Bourgeau Lake

• Length: 7.6 km/4.7 miles (2.5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 730 meters/2,400 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: signposted parking lot, TransCanada Highway, three km (1.9 miles) west of Sunshine Village Junction

This trail follows Wolverine Creek to a small subalpine lake nestled at the base of an impressive limestone amphitheater. Although the trail is moderately steep, plenty of distractions along the way are worthy of a stop (and rest). Across the Bow Valley, the Sawback Range is easy to distinguish. As the forest of lodgepole pine turns to spruce, the trail passes under the cliffs of Mount Bourgeau and crosses Wolverine Creek (below a spot where it tumbles photogenically over exposed bedrock). After strenuous switchbacks, the trail climbs into the cirque containing Bourgeau Lake. As you continue around the lake’s rocky shore, you’ll hear the colonies of noisy pikas, even if you don’t see them.