Garibaldi Park, named after its towering 2,678 metre peak, Mount Garibaldi, was established March 7, 1927. In honour of the 19th century Italian patriot, Giuseppe Garibaldi, the park is known for its natural beauty and its endless hiking opportunities.
Garibaldi Park’s rich geological history, diverse vegetation, snow-capped mountain, iridescent waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas all contribute to the immense beauty. The park is located in the heart of the Coast Mountains just 70km north of Vancouver.
Offering over 90km of established hiking trails, Garibaldi Park is a favourite year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ski area boundary status: 604-905-2324. You will hear a voicemail tree; ‘1’ for the Whistler boundaries, ‘2’ for the Blackcomb boundaries, ‘3’ is for the weather forecast.
Ski Area Boundary Status: 604-905-2324. You will hear a voice mail tree; ‘1’ for the Whistler boundaries, ‘2’ for the Blackcomb boundaries, ‘3’ is for the weather forecast.
Be prepared for winter conditions. Hiking poles and micro-spikes/yaktrax recommended.
Please note: The outhouse near the lakeshore campground has been removed for the winter as this area is prone to avalanches. During the winter season please camp in the upper campground near the hut.
The area below and adjacent to the Barrier, a geological feature upholding Garibaldi Lake is considered hazardous. Although imminent danger is unlikely, special regulations are in effect to make you aware of the potential danger and to minimize the risk to life and property in the event of a landslide. Posted signs identify the civil defence zone. Do not camp, stop or linger while travelling through the zone. Camping or remaining overnight at or near the Garibaldi Lake parking lot is prohibited. Developed campgrounds are located nearby at Alice Lake and Nairn Falls Parks.
Garibaldi reservation policies
Reservations are required for all overnight stays year-round. There is no option to pay with cash, pre-pay online or through the call-centre by credit card only.
Youth groups and large groups (10+) planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip in addition to making a reservation.
Revenue from camping and shelter fees go directly into providing park recreation services, such as maintaining trails, park roads (snow removal), and park buildings. This system ensures that members of the public are more involved in paying for the recreation services they use.
Kees and Claire Hut is operated independently by The Spearhead Hut Society. Reservations available at spearheadhuts.org
Backcountry camping is permitted in the following areas:
Pit toilet and food storage facilities are located at all designated campsites.
Day-use cooking shelters are located at Red Heather, Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Lake, and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not permitted in day-use shelters.
Reservations are required year round and must be made using the backcountry permit registration service before heading into the park. Proof of payment must be carried at all times when camping overnight in these areas.
Elfin Lakes shelter requires reservations year-round and offers overnight use equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 11 single bunks), four picnic tables, four propane burners, counters with two wash sinks, a propane heater, solar powered and pit toilet facilities. The propane is supplied by BC Parks. There are no garbage facilities so pack out what you pack in. Store all food on the hangers provided. Leave facilities as you found them or cleaner. See Diamond Head for detailed information on the area.
The Spearhead Hut Society offers access to the Kees & Claire Hut located at Russet Lake in the Singing Pass area of Garibaldi Park. The Kees & Claire Hut is operated independently under a park use permit authorization. Reservations are available on the Spearhead Huts website.
There is a small hut available as an emergency shelter and bear cache. There are no garbage facilities, so pack out what you pack in.
This area is only accessible to mountaineers, climbers, ski tourers, and other visitors with advanced skills in wilderness travel and camping. No facilities provided in wilderness camping zone.
Wilderness camping is only permitted in the wilderness camping zone. It is your responsibility to know where wilderness camping is prohibited. You must purchase a Garibaldi wilderness permit. Wilderness permits for Garibaldi can now be purchased through our wilderness permit registration service.
Learn more about camping in the Garibaldi wilderness area.
Winter camping is allowed but be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this park. Check the trail report before heading out.
All picnic areas of the park are accessible only by hiking in. All picnic areas have pit toilet facilities. Day-use cooking shelters are located at Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake, and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not permitted in the shelters.
Diamond Head: Red Heather day-use shelter offers two picnic tables, counters with a wash sink, two propane burners, a wood stove (winter only), and pit toilet facilities. Elfin Lakes offers two outdoor picnic tables, a day-use shelter with four picnic tables, counters with two wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities.
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake: Garibaldi Lake offers four outdoor picnic tables, four day use shelters each with two picnic tables each, counters, wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities. Taylor meadows offers two day-use shelters, each with two picnic tables, counters, wash sink, and pit toilet facilities.
Cheakamus Lake: No picnic tables. Various scenic spots around the lake to picnic in a natural setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided.
Singing Pass: No picnic tables. There is plenty of room outside in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided.
Wedgemount Lake: No picnic tables. Small shelter at Wedgemount Lake with limited seating. Although this shelter is not recommended for picnicking, there is plenty of room outside in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided.
Pit toilets are located at all designated camping areas, day-use sites and trailheads. Supply your own toilet paper.
Do not place garbage in the toilets. There are no garbage facilities so pack out what you pack in.
Water is available in lakes and streams. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled or otherwise treated before consumption. Wash all dishes and conduct personal hygiene at least 30 metres from the water source. Dispose of waste water in the shelter sink or in campground pit toilets.
Access to the park is by developed trail systems along the western boundary of the park. Signs along Highway 99 lead to trailheads for the five most popular areas of the park as listed above. Parking is available at the trailheads. It is also possible to access the park from the lift systems at the Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure which can lead to erosion.
In addition to making the required reservation, youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Provincial Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip.
Canoeing/kayaking on Cheakamus Lake only. Do not store boats in the park. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. See Cheakamus Lake for trail access information.
There are kayaking opportunities.
Bicycles must keep to designated roadways and trails. Bicycles are only permitted on the following two trails:
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Failure to comply with Park Regulations may result in a fine.
For details on e-biking within Garibaldi Provincial Park, see the e-biking section.
Please note that class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist only) are permitted in Garibaldi Park in areas where bicycles are permitted, such as Diamond Head and Cheakamus Lake. Bikes with electric assist motors in other classes are not permitted on the trails within Garibaldi Park. These other e-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted as outlined in the Biking in BC Parks guidelines. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
There are several excellent, granite alpine climbing locations throughout the park. Park visitors should research the peak or route information by using the most current guidebook(s) for the area. Or contact the Alpine Club of Canada or BC Federation of Mountain Clubs for more detailed information.
Climbing the Black Tusk is not recommended due to loose, unstable rock.
Diamond Head is the main area of winter recreation in Garibaldi Park, offering skiing, boarding and snowshoeing opportunities.
Snowmobiles are not permitted in Garibaldi Park.
Find out more about winter recreation in Garibaldi Park.
Five park access points (listed below, south to north) along Highway 99, Sea to Sky Highway, between Squamish and Pemberton. Vehicle access is recommended as the five trailheads are located anywhere from 2km to 16km off Highway 99. Nearby communities include Whistler and Brackendale.
Transportation to the park provided by Parkbus.
This park proudly operated by:
Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd.
604-986-9371
info@seatoskyparks.com
seatoskyparks.com
In 1860, while carrying out a survey of Howe Sound on board the Royal Navy survey ship H.M.S. Plumper, Captain George Henry was impressed by a towering mountain dominating the view to the northeast. Captain Richards chose to name the 2,678 metre mountain Mount Garibaldi, after the great 19th century Italian patriot and soldier, Giuseppe Garibaldi, a guerrilla general whose exploits and valour were held in high esteem. In 1907, a party of six Vancouver climbers reached the summit of Mount Garibaldi. The views from the peak inspired the establishment of summer climbing camps at Garibaldi Lake. This early interest led to the creation in 1920 of a park reserve. Garibaldi Park was legislated as a Class A park in 1927, a 195,000 hectare mountain wilderness just 64 kilometres north of Vancouver.
During July and August the alpine areas of Garibaldi Park offer hikers an opportunity to view alpine flowers in bloom, a beautiful display of nature. Please keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure in fragile alpine meadows. Trail erosion by rain and melting snow occurs rapidly as a result. BC Parks asks for your cooperation as we help to repair damaged areas. Please help by obeying posted signs.
Small mammals and birds such as squirrels, chipmunks, grey jays, and flickers can often be seen. Large mammals such as mountain goats, deer, cougars, wolverines, grizzly, and black bears, also call the park home, although are seen less frequently.
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.