Facts
| Distance: | 15km (9.3 miles) round trip |
| Start Elevation: | 1,435m ( 4,708 ft) |
| Max Elevation: | 2,160m (7,100 ft) |
| Elevation Gain: | 725m (2,380 ft) |
| Time Required: | *50-80 mins up, *40-60 mins down (I have to double check these) |
| Season: | May to October or longer if you can run on the snow |
* Note: These are running times not hiking times. The fastest times are for someone with a 10km road pace of under 6:30/mile or 4:00/km.
Details
| 0-1.6 km | Easy switchbacks in forest |
| 1.6-5.5km | Steady climb, forest and open areas |
| 5.5-6.8km | Increasingly steep switchbacks |
| 6.8-7.5km | Trail levels out and leads to lake |
Overview
Bourgeau Lake is a beautiful trail with a variety of terrain, building from an easy forest trail into a series of switchbacks and into a challenging rocky hill section just before the end. It is close to town and makes for a refreshing break from the regular runs. I have run it during the day which I'd recommend and also late on a summer evening where I was savaged by clouds of mosquitoes.
Trailhead
Drive 13km West on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) from Banff Townsite. Drive past the Sunshine turnoff and after 2.9km you will be on a divided section of highway, look for the signs for Bourgeau Lake, you will cross over the eastbound lane and pull into a small parking lot. Cross through the animal gate and the trail begins.
Bourgeau Lake
*Click and drag map, zoom in and out or switch modes.
Banff Townsite, 
Bourgeau Lake Trailhead
Trail
Photo Gallery
Safety
Definitely take bear spray and make lots of noise. There are some narrow enclosed sections where you could easily run right into something. I've run into horses on this trail which was a little tricky. Watch for hikers as you scream down the trail on the way out.
Tips
Be prepared with bug spray if running in the late afternoon/evening.