Harvey Pass

Pros & cons

PROS

Big alpine views including Mt. Assiniboine and Sunshine Meadows
String of turquoise tarns and meadows above Bourgeau Lake
Quieter than Banff’s headline hikes with frequent marmot sightings

CONS

Long, steep, rocky climb beyond Bourgeau Lake
Exposed to wind and fast‑changing alpine weather

Overview

Harvey Pass is a high-alpine saddle above Bourgeau Lake that rewards a big effort with a chain of blue-green tarns, wildflower meadows, and sweeping views to Mt. Assiniboine, the cliffs of Mount Bourgeau, and Sunshine Meadows. It’s a classic Banff day out that sees far fewer hikers than the park’s big-name trails—most people turn around at Bourgeau Lake, leaving the pass blissfully quiet.

Route at a Glance

Standard approach: start from the Bourgeau Lake parking area off the Trans‑Canada (Hwy 1). Pass through the gate and follow the trail to Bourgeau Lake.
From Bourgeau Lake, pick up the rougher path on the right side of the lake. It’s about 2.0 km to Harvey Lake, then roughly 0.5 km more to the pass.
Expect about 20 km round-trip and ~1,075 m of elevation gain for the full outing to the pass. The grade steepens and gets rockier above the lake, with some scree.

Scenery & Highlights

Lakes galore: Bourgeau Lake below, then Harvey Lake and several small tarns near the pass.
Panoramas: direct sightlines to Mt. Assiniboine, Sunshine Meadows, and the sheer walls of Mount Bourgeau.
Variety: forested approach, alpine meadows splashed with summer wildflowers, and rugged high-country terrain.

Wildlife

Hoary marmots are common—one stretch is nicknamed “Marmot Town” for good reason. You may also encounter Rocky Mountain sheep near the pass and cirques, plus pikas and birds. Bears are present in the lower forested sections—carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Difficulty & Trail Conditions

This is a moderate-to-difficult day hike due to its length and the steeper, rockier climb from Bourgeau Lake to the pass. Trekking poles help on loose scree. Above treeline, the route is exposed to wind, sun, and fast-changing weather, and lingering snow patches can persist even in summer. The path is signed and obvious, but download a GPX/offline map to be safe.

Logistics & Amenities

There are no facilities at Harvey Pass—no restrooms, tables, or water. Bring all food and water (or a filter if you plan to treat lake/stream water). Parking for the hike is at the Bourgeau Lake trailhead and is limited during peak season.

Extensions

Mount Bourgeau: From Harvey Pass, strong hikers can continue to the summit for even bigger views (about +2.7 km and +400 m more).
Harvey–Healy Traverse: It’s possible to link Harvey Pass to Healy Pass and finish at Sunshine’s parking lot if you stage a car shuttle.

Best Time to Visit

Start early for cooler temps, easier parking, and steadier weather. Weekdays are typically quieter. For photography, the light is kinder in the morning or late afternoon; midday can be harsh and windy on the pass. Afternoon storms are possible—another reason to be on the trail early.

Need-to-Know Tips

Bring layers for alpine wind, sturdy boots, poles for the scree, plenty of calories, and bear spray. Mosquitoes and black flies can be bothersome in early to mid-summer near lakes and meadows.