Park overview
Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains just 64 km north of Vancouver, Garibaldi is known for its natural beauty and numerous hiking trails. Here, you’ll find rich geological history, diverse vegetation, snow-capped mountains, iridescent waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas.
The towering 2,678 m peak of Mount Garibaldi is the park’s centrepiece. Offering over 90 km of established hiking trails, Garibaldi Park is a favourite year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Park status:
Open
The park gate is open year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 8
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 35
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Shelters
- Main operating season
- 2023: April 4 to December 31
- 2024: Year-round
- Winter season
- No services
- Booking required
- 2023: April 4 to December 31
- 2024: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 50
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Wilderness camping
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 30
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 12
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 15
- Main operating season
- 2023: January 1 to April 30
- Winter season
- 2023: January 1 to April 30
- Booking required
- 2023: January 1 to April 29
- Service note
- Winter camping, only
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 20
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 6
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 40
- Main operating season
- 2023: January 1 to August 31, November 1 to December 31
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: January 1 to August 30, November 1 to December 31
- Facility type
- Backcountry camping
- Number of campsites
- Backcountry sites: 20
- Main operating season
- 2023: Year-round
- Winter season
- Limited services
- Booking required
- 2023: Year-round
Safety info
Trail conditions report [PDF] (November 13, 2023)
Stay safe
- Be prepared for winter conditions. Most hiking trails are covered in snow, making route finding difficult.
- The backcountry is demanding. Hikers must be in good physical condition, properly equipped, and prepared to be totally self-sufficient. Take adequate clothing. Mountain weather changes suddenly, and it can snow any time of year.
- Avalanche and glacier hazards exist. Only experienced groups who are practised in companion rescue and who are properly equipped should venture onto snowfields and glaciers.
- Lakes and rivers are glacier fed and the water is extremely cold year-round.
- Snowshoes or skis and skins are required for winter travel.
- Most access roads are not plowed. Check our trail conditions report, above, for details.
- Use winter tires and snow chains in the winter. Be prepared for a self-rescue in case of an emergency.
- Access roads can have poor visibility, so watch for other vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife.
- Thieves have been known to operate in the Rubble Creek and Elfin Lakes parking lots. Remove all valuables from your vehicle. To report incidents, contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100.
- When skiing into Whistler Blackcomb boundaries from the backcountry, contact Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Operations at 604-905-2324 to check the latest information on safe and unsafe areas.
- Barrier civil defence zone - 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 slide. 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, Brandywine Falls and Nairn Falls Parks.
Area-specific safety information
- Diamond Head, including Elfin Lakes and Rampart Ponds
- Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake, including Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek trailhead), and Taylor Meadows
- Cheakamus Lake, including Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, and Helm Creek
- Singing Pass, including Russet Lake
- Wedgemount Lake
Special notes
Prohibited in this park
- Motorized vehicles including snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, trail bikes, and similar must keep to park roads and parking lots
- Dogs and other pets
- Fires
- Aircraft access to and from the park (more information below)
- Drones (for more information, see the responsible recreation page)
- Harvesting natural resources, including mushrooms
- Camping hammocks due to high visitor numbers and damage to small trees
Aircraft restrictions
Voluntary flight guidelines (designated no-flight and minimum altitude pathways) are in place to minimize negative interactions between wildlife, people, and aircraft. Aircraft operators should familiarize themselves with the geo-referenced flight zone map [PDF]. Contact parkinfo@gov.bc.ca to view the voluntary flight guidelines or to get additional shapefiles for navigation.
Camping
- Total number of campsites
- Total backcountry sites: 236
- Total huts: 2
Free day-use passes
Day-use passes are required June 14 to October 9, 2023, for visitors to:
- Diamond Head (Elfin Lakes) trailhead
- Rubble Creek (Garibaldi Lake) trailhead
- Cheakamus trailhead
If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. You must carry proof of your reservation while in the park.
For details, visit the day-use passes page.
Backcountry camping reservations
Reservations are required for all overnight stays year-round.
All reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservation service. You can make a reservation online at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally). There is no option to pay with cash.
Any school or youth group planning a trip into Garibaldi Park should register online well in advance of the trip, in addition to making a reservation.
For full details about making a reservation for Garibaldi Park, see the Garibaldi reservations page.
Kees and Claire Memorial Hut reservations
Kees and Claire Memorial Hut is operated by The Spearhead Hut Society. To reserve, visit the Spearhead Huts website.
All backcountry camping in Garibaldi requires a reservation. For details, see the reservations section above.
Backcountry camping is allowed in the following areas:
- Diamond Head
Elfin Lakes, Rampart Ponds, Red Heather (winter camping only) - Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows - Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Helm Creek - Singing Pass
Russet Lake - Wedgemount Lake
For campground locations, see park and activity maps.
Pit toilet and food storage facilities are located at all designated campsites. Food hangs at Russet Lake campground are available in summer only. In winter, they are taken down, so place food, toiletries, and other scented items in the black box instead.
Day-use cooking shelters are located at Red Heather, Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Lake, and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not permitted in day-use shelters.
Check the trail conditions report before visiting.
When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, please read our backcountry guide.
Fees
| Backcountry camping fees (per night) | $10 per adult (16+) $5 per youth (6 to 15) Free for children under 6 |
|---|
For shelter and hut locations, see park and activity maps.
Elfin Lakes shelter
Reservations are required year-round. For information about reservations, see the Garibaldi reservations page.
The shelter 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 lights, and pit toilet facilities. Propane is supplied by BC Parks. There are no garbage facilities, so please pack out what you pack in. Store all food on the hooks provided.
Shelter etiquette
- The shelter is user-maintained, so be mindful of the shared space
- Remove footwear to avoid tracking snow and dirt inside
- Remove belongings from the drying area once dry to leave room for the next party
- Use the pit toilets beside the shelter as snow melt is used for drinking water during the winter
- Bag and securely store food on hooks provided and leave the food hangs in the campground for campers
- Clean up immediately after cooking and eating
- Pack out all food and garbage, sweep, and wipe tables before leaving
- Leave facilities as you found them, or cleaner
Fees
| Elfin Lakes shelter camping fees (per night) | $15 per adult (16+) $10 per youth (6 to 15) Free for children under 6 |
|---|
Kees and Claire Memorial Hut
The Spearhead Hut Society offers access to the Kees and Claire Memorial Hut, located at Russet Lake in the Singing Pass area of Garibaldi Park. The Kees and Claire Memorial Hut is operated independently, and reservations are available on the Spearhead Huts website.
Wedgemount Lake
There is a small hut available as an emergency shelter and food cache only. There are no garbage facilities, so please pack out what you pack in.
Wilderness camping is only allowed in the Wilderness Camping Area and requires a reservation year-round. The Garibaldi Wilderness Camping Area is only accessible to mountaineers, climbers, ski tourers, and other visitors with advanced skills in wilderness travel and camping. No established campgrounds or other facilities are provided.
For Wilderness Camping Area boundaries, see park and activity maps.
For more details on how to prepare and reserve, visit the Garibaldi reservations page.
Fees
| Wilderness Camping Area camping fees (per night) | $10 per adult (16+) $5 per youth (6 to 15) Free for children under 6 |
|---|
Winter camping is allowed by reservation in Garibaldi backcountry campgrounds, overnight shelters (Elfin Lakes shelter and Kees and Claire Memorial Hut), and in the Wilderness Camping Area.
For details on winter camping options, see the backcountry camping and cabins and huts sections, above. For more details on how to book, see reservations. To see campground locations, see park and activity maps.
Extreme winter conditions can occur at this park. Check the trail conditions report before heading out.
Facilities
Water is available in lakes and streams. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled, or otherwise treated before drinking. Wash all dishes and conduct personal hygiene at least 30 m from the water source. Dispose of wastewater in a shelter sink or in campground pit toilets.
All picnic areas in the park are accessible by hiking in, and they have pit toilets. Day-use cooking shelters are available at Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake, and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not allowed 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 two picnic tables, counters with two wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities.
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake offers four day-use shelters 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, a wash sink, and pit toilet facilities.
Cheakamus Lake
You can use various scenic spots around the lake to picnic in a natural setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.
Singing Pass
This area offers plenty of room to picnic in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.
Wedgemount Lake
There is a small shelter at Wedgemount Lake with limited seating. Although this shelter is not recommended for picnicking, there is plenty of room outside to picnic in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.
Pit toilets are located at all designated camping areas, day-use sites, and trailheads. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Do not place garbage in the toilets. There are no garbage facilities, so please pack out what you pack in.
Activities
You may need to register for a free day-use pass to visit Garibaldi Park. For details, see the reservations section, above.
Check the trail conditions report before heading out.
Access to the park is by developed trail systems along the western boundary. Signs along Highway 99 lead to trailheads for the five most popular areas of the park, as listed below. Parking is available at the trailheads. You can also 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 all signs and keep to designated trails. Taking shortcuts destroys plant life and soil structure, which leads to erosion.
For trail maps, see park and activity maps, below.
Trail details:
- Diamond Head
Elfin Lakes, Rampart Ponds - Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake
Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek), Taylor Meadows - Cheakamus Lake
Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Helm Creek - Singing Pass
Russet Lake - Wedgemount Lake
You can swim at Elfin Lakes (in the swimming lake only), Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Glacier Lake. Most of the lakes are glacier fed and extremely cold.
You may canoe on Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Lake, or Glacier Lake. Canoeing is not allowed on other lakes in Garibaldi Park.
Please do not store your canoes in the park. Camping for paddlers is allowed in designated sites only.
You may kayak on Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Lake, or Glacier Lake. Kayaking is not allowed on other lakes in Garibaldi Park.
Please do not store your kayaks in the park. Camping for paddlers is allowed in designated sites only.
There are fishing opportunities at many lakes in the park, including Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and Mamquam Lake.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see our fishing and hunting guide.
Bicycles are allowed on designated roadways and some trails in Garibaldi Park. Bicycles are allowed on the following two trails:
- Diamond Head
You can cycle from the parking lot to the Elfin Lakes shelter. Bicycles are not allowed beyond this point and must stay on the main trail. The trail surface is rock and gravel. - Cheakamus Lake
You can cycle from the parking lot to Singing Creek. Bicycles are not allowed past the bridge on the Helm Creek Trail. The trail surface is dirt.
For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section, below.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist only) are allowed in Garibaldi Park, where bicycles are permitted, such as on the Diamond Head and Cheakamus Lake trails. For trail details, see the cycling section, above.
Bikes with electric assist motors in other classes are not allowed on the trails. These e-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is allowed. The only exception is authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
For more information, see the e-bikes section of the cycling page.
There are several excellent granite alpine climbing locations throughout Garibaldi Park. You can consult most current guidebooks for the area to get detailed information. Alternatively, contact the Alpine Club of Canada or the BC Federation of Mountain Clubs.
Climbing the Black Tusk is not recommended due to loose, unstable rock.
Diamond Head is the main area for winter recreation in Garibaldi Park. This area offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities. For more details, visit the Diamond Head area page.
Snowmobiles are not allowed in Garibaldi Park.
There are five park access points along Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) between Squamish and Pemberton. We recommend taking a vehicle to these access points as the trailheads are between 2 km and 16 km off Highway 99.
Park access points (north to south):
Nearby communities include Whistler and Brackendale.
Transportation to the park is provided by Parkbus.
Park and activity maps
- Park map [PDF]
- Garibaldi Lake campground [PDF]
- Taylor Meadows campground [PDF]
- Park brochure [PDF]
- Wilderness Camping Area [PDF]
- Garibaldi georeferenced voluntary flight zones [PDF]
- Garibaldi topographical map available from Clark Geomatics
Any maps listed are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 29, 1920
- Size: 188,667 hectares
Park contact
Frontcountry facilities in Garibaldi Park are operated by:
Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd.
604-986-9371
info@seatoskyparks.com
seatoskyparks.com
Backcountry facilities are managed by:
BC Parks Rangers
STSRangers@gov.bc.ca
Nature and culture
History
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 call the 2,678 m mountain Mount Garibaldi, after the 19th-century Italian general, Giuseppe Garibaldi.
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 interest led to the creation of a park reserve in 1920. Garibaldi Park was legislated as a Class A park in 1927, a mountainous 195,000 hectares, just 64 km north of Vancouver.
Conservation
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. Taking shortcuts 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.
Wildlife
Small mammals and birds such as squirrels, chipmunks, grey jays, and flickers can often be seen. Large mammals, such as mountain goats, grizzly and black bears, deer, cougars, and wolverines also call the park home, although these are seen less frequently.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
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.