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InsightHorizon Digest

How long does it take to hike to Garibaldi Lake

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on April 13, 2026

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is an 18km (return) intermediate-expert hike that is accessible in the summer months of July – September. Elevation gain on this hike is 820m and according to vancouvertrails.com should take around 5 hours (add on extra time for sightseeing and rest stops).

How hard is Garibaldi Lake hike?

It is not an easy stroll to the lake, it is an 18 km out and back hike to the lake, uphill the whole way that take most people about 6 hours. The 9km trail to the lake is wide and well-maintained ascending through old growth forest, passing creeks in a series of steep uphill switchbacks.

Do you have to hike to get to Garibaldi Lake?

A BC Parks Day-Use Pass is required to hike the Garibaldi Lake Trail. With turquoise-coloured water nestled between alpine mountains and a spectacular glacier as the backdrop, Garibaldi Lake is one of the most scenic destinations in British Columbia.

How long is the Garibaldi trail?

Garibaldi Lake Trail is a 11.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Squamish-Lillooet Regional, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate.

Where do you park for Garibaldi Lake?

The best and closest parking lot to access Garibaldi Lake is the Rubble Creek trailhead just off of the Sea to Sky Highway, south of Whistler. The Rubble Creek trailhead parking is well equipped with direction signs, a mapboard and outhouse.

How do I get to Garibaldi Lake?

Drive from Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway, and when you’re around 37 kilometers north of Squamish, take the Rubble Creek exit to Garibaldi Lake Road on your right, and then follow the (paved) road for 2.5 kilometers to reach the parking lot.

Can I drive to Garibaldi Lake?

Unfortunately, the Garibaldi Lake trail can only be reached by car and is an easy day trip from Vancouver, Squamish, or Whistler. The trail begins from the car park at Rubble Creek. To drive to the trailhead it takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Vancouver, 30 minutes from Squamish, and 25 minutes from Whistler.

Do you need a day pass for Garibaldi?

SPECIAL NOTE: Day-use passes are not required for evening visits, which is after 4pm at Garibaldi, Golden Ears, Mount Robson, after 6pm at Stawamus Chief, or after 7pm at Joffre Lakes.

Do you need a day pass for Garibaldi Lake Trail?

BC Parks has announced that several of the Province’s most popular parks will require a free Day Use Pass to enter the park beginning June 23, 2021. BC Provincial Parks that will require the Day Use Pass are: Garibaldi Park (Diamondhead, Rubble Creek, and Cheakamus trailheads)

Can you drink from Garibaldi Lake?

You must bring your own clean water or plan to boil water for drinking as there is no clean water in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Do not assume the water is clean because it’s coming from a glacier, alpine river, or lake. Drinking unfiltered or non-boiled water can lead to sickness, such as an Giardia Infection.

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Are there bears in Garibaldi?

Yes, black bears may be present in Garibaldi Park depending on the time of year in which you visit. Generally, bears may be spot ted at lower elevations earlier in the summer season. As the berries ripen in the alpine, the bears move upward foraging on the vegetation.

Which campground is best at Garibaldi?

Best for adventurers: Wedgemount Lake Campground features a spectacular glacial lake and a challenging eight-kilometre hike. Best for scenic views: Taylor Meadows Campground is known for its alpine flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.

How do I get to Mt Garibaldi?

Just past Squamish (4 km north), turn right off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam Road. Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf and Country Club, then take the logging road just past the Mashiter Creek bridge. Continue on the logging road and look for a blue sign saying “Garibaldi” and an arrow pointing left.

Do you need a day pass for Black Tusk?

A BC Parks Day-Use Pass is required to hike the Black Tusk Trail. … The trail continues to climb gradually eventually emerging from the forest and into more wide open space as you enter into Taylor Meadows. Continue along the trail as it enters into the Taylor Meadows campsite area.

How do you get to Garibaldi Lake without a car?

The best way to get from Vancouver to Garibaldi Lake without a car is to bus which takes 1h 38m and costs $30 – $55.

Is there cell service at Garibaldi Lake?

No cell service. There is swimming at Garibaldi Lake, but no lifeguards are on duty and keep in mind the water is glacier fed and very cold most of the summer. Bring your own water as there is no water other then creeks and at the lake. If you’re using this water you should be boiling it or using a water purifier.

Can you swim in Alouette Lake?

Alouette Lake is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, boating and fishing. The park also has three large campgrounds. Vegetation is typical of the coastal western Hemlock forest of B.C. and the mountainous backcountry is extremely rugged.

How long is the Cheakamus Lake Hike?

Length, 14.5 km; suggested time, 6 to 7 hours one way; elevation change, 600 metres. Located 1.5 km along the Cheakamus Lake trail, the trail drops down to a bridge across the Cheakamus River.

How hard is Elfin Lake Hike?

Elfin Lakes is a 12.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Squamish, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October.

Does Garibaldi freeze?

Garibaldi lake freezes over in the winter. Every winter Garibaldi Lake freezes over solid. The turquoise colours that dominate the views in the summer are replaced by deep dark blacks as the glacial melt stops and the lake begins to freeze.

Is Elfin Lakes open?

A strenuous hike that follows the route to the Opal Cone and then continues eastward past the Rampart Ponds. The trail descends to the lake from here. Overnight camping is permitted. There is a large hut at Elfin Lakes, primarily used during the winter, but open year-round.

Are dogs allowed at Joffre Lakes?

Dogs prohibited at Joffre Lakes to protect park To protect the environment and wildlife at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited.

Are there Grizzlies in Garibaldi Park?

Whistler, the surrounding mountains, and Garibaldi Provincial Park are home to two types of bears. Black bears and grizzly bears.

Do you need bear spray Garibaldi?

Garibaldi Provincial Park is located in the Coast Mountains, around 70 kilometres north of Vancouver. Bears usually go into hibernation from November until April, according to WildSafe B.C. Until then, hikers are reminded to carry bear spray when heading into the backcountry.

Do you need bear spray in Whistler?

Mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and walkers use the many trails in Whistler. Bears will likely avoid you if they know you are nearby. … Bears should avoid you, if they know you are in the area. Carry bear spray or another deterrent in an easily accessible yet protected area and know how to use it.

Can you camp anywhere in Garibaldi?

While all overnight stays in Garibaldi Provincial Park require reservations and camping is permitted only within designated campsites, there are opportunities to allow mountaineers, climbers, ski tourers, and other visitors with advanced skills in wilderness travel and camping to camp in the wilderness areas of the …

Can you bike to Garibaldi Lake?

Bicycles are only permitted on the following two trails. Bicycles must keep to designated roadways and trails. Diamond Head: from the parking lot to the Elfin Lakes campground. Bicycles are not permitted beyond this point.

Can you hike Garibaldi Lake in May?

The Garibaldi Park hikes are amazing in May. Taylor Meadows, Garibaldi Lake are great, and not terribly hard, but snowshoes might be necessary, depending on how much the snow is packed down from other hikers.

How tall is Mount Garibaldi?

Mount Garibaldi, peak in southern British Columbia, Canada, in the Coast Mountains east of the Cheakamus River. Glacier-capped, it is 8,787 ft (2,678 m) high and is the focus of Garibaldi Provincial Park (area 760 sq mi [1,968 sq km]), established in 1927 and now a popular year-round recreational district.

Are there active volcanoes in BC?

Canada has five potentially active volcanic areas, all of which are located in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory: the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt of southwest British Columbia (the northern extension of the American Cascade Arc) the Wells Gray-Clearwater volcanic field of east central British Columbia.

Has anyone died on Black Tusk?

A 24 year old hiker fell approximately 10m while attempting to descend off of the Black Tusk in Garibaldi Park on Saturday afternoon. … Steve Dirksen’s lifelong friend and hiking partner said his buddy didn’t make a sound as he slipped and fell to his death Thursday.