Length: 2.5 km return

Time: 1-2 hours but you can spend a lifetime here 

Elevation gain: 50m

Boundary Lake is a secret treasure in the area. There is not a signed trailhead but it is easy enough to find. There is a rough trail that takes you across the valley towards Mt Athabasca. Follow the trail through a dried up march and some scrubby bushes. Once you are across the marsh look for an old dirt road and turn left. After about 50-100m (if you cross a creek you’ve gone too far!) you’ll see a rock cairn and a trail heading up the bank. Follow the trail to your own private sapphire lake with glaciers in the background. It’s like a mini Lake Louise minus the crowds. You can walk around the north end of the lake and if you’re feeling especially brave take a dip in the frigid waters. 

Location: 

The pull-out is 4.5 km South of the Icefields Discovery centre. There is a sign for Sunwapta pass and it is the boundary between the Jasper and Banff National Parks (also the northern divide - all water that drains north ends up in the Arctic ocean!). Park at the pullout and take some time to walk along the edge of the trees to find a rough trail.