Harvey Pass / Mt. Bourgeau

Log "Bridge" to Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park A bit of a haphazardly put together bridge across a stream. A lot of branches and twigs to navigate.

Muddy Trail to Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After a lengthy forested section, including a series of seemingly neverending switchbacks, I arrived a clearing. Unfortunately, the trail passed through mud that was ankle deep in places (a boardwalk was built when I visited again in later years). It was a messy slough. Mt. Bourgeau is visible at least.

Resting under Mt. Bourgeau

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After the muddy section, there was a natural resting area by the lake sitting under Mt. Bourgeau. I refueled here, but people weren't the only things here.

Hello Chipmunk

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park The lake under Mt. Bourgeau is a natural place for hikers to rest and have a snack. Where there's food, there're... chipmunks?

Waiting Chipmunk

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park

Scouting Chipmunk

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park Just like at Sulphur Skyline, these hardy chipmunks seem to congregate where people rest and refuel.

Food Sense

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park It's hard to resist feeding something so adorable. I didn't feed it though. People shouldn't feed animals in the wild so that they don't become dependent on us, although it's probably too late for these chipmunks. I'm sure they'll get enough food from the other people who come by.

Looking Ahead to Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park The path to Harvey Pass is to the top-right.

The Path Up to Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park

Not the Path Up

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park As tempting as it looks, this is not the path up. As I'll see later, there's a lake up there.

Mt. Bourgeau

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After resting and refueling, I resume my ascent. On the way up, the enormity of Mt. Bourgeau becomes more visible. The massive rock face on this side of Mt. Bourgeau. It's not even fully captured in this shot.

Into the Bowl

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After an arduous climb from the previous lake, I arrived at another lake in a bowl surrounded by elevation. The trail continues (and more climbing to come).

The View Back Towards Mt. Bourgeau

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park The mix of rock, water, snow and colours was really nice.

The Next Ascent Towards Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park Getting closer. I didn't actually know how close Harvey Pass was, but I could see another ascent coming ahead. It may not look like much, but I was getting pretty tired by now.

In the Bowl

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park It was nice and calm within this bowl. At the same time, I didn't really know how much further I had to go, although I guessed that I can't be that far away given how much elevation I've gained.

Miniature Lake in the Bowl

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park

Harvey Pass: First View

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After another ascent, Harvey Pass is within sight. In the distance, I can see Mt. Assiniboine in the distance too I didn't know the name at the time). Although having seen snow at multiple locations now, the icy lake here was a surprise. The complete exposure to the sun is clearly not enough to melt this.

Me at Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park Finally at Harvey Pass. And what a view it was. As you can tell from my puffy pants, it was quite windy up there. One of the rare photos where I'm in it, thanks to another hiker who was also at the pass.

Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park One of the most memorable views from this trip.

Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park After about 4 hours, I was finally at Harvey Pass. And what a view it had. I sat here and marvelled at the view for a while.

Harvey Pass Panorama

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park

Mt. Assiniboine from Harvey Pass

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park The distinctive Mt. Assiniboine in the distance. I took my time using my different camera lenses.

Harvey Pass Panorama

Harvey Pass, Banff National Park