Burstall Pass

Trip Date: July 2018

Christine and I decided to have a kid-free hiking adventure on a late Friday in July. We chose Burstall Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park as our destination for the day and we weren't disappointed in the least. The trail to the pass is 7.4km one-way with an elevation gain of 470m. The first 2.7km follow an old logging road and this section of trail is open to bikes, so we opted for a multi-sport day that included both biking and hiking.

Mud Lake

The trailhead for this hike is the Burstall Pass Day-Use Area along the Smith Dorrien/Spray Trail, directly across from the Chester Lake Trailhead, which happened to be closed due to bear activity. Christine quickly commented, "so the bears don't cross the road or what?" After leaving the parking lot the trail immediately passes Mud Lake, before entering the forest. Although not visible from the trail, we also passed Hogarth Lakes, a popular snowshoeing loop.

Biking along the old logging road

Even in the trees the views are still pretty good

As previously mentioned the first section follows an old logging road for 2.7km before reaching a concrete bike rack and sign indicating bicycles are not permitted past that point. We locked our bikes to the rack and hit the trail on foot. After passing the shallow Burstall Lakes we hit Willow Flats, which is the outflow from the Robertson Glacier. This section can be a bit confusing as the trail disappears into the vegetation as you cross several shallow creeks. There are signs indicating the correct route, but they can be tricky to spot as they aren't very close together. Basic route-finding skills are necessary here, but don't let it deter you from tackling this trail.

Shortly after leaving the bikes you're rewarded with this view of Commonwealth Peak

Entering Willow Flats. Make sure you're wearing waterproof shoes as this is the only bridge available and your feet might get wet depending on the water levels.

Whistling Rock Ridge as viewed from Willow Flats

Selfie with Commonwealth Peak

Robertson Glacier

Navigating Willow Flats with Snow Peak in the background

Once across Willow Flats the trail climbs steeply to an open meadow with magnificent views of Mount Birdwood, Snow Peak, and Whistling Rock Ridge. The meadow is relatively flat and is a nice reprieve from the ascent we just completed, but just as you catch your breath the trail, once again, resumes its climb towards Burstall Pass.

Entering the first meadow with Snow Peak above us

Christine posing with a very prominent Mount Birdwood

Panoramic shot of Mount Birdwood (left), Commonwealth Peak (centre), and the other side of Whistling Rock Ridge (right)

We were surprised at the number of wildflowers still in bloom

Mount Sir Douglas (far right) and Whistling Rock Ridge, which must be named for the abundance of marmots that we heard whistling throughout our hike. Those whistles really echo off the rock walls.

As you crest that final push to the pass you'll notice a small yellow sign welcoming you to Banff National Park. You might think this is odd, but Burstall Pass actually butts up against the eastern border of the famous national park. The trail continues on into the park before reaching Leman Lake (4.9km), Palliser Pass (10.9km), and eventually the junction with Bryant Creek (18.0km). As Burstall Pass was our goal for the day we opted to stop for lunch while enjoying the spectacular view that spread out in front of us.

The final push to Burstall Pass

Welcome to Banff National Park

My girls enjoying the view and their respective lunches

Looking west into Banff National Park. I believe the mountains have the following names, from left to right Leval, Vavsour, Warre, and Currie and way in the background (far right) with a bit of snow on the summit is the Matterhorn of the Rockies, Mount Assiniboine.

A quick selfie from Burstall Pass

We didn't stick around too long as there was rain in the forecast. The wind was starting to pick up and with it came much darker clouds. After snapping a few photos we packed up and began our descent. We were really hoping to beat the weather or at least get as low as possible before the skies opened up.

Back in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park after enjoying our lunch in Banff

One last look at Mount Birdwood as the wet weather makes its way towards us

Starting our descent

Christine and Rome making their way back down

I'm happy to report that it rained just enough for us to say it rained, but we did experience some intense thunder. Much like the marmot's whistles I am assuming the booming thunder echoes off the mountains making it seem much louder and more extreme than it really is. We were safely back in the truck and pulling out of the parking lot when the rain really started to fall.

After completing this trek for the first time it's easy to see why it's considered a classic hike in Kananaskis. We both thoroughly enjoyed the varied terrain and incredible scenery. Christine even mentioned that it's easily in her top three hikes of all time now. We both said it would be a great option in autumn as the larches are turning from green to their famous golden colour, so we might see you there in the fall!