Bourgeau Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bourgeau Lake |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Bourgeau Lake
Location in Alberta
|
|
| Location | Banff National Park, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 51°08′07″N 115°47′25″W / 51.13528°N 115.79028°W |
| Type | Glacial lake |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. depth | Unknown |
Bourgeau Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located high up in the mountains. It sits at the foot of Mount Bourgeau in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The lake is a popular destination for people who love to hike and explore the outdoors.
Contents
What is Bourgeau Lake?
Bourgeau Lake is known as a rock-rimmed alpine lake. This means it is a lake found in the mountains, often surrounded by rocks. It is also a glacial lake, which means it was formed by the movement of glaciers long ago. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. As they moved, they carved out the land, leaving behind depressions that filled with water when the ice melted.
Where is it Located?
The lake is nestled within Banff National Park, one of Canada's most famous national parks. It is close to the town of Banff in the province of Alberta. The park is part of the Rocky Mountains, a huge mountain range in western North America.
Hiking to Bourgeau Lake
Hiking to Bourgeau Lake is a popular adventure for many visitors to Banff National Park. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Starting the Hike
The starting point for the hike is at the Bourgeau Lake parking lot. This lot is located on the southwest side of the Trans-Canada Highway. It's about 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the turnoff that leads to the Banff Sunshine ski resort.
The Trail's Challenge
The hike to Bourgeau Lake is considered a moderate challenge. It usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the lake one way. Along the way, hikers climb about 725 meters (2,379 feet) in elevation. The lake itself sits at a high elevation of 2,160 meters (7,087 feet) above sea level.
Beyond the Lake
For more experienced hikers, the trail continues past Bourgeau Lake. From the western end of the lake, you can find the trail that leads all the way to the summit of Mount Bourgeau. This offers an even greater challenge and incredible panoramic views.
