This Lake In Alberta Has A Hidden Ghost Town Beneath Its Waves (VIDEOS)

The Prairies are home to tons of hidden treasures, some of which are hiding right under our noses. Even though this lake is super popular and is located in a huge national park, few could ever guess a ghost town lies just beneath the waters. The sunken city under Lake Minnewanka is a hidden treasure that few have seen and it's waiting to be discovered.

Deep below the surface of the lake's pristine waters is the sunken resort town of Minnewanka Landing. While it used to bustle with tourism and life, according to Parks Canada, its only residents are now trout and the occasional scuba diver.

The village was built way back in 1886 when the water levels were much lower. Soon, cottages sprung up, restaurants and hotels were built, and a boat tour even started ferrying travellers around the scenic lake. For a little while, life was great at Minnewanka Landing.

But after a series of dams were built over the years for water storage, shoreline improvements and to generate power, the town sunk beneath the water around 1941.

Today, the lake makes a great day trip even if you stay above the waterline. For licensed scuba divers, it's fun to explore.

However, Parks Canada warns that because the town has so much cultural significance, it's an absolute no-no to take or leave anything at the site, to vandalize the buildings, or to damage any part of it.

Picture this place as the setting in a Tomb Raider or Uncharted game, where you have to explore the (probably cursed) city and return stolen artifacts to appease the ghosts that are giving nearby villagers nightmares.

So if you ever stop by this gorgeous lake, keep in mind that there's more than meets the eye beneath its waves.

Lake Minnewanka Sunken City

Price: $10

Address: Banff National Park, AB

Why You Need To Go: Check out this enormous sunken city that's straight out of Tomb Raider.

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Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.