Pros & cons
PROS
- Chain of small alpine tarns near Harvey Pass, not just one lake
- Cell reception and a summit weather station make check-ins easy from the top
CONS
- Small trailhead lot off Hwy 1 fills early
- Snow lingers above the lake into July; summit scree can be slick
Harvey Pass Trail Parking directly off the Trans‑Canada (Hwy 1); small lot that fills early. Trail starts through a gate near the bathrooms.
Long, exposed alpine day with rapidly changing weather and common afternoon storms. Expect lingering snowfields above the lake into July and loose scree near the summit. Trail can be slippery when wet. Carry bear spray and check current park advisories.
Why go
This is the classic line up Mount Bourgeau: a steady forest climb to a turquoise alpine lake, a string of high tarns at Harvey Pass, and a final rocky push to one of the best 360° viewpoints near Banff. It’s a big day—about 22–24 km (13.6–15 miles) total out-and-back with roughly 1,460–1,550 m of gain—and it earns its “hard” rating. If you’ve got the legs and time (7–10 hours for most hikers), it’s a gem.
The route
From the small lot off the Trans‑Canada Highway, slip through the gate by the bathrooms and settle into a well-built trail. You’ll cross a wooden bridge around 3.5 km and pass a large waterfall near 5.4 km before switchbacks lift you into the basin of Bourgeau Lake. The lake is a stunner—ringed by cliffs and, in early summer, wildflower meadows. It’s also where many folks call it a day, so expect company here (and mosquitoes early in the season).
Beyond the lake, the trail steepens and turns rockier on the way to Harvey Pass, weaving past additional small alpine lakes. Views open wide—on a clear day you can spot big names on the horizon, even Mt. Assiniboine. The high-country stretch is the most scenic part of the day.
Summit push
From Harvey Pass, cairns help guide the final scramble up loose, sometimes slippery rock to Mount Bourgeau’s summit. Expect cell reception on top and even a weather station, plus sweeping views over the Bow Valley, the Lake Louise area peaks, and the distant ice of the Continental Divide. It’s exposed up here, so watch the sky.
What to know
- Distance is total for this out-and-back; turnaround options at Bourgeau Lake or Harvey Pass make great shorter days.
- Water is plentiful at the lake and along streams—bring a filter.
- Wildlife is active (bears, marmots, pikas, mountain goats); carry bear spray and give animals space.
- A valid Parks Canada pass is required for your vehicle.
Tips
Start early—the lot is small and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Sturdy boots pay off on the rocky, sometimes slick upper trail, and snow can linger above the lake well into July. The route is obvious to the lake and pass; above that, pay attention to cairns and underfoot scree.
Best time to hike
Late July through early September offers the smoothest conditions. Early season often means lingering snowfields above the lake; September can bring crisp air and golden color. Weekdays and early starts help avoid the heaviest crowds and give you calmer morning light at the lakes and summit.
Where it starts
51.1685, -115.7307Wildlife on this trail
Near Mt Bourgeau Rt
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayHarvey Pass via Bourgeau LakeBig payoff alpine day: lakes, marmots, and huge views from the passChallenging · 13 mi · 8 hr
0 mi awayMount Bourgeau via Harvey PassBig-day classic: lakes, Harvey Pass, and a panoramic summit.Challenging · 15.5 mi · 9.5 hr
0 mi awayBourgeau LakeSteady forest climb to a blue green cirque lake, fewer crowdsModerate · 9 mi · 5 hr
0.9 mi awayWildlife Crossing ExhibitVegetated wildlife overpass that made the highway markedly safer
0.9 mi awayMuleshoeQuiet Bow Valley picnic stop with montane forest and wildlifePullout · Restroom
2.2 mi awayEgypt Lake TrailAlpine pass to a lake-filled basin—best as a backpacking basecampChallenging · 15.3 mi · 14 hr
2.9 mi awayMount CorySteep scramble to big views over Louis, Edith and Gargoyle ValleyScenic Viewpoint
3.2 mi awayMount BourgeauA big, non-technical summit day with lakes, passes, and huge viewsTrailhead · Parking
