casier, des maillots et des serviettes. Les bains se situent à trois kilomètres du centre-ville de Banff.

The name Minnewanka comes from the word the Stoney Nakota First Nations people used to refer to the lake: "Minn-Waki," or "lake of the spirits." Aboriginal people first began exploring the lake's shores and waters over 10,000 years ago. They believed that the dark waters housed spirits to be respected. The early Europeans also felt the power of the lake, which they called Devil's Lake. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the lake began attracting tourists. Two cruise boats began operating out of Minnewanka Landing, a small town on the edge of the lake. Today, that town is underwater, as the lake was dammed in the 20th-Century. Visitors to the lake can explore the old town on scuba diving trips, or take a tour of the lake on a boat tour.