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Rockies :: Banff-Louise ::

Bourgeau Lake and Mountain

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Panoramic view of Bourgeau summit ridge from south end; highest point with weather station left of center.  Bow Valley right

August 20, 2019

Mt. Bourgeau is perfect hikers peak. You reach almost 3000m summit without having to use your hands with well beaten trail most of the way. It is also one of easiest 1500m vertical you are likely to do. Trip is still fairly long (~25km return) so degree of fitness is required. Bourgeau lake trail is busy, but you lose most of the crowds in alpine leading to Harvey Pass. Views are fantastic and offer more than adequate reward for the effort.  Highly recommended outing, regardless how far you decide to go.

First part is forested 7.5km hike on official Parks trail to Bourgeau Lake.  Parking lot on west side of Trans-Canada highway (~15km west of Banff) is signed, but fairly small & fills fast on sunny summer weekends -- get in early!  Follow wide trail initially gaining elevation via wide switchbacks, then settling for long traverse above Wolverine creek valley.  Bridge over Wolverine creek higher up has been washed out & not repaired as off this writing (summer '19), but rock-hop is easy. Lovely cascade thundering down the headwall is one of scenic highlights.  Past creek crossing trail is more rough and steeper;  eventually it exits to lovely alpine meadows and approaches east shore of Bourgeau Lake,  ~2hrs  of moderate pace from the parking.  Almost half of elevation gain has been gained to this point.

Continue on trail at north side of Bourgeau Lake;  brief forest stint is often muddy.  Switchbacks up talus slope lead to beautiful unnamed alpine lake in cirque above.  Trail loops around the lake then rises gently to Harvey Pass, complete with yet another rather unexpected tarn.  Remainder of the ascent is as easy as it looks. Hike up broad ridge with trail most of the way;  ~1.5 hrs from the pass.  Just one section higher up remotely resembles a scramble;  brief crossing over boulder field that can be done with hands in your pockets.  Trail then resumes and exits to wide summit plateau, complete with permanent weather station with solar panels.  Hike a bit north for bird-eye view of Bourgeau Lake -- it will be quite striking to note how high you are since ascent was so gentle and effortless.  South end of summit ridge offers great view of Sunshine ski area as well as distant Mount Assiniboine.   Return the same way will be almost twice as fast as the ascent.

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