Harvey Pass and Lake via Bourgeau Lake Trail hike on 8-Oct-2020

There was a shower as we drove through Canmore on the way to the trailhead so expectations of much sun were squashed from the beginning. But it wasn't raining as we started up the trail and for the most part it was dry, but there were a few instances of rain gear being taken on and off. There was also tantalizing views of clearing:

One of the few incidents of blue sky

Farther up out of the forest it was quite windy and extra layers were required:

The final slope to Harvey Pass

The views from the pass were nice although the peak of distant Assiniboine was hidden behind the cloud. We were able to find refuge from the wind behind some trees as a comfortable lunch spot:

Sheltered from the wind at Harvey Pass

From there we could see with binoculars a number of small groups on their way up or down Mount Bourgeau; some looked rather chilled, especially one guy in shorts. We wandered around Harvey Lake as we started back:

A lonely larch by the tarn at Harvey Pass

Then it was back down the trail with views of multi-coloured rocks on the upper slopes and waterfalls in the forest section:

Heading back to pass by the tarn above Bourgeau Lake (Mt. Bourgeau in distance)

Waterfall down the headwall below Bourgeau Lake

A few showers came and went as we descended and we noted the prolific moss carpeting the forest floor and the view of a few bright yellow aspens among the dark green of conifer forest. Not bad for a fall day in the Rockies.

Participants: Ron C/S/P, Bill (photos), Barbara, Aldis.

Naming history note: Harvey Pass was named by Jim Brewster for his cousin by marriage, Ralph Harvey, who made the first visit with him. They were looking for a place to put a ski hill. per Don Beers in "Banff-Assiniboine, A Beautiful World". Mount Bourgeau is named for Eugene Bourgeau, botanist on the Palliser Expedition

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