Notices & Updates
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During busy summer periods, day permits are required. Check out the official parks link here.
Hike Details
- Difficulty: 3/6 (Moderate)
- Distance: 18.5km
- Duration: 6hrs
- Elevation: 900m
- Type: Out & Back
- Exposure: None
- Season: Jun - Oct
- Dogs: No
- Camping: Yes
- Wheelchairs: No
- Public Transport: Yes
- Strollers: No
Description
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The Garibaldi Lake trail is popular among locals and tourits alike, mainly due to the stunning lake panorama at the highest point on the trail. The trail itself is not particularly interesting, but is well worth the effort for a couple of hours chilling by this stunning alpine lake. Once the spring ice has melted, some choose to take a dip in the lake, though be warned, this lake is very cold due to snow melt.
Navigation
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The trail: Some junctions or misleading side-trails. Check your map regularly. Phone signal in BC is not reliable when hiking. Always carry an OFFLINE map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ and Gaia Maps.
Hike Difficulty And Conditions
The first 6 or 7 kilometers of the trail to Garibaldi Lake are fairly uninteresting, navigating up through endless swithbacks in the forest. The trail is not particularly steep. After this the trail becomes thinner and more rugged, with roots and uneven terrain to step over. When you reach Lesser Garibaldi Lake, you'll know you're about 3/4 of the way up.
Camping
- Camping Possible: Yes
- Tent Camping Type: By Reservation Only
- Operated by: BC Parks
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There are several camping options if approaching from Rubble Creek:
Garibaldi Lake Campground
A spacious camp which must be reserved. Offers close proximity to the lake and a great place to chill for the evening.Taylor Meadows
Closer to the trailhead, and also a good option for a multi day trip. Taylor Meadows is open and scenic, though if your trip is all about Garibaldi Lake, I recommend camping there instead.For those approaching from Cheakamus Lake, consider Helm Creek campground.
Hiking Season
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Jun - Oct is the recommended season for Garibaldi Lake. Outside of this period, the trail is: Full Snow Conditions - Avalanche Training Required
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
Location & Access
- Public Transport: Yes
- Public Transport By: Parkbus
- From Vancouver: 1.5hr(s)
- Park: Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Region: Squamish & Whistler
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre Info
- Trailhead: 49.95740, -123.12024
- Vehicle Requirement: Any Vehicle
Getting There
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To reach the Rubble Creek Trailhead drive approx 30km past Squamish, and watch for the well-marked sign guiding you to Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk. You'll spend a few kilometers on a well maintained gravel road before reaching the very obvious parking lot.
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Rent a car, or better still, reduce the demand for cars with Evo Car Share, Vancouver's car sharing network.
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