Panorama of the Bourgeau Lake hike in Banff National Park, Alberta
Panorama of the Bourgeau Lake hike in Banff National Park, Alberta

Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass hike

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Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass hike

Distance: 12.7mi
Elevation: 3,527ft
Time: 6.5-9h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
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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!

Bourgeau Lake / Harvey Lake / Harvey Pass Hike Map

Getting there

The Bourgeau parking lot is on south side of the Trans-Canada Highway, roughly 8.1mi west of Banff. There is a turnaround on the Trans-Canada for those who are heading to the route from Banff.

I’ve done this 38 people have done this
I want to do this 82 want to do this route

About

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


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 4.7mi 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 0.4mi 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 1.2mi 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 0.3mi. 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 1.7mi and 1312ft higher.

Insider Hints

  • 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.

Comments

Chris F. 4 years ago

Speaking about how challenging it was is nothing compared to the rewarding views you'll see once you get there.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Lambert Y. 4 years ago

Worth every stop! Each attractions were note-worthy. I've taken lots of photos.

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Grant Ko. 4 years ago

Incredible views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. Really worth it to spend your day.

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FellWalker 4 years ago

Simply beautiful. The top of the Harvey Pass is breath taking and worth the effort

9.0 Overall Rating
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Jeffrey Reagan 4 years ago

We enjoyed the views of the forest, lakes and mountains. What an unforgettable experience!

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noraliu 4 years ago

Amazing series of lakes, mountains and apine views! A full-packed adventure indeed!

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Stoves_M 5 years ago

All in all great place with many spectacular locations.

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akaneogawa 5 years ago

The whole hike is beautiful at every turn, most lakes have sections that are WOW and then sections that are really nice,

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Alex Samuel 5 years ago

Striking views all around! Best for young and healthy people. This is definitely not an easy hike and I do not recommend it for people with health problems.

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Jacob AM 5 years ago

Don't miss scrambling to the top of Mount Borgeau! It's incredible!

10.0 Overall Rating
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31 Comments Show all

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