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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.

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.
- Park
Map (PDF - updated June 2008)
- Campground
Maps
- Brochure
(PDF)
National Topographic Series (NTS) maps, 1:50000 scale,
are an excellent source for navigational information. NTS
maps can be purchased at the Government Agent office in
Squamish, BC. Contact number (604) 892-2400.
Diamond
Head: 92-G-14 & 15
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake: 92-G-14 & 15
Cheakamus Lake: 92-J-2
Singing Pass: 92-J-2
Wedgemount Lake: 92-J-2
Land and Resource topographic information may also be
obtained through the Ministry of Sustainable Resource
Management.

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)

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.

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No
vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
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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.)
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Year
round |
| Walk-in
Wilderness Campground Dates with Full Services
and Fees: |
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Garibaldi Lake Campground |
May
1 - November 15 |
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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
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| 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. |
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No
group campsites.
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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.
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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.
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There
are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
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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.
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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! |
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No
showers.
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No
sani-station/dump facilities.
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Fires
are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park. Failure to comply with
Park Regulations may result in a fine |
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at
this park.
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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.
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This
park does not have a playground. |
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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.
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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.
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This
park does not have a boat launch.
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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.
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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.
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No
horseback riding.
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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.
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No
wildlife viewing opportunities. 
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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. |
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No
SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities. |
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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No
hunting in the park. |
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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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.
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