Mount Bourgeau: Majestic Trails and Alpine Wonders

Mount Bourgeau

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with C’est Notre Monde to Mount Bourgeau! Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park, Alberta, this majestic mountain stands tall at 2931 meters. The trail to its summit promises a one-of-a-kind experience: discovering three pristine lakes, enjoying awe-inspiring panoramic views of Healy Pass Valley and Mount Assiniboine, and taking in a 360-degree vista of the national park and the town of Banff. Prepare for an epic journey! Though not technically challenging, the hike requires good endurance due to its length and elevation gain. Gear up for a remarkable escapade amidst an untamed paradise of the Canadian Rockies!

3D interactive map by our partner FATMAP – the outdoor adventure platform for web and mobile

Getting to Bourgeau Lake Trailhead

Parking access to Mount Bourgeau hike: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J4FmhNm5ncoFBpXt8

From Calgary: 140 km – 1h30 driving time

Take the Trans-Canada Hwy AB-1 West for approximately 126 km. After the town of Banff, an exit allows you to cross the opposite lane of the highway to reach the small parking lot of the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. A sign will indicate the intersection two kilometers before.

Helpful information

To enjoy your hike, you must:

Be Equipped: Hiking boots are a necessity. A steep section of this hike (easy scramble) requires ankle protection. Hiking poles are also recommended on your way down. Bears are present in the area, therefore bear spray should be easily accessible in the case of unexpected encounters. Finally, always bring water and food in sufficient quantities.

Parking: The Bourgeau Lake parking lot is located at a rest area along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Information: Access to Canadian National Parks is subject to a fee. You can purchase tickets online or use an annual pass. It’s essential to check the weather before ascending Mount Bourgeau, as conditions can change rapidly in high mountains.

The Hike

Embark on your journey by passing through the metal gate at the back of the parking lot, a barrier protecting animals from the highway. You’ll then enter a dense forest, where a well-marked trail awaits you. The initial stretch of this hike involves traversing this forest, with a gradual incline for the first 5 km (3.2 mi), culminating in the spectacular arrival at a magnificent waterfall. The ascent then becomes steeper until exiting the forest, revealing the splendid Bourgeau Lake, a destination in itself with its crystalline waters and captivating scenery. Most visitors pause here to admire its beauty. However, the best is yet to come!

Mount Bourgeau, a 2931-meter peak located in Banff National Park, Alberta, offers a breathtaking backdrop to your adventure.

Continue along the lake on the same trail, crossing a field of rocks while staying on a well-defined and unexposed path. You’ll then reach a second lake that feeds the first, adorned with a charming waterfall. Press on to reach a third lake, nestled in a high-altitude meadow, where nature unfolds in all its splendor: wildflowers, translucent water, and the presence of marmots and other animals make this place a true mountain paradise, surrounded by majestic peaks.

The ascent of Mount Bourgeau offers the opportunity to discover four high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe.

Leave this third lake to reach a fourth, perched on Harvey Pass, offering stunning views of the majestic Mount Assiniboine, a breathtaking sight reflected in the calm waters of the lake. After circumventing this lake, turn left to begin the final ascent to the summit of Mount Bourgeau. In the background, the Healy Pass valley stretches majestically, with Pharaoh Peak dominating the panorama. Undoubtedly a heavenly place.

While the hike is not technically difficult, it requires good endurance due to the distance and elevation gain.

The final ascent to the summit of Mount Bourgeau traverses a gently sloping scree field but is lengthy. At this stage of the hike, fatigue begins to set in (you’ve already covered 9 km/5.6 mi and ascended 1100 m). You have only 2 km (1.3 mi) left to travel, with an elevation gain of 420 m. Once at the top, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Banff National Park, surrounded by its iconic peaks, with a breathtaking view of the town of Banff below. It’s a magnificent sight.

The return journey follows the same path, allowing you to relive the highlights of this unforgettable experience in the shadow of Mount Bourgeau.