Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
The closest subalpine lake to the Town of Banff is Bourgeon Lake, seen from this hike.
Plan Around Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
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Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass Details
If you want to see a glacial lake whilst hiking, check out Bourgeau Lake, the closest glacial lake to the Town of Banff. The steady climb will take you through lush forest and across rushing streams before winding up at the glacially-carved amphitheatre. It's 7.2 kilometers each way, so make sure you plan ahead. After resting up a bit, perhaps you'll decide to continue on for a slightly more difficult 2.2 kilometer (1.4 mile) hike to Harvey Pass for its splendid views of the snow-capped peaks along the Continental Divide. More detailed trail descriptions and maps are available at Banff National Park and Parks Canada Visitor Centres, and remember when out on the trails that cell phone service is not reliable. The trailhead for this hike is off of the Trans-Canada Highway, 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the Town of Banff.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
14.2 km
Estimated time
6 hrs
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
Compare nearby parks around Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bourgeau Lake/Harvey Pass while the map context is still fresh.
1.0 mi away
Mule Shoe Lake
The horse-shaped pond is popular with elk - and visitors
1.4 mi away
Backswamp
This marshy wetland is where the Bow River once flowed through the valley.
2.9 mi away
Sunshine Road
Right off the block, you'll start to climb on this bicycling route.
3.1 mi away
Eastern Gateway
Hop onto the Bow Valley Parkway via the Eastern Gateway, west of the Town of Banff, and travel to the Village of Lake Louise.
