Garibaldi reservations

This section provides information on making reservations in Garibaldi’s backcountry campgrounds and remote Wilderness Camping Area. For campground locations, download the park map [PDF]. For wilderness camping, download the Wilderness Camping Area map [PDF]. 

Making a reservation

• Anyone over 16 years of age can make a Garibaldi reservation at camping.bcparks.ca
• Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-689-9025 toll-free from Canada and the US or 1-519-858-6161 internationally
• School groups should fill out the registration form well in advance of any trip, in addition to making a reservation
• A Garibaldi campground reservation can be booked in full up to four months before your desired arrival date
• You can make your reservation starting at 7 am Pacific Time on the first day of this booking period

Example: If you want to arrive on July 25 and stay four nights, you can reserve all four nights starting at 7 am on March 25

• You can make a reservation up until 5 pm Pacific Time on your scheduled arrival date, if space is available

Example: If you want to arrive on July 25 and stay for four nights, you can book all four nights up until 5 pm on July 25

• Reservations cannot be transferred or sold to another party, and any attempt to do so will lead to cancellation without refund
• When booking your reservation, you must specify the ‘named occupant’ who will be your official reservation holder
• The named occupant can be yourself or another person, but they must be present when your party arrives and throughout your stay

If the named occupant cannot be present throughout your stay, your reservation must be rebooked with an occupant who can be present. The named occupant may be asked to show ID during your stay to keep your reservation valid.

Camping party sizes and rules

• Camping in Garibaldi’s established backcountry campgrounds is only permitted on designated tent pads or in designated shelters
• If tent pads are covered with snow, camping on other established campsites within a campground is permitted
• Tent pads are a maximum of three square-metres (10 square-feet) and hold up to two tents and four people in total
• You can reserve up to three tent pads at one time, for a maximum total camping party of 12 people
• Elfin Lakes Shelter holds one person per single bunk and two people per double bunk
• You can reserve up to six bunk spaces at one time, for a maximum total camping party of six people
• A reservation for the Wilderness Camping Area can have a maximum camping party of 10 people
• There are no campgrounds, tent pads, or facilities offered in the Wilderness Camping Area

For more information on relevant reservation policies, see the backcountry camping reservations page.

Campground capacities in Garibaldi    

All fees must be paid in full when you make your reservation. There are two types of fees:

• Camping fees, which pay for your camping and other amenities
• Transaction fees, which help us maintain the reservation service 

Tax is included in camping fees, but tax is added to transaction fees. If you change or cancel your reservation, there will be additional fees (see changes and cancellations, below).

For more information about camping fees and transaction fees, see the camping fees page.

• You can change or cancel your reservation at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally)
• There is a $6 transaction fee per tent pad, wilderness reservation, or shelter reservation for any cancellations or changes to your reservation
• You cannot make changes to your reservation itinerary after you arrive at the park
• If you cancel your reservation before you arrive, camping fees may be refunded, subject to our cancellation policies
• All transaction fees, including change and cancellation fees and phone-booking surcharges, are non-refundable

For more information on getting a refund, see the cancellations and refunds page. For full details of our cancellation and refund policies, download the reservation services policies and terms [PDF].

• Making a reservation guarantees you a spot but the reservation service does not assign you a specific tent pad or bunk space
• Select your tent pad or bunk space when you arrive, on a first come, first served basis
• In the Wilderness Camping Area, there are no established campsites, so choose a spot on a durable surface
• At Elfin Lakes Shelter, you may need to share a bunk with someone who is not in your camping party
• Bring two copies of your confirmation email with you; keep one with you at all times and fix the other to your tent, campsite post, or bunk

For more information on checking in at a backcountry campground, see the backcountry camping reservations page.

Garibaldi offers camping in the Wilderness Camping Area for skilled outdoorspeople with extensive backcountry experience. Wilderness camping is offered to facilitate climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, and other highly challenging activities. 

Wilderness camping is only permitted in the Wilderness Camping Area [PDF], and you must make a reservation. No facilities or established campsites are provided.

For area boundaries, see the Wilderness Camping Area map [PDF]. 

Trips into the Wilderness Camping Area can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly. To learn about requirements for wilderness camping, see required skills, preparation, and equipment, below.

Before making a wilderness reservation, read the information below in full to ensure you have the required skills and equipment. This information will also help you prepare for a safe and exciting wilderness adventure.

To make a reservation for the Wilderness Camping Area, see the making a reservation section, above.

Required skills, preparation, and equipment

Wilderness reservations at Garibaldi are only granted to groups of 10 or fewer people. Every member of your group must be an experienced wilderness traveller. 

Before your trip, you must:

• Read the Garibaldi reservation policies above, and make a wilderness reservation at camping.bcparks.ca
• Design a trip plan and travel route that are appropriate for your outdoor skill level (see making your trip plan, below)
• Gather up-to-date information about your route, including weather forecasts, trail conditions, and avalanche forecasts
• Ensure you have the appropriate outdoors equipment and any special skills or training you may need (see packing the essentials, below)

During your trip, you must:

• Always keep a copy of your reservation with you
• Camp only in the Wilderness Camping Area [PDF]
• Camp at least 30 m away from any lake, stream, or other water source
• Follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics

For information on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, visit the backcountry guide page.

Making your trip plan

In addition to making a reservation, make a trip plan with the AdventureSmart online tool. Leave a copy with a responsible friend or family member who can notify the authorities if you do not return at the expected time.

Stick to the plan throughout your trip, so you can be found if you run into trouble. If you do not return as planned, a friend or family member can give your trip plan to search and rescue organizers and the police.

Packing the essentials

It is always important to bring appropriate equipment when visiting BC Parks. Wilderness adventures require more specialized equipment. Carry the following items at all times, and make sure everybody in your party knows how to use them:

• Fire-making kit and emergency blanket or shelter
• Whistle or other signaling device
• Extra food, water, and clothing
• Flashlight and pocket-knife
• First aid kit and sunscreen
• Navigation equipment

If possible, carry a communication device that will work throughout your planned route. For instance, a satellite phone will work when there is no cellphone reception. This will allow you to call for help or alert others if you run into trouble.

Trip tips

• Travel with companions who can give you a hand to overcome difficulties
• Be prepared and ensure your companions know what to do in an emergency
• Do not depend on technology (take a print map and alpine ski touring guide)
• Set realistic goals and ensure all your companions can achieve them

For more information that will help you stay safe in the Wilderness Camping Area, see our backcountry guide.