Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Hikes/Canada/Alberta/Banff National Park/Around Banff

    Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6.5-9h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    20.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,075 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Google Maps
    Apple Maps
    Panorama of the Bourgeau Lake hike in Banff National Park, Alberta

    This hike to Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass is a sure-fire way to induce happiness. Though the numbers make this trail seem big, the feeling of being on a true adventure makes the day go easily and quickly. Definitely one of the best hikes near Banff!

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass on Map

    View Map
    View Map

    Quick Navigation

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass

    Start in the Bourgeau Lake parking lot and take the only path out of the parking lot, outwards into the forest. You will quickly replace the buzz of the Trans-Canada Highway with the songs of birds chattering and the delightful addition of a fresh forest smell. Spend about 7.5 km in the forest trekking up to Bourgeau Lake. During this time, you will be near Wolverine Creek, with occasional crossings. Enjoy the tranquility as you gain 0.7 km of elevation.

    While for many people Bourgeau Lake is a trip in itself, the real magic is the journey up to Harvey Lake and Harvey Pass. After enjoying a break at the head of the lake, pass to the right of the water and follow the rougher path upwards, enjoying the wonderful views down upon the lake and the enormous cliff face of Mount Bourgeau.

    As you rise, keep your eyes open for marmots, one particular stretch along here we often refer to as “Marmot Town”, having seen so many on previous trips.

    Quickly, after 2.0 km you reach Harvey Lake. Don’t stop here - although it’s lovely. Continue on the left of the lake and make it to the pass, another 0.5 km. We recommend coming over the pass to get out of the wind. From here you have views to Mount Assiniboine as well as down over Healy Creek to Sunshine Meadows. For those who are adventurous, you can continue up to the top of Mount Bourgeau, roughly 2.7 km and 400 m higher.

    Insider Hints for Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass

    • Keep your eyes open for marmot and ptarmigan between Bourgeau and Harvey Lakes.
    • If you’ve got the energy, you can scramble to the top of Mount Bourgeau.
    • There is faint cellphone signal at Harvey Pass, in case you wish to share the beauty on Instagram or Facebook.

    Getting to the Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass Trailhead

    The Bourgeau parking lot is on south side of the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly 13.0 km west of Banff. There is a turnaround on the Trans-Canada for those who are heading to the route from Banff.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June through October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      Trailhead

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter