Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass

Start from a car park on the edge of the Trans-Canada Highway. The car park is located about 12 kilometres west of Banff, on the right-hand side of the road when travelling from Castle Junction to Banff. For motorists coming from Banff, a small side road allows you to turn left to reach the car park (be extremely careful when crossing the opposite lane).

(S/E) From the car park (sign with a map of the hike), head west through a gate in the fence into the forest. Climb steadily up the forest trail. Further on, still in the forest, the trail climbs more gently up the hillside, heading west-southwest.

(1) Cross a stream (or its bed if the stream is dry) and continue along the hillside, heading south-southwest.

(2) Cross a river (makeshift bridge) at the bottom of a waterfall. The slope becomes much steeper, so make several switchbacks. Then leave the forest, climb up a gentler slope and reach Bourgeau Lake.

(3) Immediately turn away from the lake towards the west, into some scrub. Then climb steeply up the scree to reach a small lake.

(4) Go around the lake on the right and continue west to climb an unnamed pass.

(5) Then turn sharply left (southeast) and follow a trail marked in the fine scree. After a final steep section, you will reach Harvey Lake.

(6) The destination of the hike (Harvey Pass) is clearly visible opposite. Go around the lake on the left and climb a short, gentle slope to reach the pass.

(7) The descent follows the same route back to the car park (S/E).

Hiking boots and equipment (warm clothing, rain gear, sun protection, etc.) are essential. There are no drinking water sources along the route, so bring plenty of water with you.

Essential map: at least the one accompanying this description and, preferably, a Canadian map, purchased locally or from a specialist bookshop elsewhere. A compass is useful.

The hike is long and the car park at the start is fairly small, so don't hesitate to set off early in the morning.

Variations:
- Stop at Bourgeau Lake - This lake is a lovely destination in itself. Allow for a 700-metre climb, which is a good two hours' walk.
- Ascent of Bourgeau Mount - From Harvey Pass, turn left (east) and climb the steep, rocky ridge to the summit. Allow for 1,500 metres of elevation gain for this longer version (classified as Very Difficult) and around 5 hours for the ascent. This climb should only be attempted by hikers in very good physical condition; start very early in the morning.

Warning:
Bears may be present on the route (there is a sign at the start). If necessary, follow the instructions regarding access restrictions for the hike. A whistle (keep it handy) is said to intimidate bears... I haven't had the opportunity to test it...

Hike completed by the author on 11 August 2014.

- Bourgeau Lake (3), dominated by Mount Bourgeau, 800 metres to the south-east.
- Beautiful high mountain atmosphere above Bourgeau Lake.
- Harvey Lake (6), in a basin below the pass of the same name.
- Wide panorama from Harvey Pass over the peaks to the south and west, including the Mount Assiniboine massif (the "Matterhorn of the Rockies").

Bourgeau Lake and Mount Bourgeau are named after Eugène Bourgeau (1813-1877), a French botanist who, among other things, led an expedition to explore Western Canada.