Garibaldi reservations

This section provides information on making reservations at Garibaldi’s backcountry campgrounds. For campground locations, download the park map [PDF]. To get information on other camping opportunities for highly skilled and experienced outdoorspeople, see the wilderness camping section.

Making a reservation

• Anyone over 16 years of age can make a Garibaldi campground 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 planning a trip to Garibaldi Park should fill out the School Group Registration Form online well in advance of their trip in addition to make 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 7am 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 7am PT on March 25

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

Example: If you want to arrive on July 25 and stay for four nights, you can book all four nights up until 5pm 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 backcountry campgrounds is only permitted on designated tent pads or in designated shelters
• In cases where tent pads are covered with snow, camping on other established campsites within a campground is permitted
• Tent pads are a maximum of three square-meters (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 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

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 campsite 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.

For detailed information on change and cancellation policies, see the cancellations and refunds page.

• You can change or cancel your reservation at camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1-800-689-9025 (1-519-858-6161 internationally)
• To make changes to your camping party size, call the call centre and the call centre surcharge will be waived
• There is a $6 transaction fee per tent pad 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 will be refunded (subject to our cancellation policies)
• All transaction fees, including change and cancellation fees and call centre surcharges, are non-refundable

• 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
• At Elfin Shelter, you may need to share a bunk with someone who is not in your camping party
• Check-in is after 1pm on your arrival date and check-out is before noon on your departure date
• 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
• Your reservation is held until noon the day following your scheduled arrival, after which it is cancelled without refund 

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

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

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

To camp in an area outside Garibaldi’s reservable campgrounds, you must purchase a Garibaldi wilderness permit. Wilderness permits for Garibaldi can now be purchased through our reservation service.

A permit is not a reservation and does not guarantee you a place in any specific camping area. Camping must occur in designated camping zones, and outside prohibited zones. Download the wilderness camping map [PDF] for details.

Before purchasing a wilderness permit, 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.

Required skills, preparation, and equipment

Wilderness permits at Garibaldi are only granted to groups of 10 or less. Every member of your group must be an experienced wilderness traveler. Additionally, you must agree that, before your trip, you will:

• 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 warnings
• Ensure you have the appropriate outdoors equipment and any special skills or training you may need (see packing the essentials, below)

You must also agree that, during your trip, you will:

• Always keep a copy of your permit with you
• Camp at least 2km away from all established trails and campgrounds
• Camp at least 30m away from any lake, stream, or other water source
• Follow Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

For information on Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, visit the backcountry guide webpage.

Making your trip plan

Make your 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.

Email a copy of your trip plan to STSRangers@gov.bc.ca. BC Parks uses your plans for statistical purposes, to improve the permit process, and to assist emergency services, if necessary.

Stick to the plan throughout your trip, so you can be found if you run into trouble. If you do not return as planned, your plan will be given to search and rescue organizers and the police.

Packing the essentials

It is always important to be 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 hiking guide)
• Set realistic goals and ensure all your companions can achieve them

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