BC Parks Home Ministry of Environment Home Ministry of Environment Home Government of BC
'
'
'
'
2004 CPAWS photo contest - Winner of Parks and Water - Dora Repard ' Garibaldi Provincial Park
'
important info, warnings, alerts for park visitors
general overview of park, size, special features safety, park hazards, wildlife information, health risks
park location, parks nearby, how to get to the park history, cultural heritage, conservation, wildlife
maps of park and/or campground, trails, etc. Management Planning
campsite reservations, group and picnic site reservations images of the park
 

vehicle accessible, drive-in campsites wilderness, backcountry, walk-in camping group camping - 15 or more campers picnic, day-use facilities, no camping wheelchair accessiblity drinking water toilets showers sani-stations, sani-dumps firewood, campfires There are no electrical hook-ups in this park interpretive, educational programs
walking, hiking trails playgrounds swimming canoeing, kayaking power boats, boat launch fishing cycling, mountain biking, bicycling horses, horseback riding pets, domestic animals in parks Icon Legend- Green =Available Grey = Unavailable

wildlife viewing
winter recreation, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, toboganning, ice skating scuba, snorkelling windsurfing waterskiing hunting climbing, rock climbing spelunking, caving cabins, yurts, lodges click on green symbols for more information

 

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

As of June 26, 2008:

  • Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadow campgrounds under ~1m of snow. Be prepared for winter camping!
  • Hazardous tree removal in progress on Rubble Creek Trail on Friday June 27th, 2008. Use caution when approaching switchbacks and chainsaw operators.
  • The winter pole route is set from Red Heather to Elfin Lakes, the route is marked with orange poles.
  • Rapid melting is occurring with hot temperatures. Garibaldi Lake is not safe to cross at this time. Use extra caution and assess before crossing any creeks, or any body of water.
  • Snow amounts in the Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes area as of June 15, 2008.
    Parking Lot: 0cm; Red Heather: 150cm; High Point: 230cm ; Elfin Shelter: 200cm. Snowpack is melting rapidly at this time.
  • Due to recent thefts, please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.
  • Bridge railings between 6km Junction and Garibaldi Lake on the Rubble Creek Trail have been removed for the season - please use caution when crossing them.
  • The Black Tusk Forest Service Road is permanently locked at the 6km mark. Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are not permitted in Garibaldi Provincial Park. This road accesses sensitive alpine areas of Garibaldi Park that have been negatively impacted from excessive vehicle use. This road will only be open to provide access for industrial service requirements at the microwave tower. To access the Black Tusk area of the park, please use the Garibaldi Lake Trail or the Helm Creek Trail from Cheakamus Lake.
  • Trail Updates - (pdf)
  • Frequently Asked Questions - (pdf)
  • Youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip. A Youth Group Information Package is available for both leaders and youth as a general aid in preparing for a fun, educational and safe wilderness experience.
  • Please Note: Pets/domestic animals are prohibited in Garibaldi Park.
  • Please Note: Motorized vehicles are prohibited in Garibaldi Park (this includes snowmobiles).
  • Please Note: Revenue from parking, camping and shelter fees goes directly into providing park recreation services, such as maintaining trails, park roads (snow removal), and park buildings. This system will ensure that members of the public are more involved in paying for the recreation services they use.

Park Info:

Garibaldi Park, named after its towering 2,678 metre peak, Mount Garibaldi, was designated as a provincial park in 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 70 kms north of Vancouver. Offering over 90 kms of established hiking trails, Garibaldi park is a favourite year round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top of Page

Park Size: 194,650 ha

Special Notes:

  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited in Garibaldi Park. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, trail bikes, snow mobiles and similar conveyances are restricted to park roads and parking lots.  
  • Arriving or departing from the park by aircraft is prohibited. 
  • Camping is permitted in designated areas only. All camping areas, cabins, shelters, etc. in Garibaldi Provincial Park are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations accepted. Be prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if facilities are full.
  • Fires and domestic animals are prohibited in Garibaldi Park.
  • Harvesting of natural resources is prohibited in Garibaldi Park.

Management Planning:

Location:

Five park access points are located along Highway 99, Sea to Sky Highway, between Squamish and Pemberton. Vehicle access is recommended as the five trailheads are located anywhere from 2 km to 16 km off Highway 99. Other nearby communities include Whistler and Brackendale.

To simplify finding information, the five Garibaldi Provincial Park access points are listed as they are found traveling along Highway 99, Sea to Sky Highway, south to north.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Top of Page

Nature & 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 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 Provincial Park was legislated as a Class A park in 1927, a 195,000 hectare mountain wilderness just 64 kilometres 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. 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. 
  • Wildlife - Small mammals and birds such as squirrels, chipmunks, grey jays, and flickers can often be seen.
  • General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information


Visitor Safety:
  • 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 traveling 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 Provincial Parks.
  • Most of the park's lakes and rivers are glacier fed and the water is extremely cold year round.
  • The park access roads are subject to poor visibility. Please use caution while driving these roads. Watch for other vehicles, cyclists and wildlife.
  • Do not underestimate the demands of the backcountry. The hiker must be in good physical condition, properly equipped, and prepared to be totally self sufficient. Take adequate clothing as mountain weather is subject to sudden change and Garibaldi Park can receive snow anytime of the year.
  • The Red Heather area in Diamond Head experiences the highest concentration of black bears within Garibaldi Park. Be bear aware when traveling through the area.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Top of Page

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Reservations are not accepted at this park, all backcountry campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

Top of Page

vehicle accessible, drive-in campsites

No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.

wilderness, backcountry,  walk-in camping

winter camping.

.

.

 

 

 

 

 

Backcountry camping is permitted in designated campsites only. These are located at Elfin Lakes, Mamquam Lake, Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Helm Creek, Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Russet Lake and Wedgemount Lake. Pit toilet and food storage facilities are located at all designated campsites. Fires are prohibited in Garibaldi Park. There is a backcountry camping fee for Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Red Heather, Elfin Lakes and Mamquam Lake. A self-registration envelope system is located at the trailhead parking lots - only cash accepted. There are two receipts with the envelope - one for the vehicle and one for the person. Proof of payment must be carried at all times while in the park.
Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older (includes parking and payable in the parking lot by self-registration envelope system)

Day use cooking shelters are located at Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not permitted in day use shelters.

Youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip. A Youth Group Information Package is available for both leaders and youths as a general aid in preparing for a fun, educational and safe wilderness experience.

Hours of Operation - All dates are subject to change without notice

Opening and Closing Walk-in Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)

Year round
Walk-in Wilderness Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:  
- Garibaldi Lake Campground May 1 - November 15
- Taylor Meadows Campground May 1 - November 15
- Red Heather Campground Winter camping only
- Elfin Campground Year round
- Helm, Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Russet Lake and Wedgmount Lake Campgrounds No winter services
Campground Reservable Dates: Not applicable
Total Number of Walk-in Accessible Campsites:

- Garibaldi Lake = 50
- Taylor Meadows = 40
- Red Heather = Winter only
- Elfin = 14
- Mamquam = 3
- Helm = 9
- Cheakamus Lake = 10
- Singing Creek = 7
- Russet Lake = 7
- Wedgmount Lake = 20

Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) Not applicable
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.
group camping - 15 or more campers

No group campsites.

picnic, day-use facilities,  no camping

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.
Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee: $1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information about parking fees, click here.

  • Diamond Head: Red Heather day-use shelter offers 2 picnic tables, counters, 2 propane burners, a wash sink, a wood stove (winter only), and pit toilet facilities. Elfin Lakes offers 2 outdoor picnic tables, a day use shelter with 4 picnic tables, counters, 4 propane burners, 2 wash sinks, a propane heater, propane lights, and pit toilet facilities.
  • Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake: Garibaldi Lake offers 4 outdoor picnic tables, 4 day use shelters each with 2 picnic tables, counters, wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities. Taylor meadows offers 2 outdoor picnic tables, a day use shelter with 2 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. Small shelter at Russet Lake equipped with a counter and 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.
  • 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.
wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.

Top of Page
drinking water

Water is available in lakes and streams. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled and/or otherwise treated before consumption. Wash all dishes and conduct personal hygiene at least 30 meters from the water source. Dispose of waste water in the shelter sink or in campground pit toilets.

toilets

Pit toilets are located at all designated camping areas, day use sites and trailheads. Supply your own toilet paper. In no instance should garbage ever be placed in the toilet facilities!

showers

No showers.

sani-stations, sani-dumps

No sani-station/dump facilities.

firewood, campfires

Fires are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park. Failure to comply with Park Regulations may result in a fine
There are no electrical hook-ups in this park There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
interpretive,  educational  programs

There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.

Top of Page
walking, hiking trails

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 / 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.

Youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip. A Youth Group Information Package is available for both leaders and youths as a general aid in preparing for a fun, educational and safe wilderness experience.

playgrounds

This park does not have a playground.
swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There is swimming at Elfin Lakes (permitted in the “Swimming Lake” only), Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake and Wedgemount Lake. Most of the lakes are glacier fed and extremely cold.

canoeing, kayaking

Canoeing/kayaking can be done in Cheakamus Lake only. Boats cannot be stored in the park. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. See Cheakamus Lake for trail access information.

power boats, boat launch

This park does not have a boat launch.

fishing

There are limited opportunities for fishing at this park. There is fishing available at Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake and Mamquam Lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

cycling, mountain biking, bicycling

Bicycles are only permitted on the following two trails. Bicycles must keep to designated roadways and trails.

  • Diamond Head: from the parking lot to the Elfin Lakes campground. Bicycles are not permitted beyond this point. Rock and gravel trail surface.
  • Cheakamus Lake: from the parking lot to Singing Creek. Bicycles are not permitted past the bridge on the Helm Creek Trail. Dirt trail surface.

Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Failure to comply with Park Regulations may result in a fine.

horses, horseback riding

No horseback riding.

pets, domestic animals in parks Domestic animals are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park. Failure to comply with Park Regulations may result in a fine

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

wildlife viewing

No wildlife viewing opportunities.

Top of Page

winter recreation, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, toboganning, ice skating Diamond Head is the main area of winter recreation in Garibaldi Park, offering skiing, boarding and snowshoeing opportunities. Many other winter opportunities exist within the Park. See Winter Use.

Snowmobiles are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park.
scuba, snorkelling

No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.

windsurfing

No windsurfing opportunities.

waterskiing

No waterskiing opportunities.

hunting

No hunting in the park.

climbing, rock climbing

No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.

spelunking, caving

No spelunking or caving opportunities.

cabins, yurts, lodges

Elfin Lakes offers an overnight shelter equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 11 single bunks), 4 picnic tables, 4 propane burners, 2 wash sinks, a propane heater, propane lights and pit toilet facilities. The propane is supplied by BC Parks. No reservations are available - so be prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if the shelter facility is full. 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. This facility is available year round. See Diamond Head for detailed information on the area.

Shelter Fee: $10.00 per person / night (includes parking)
Shelter Fee: $25.00 per family / night (includes parking)
(This fee is payable in the parking lot by self-registration envelope system)

Wedgemount Lake: There is a small hut which can accommodate 6 people. Camping is permitted at designated campsites on the ridge near the hut and at Wedgemount Lake near the inlet from the Armchair Glacier. There are 10 tent pads at each location with overflow camping available on the delta near the lake sites. A year-round pit toilet is located near the hut and another is erected near the lake sites during the summer season. No other amenities are provided. The hut is available year round.

Russet Lake: There is a small hut available at Russet Lake near Singing Pass that can accommodate 6 people. There is no fee. There are no garbage facilities so pack out what you pack in! Store all food on the hangers provided. This hut is available year round.

Top of Page

 

Footer Graphic Copyright Information Mail Us Privacy Information A Complete Site Map Search the Ministry's SiteDisclaimer
'''''