Garibaldi Provincial Park
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A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
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As of Feb 1, 2010:
Conditions and Access: The Cheakamus Lake Forest Service Road and Black Tusk Forest Service Road are temporarily closed to all public due to Olympic Security. These roads cannot be used to access or exit from Garibaldi Provincial Park from Jan 4, 2010 to March 31, 2010. All areas of Garibaldi Provincial Park remain open to the public during this time period, and access remains open for the Rubble Creek access road.
Diamond Head Access Detour: Please use route through Quest University to get onto the Mamquam/Ring Creek Road that is used to access the Diamond Head Area of Garibaldi Park, as there is a washout on the lower portion of Mamquam Road. Directions for the detour are as follows: Turn right on Mamquam Road off HW 99 (norh bound) as to normally access park, turn left on Highlands Way S, turn right onto The Boulevard and follow this road straight for ~1.5km until you reach a round-about at Quest University, take the first right on the round-about and follow this road to where it meets Mamquam Road, turn left onto Mamquam Road and continue to the Diamond Head Parking Area as per usual directions.
Avalanche hazards exist in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Be prepared with avalanche equipment and training if heading out in the backcountry during winter.
The Singing Pass Trail from the Whistler Backcountry Area is now open again. Most of the windfall trees have been cleared off the trail – expect to find more trees across the trail as the snow melts. Also beware of open creek crossings on lower sections of the trail.
There are still many uncovered hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open water. Be prepared for early winter ski conditions at lower elevations.
Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes Area:
- The winter pole route from Red Heather to Elfin Lakes is in place for the season.
- Snow amounts in the Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes area as of Feb 1, 2010. Parking Lot: 15cm; Red Heather: 240cm; High Point: 320cm; Elfin Shelter: 300cm.
- Elfin Lakes / Diamond Head Access road has snowy and slippery sections. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with good winter tires and tire chains. Be prepared by bringing a shovel, blankets, and flashlight. The road is periodically plowed.
- The Elfin Lakes Shelter is often busy on weekends. The shelter capacity is 34 people and can fill up quickly. If you are planning on staying at the shelter overnight, start up the trail early and plan on bringing a tent.
- Please pay the parking, camping and hut fees, using cash only, in the envelopes provided at the Diamond Head Parking lot for Red Heather and Elfin Lakes Area.
- Ring Creek Bridge on the Opal Cone / Mamquam Lake Trail has been removed for the season - please use caution when crossing creeks.
Garibaldi Lake Area - 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. Consistent snow starts at km 2.5 of the Rubble Creek Trail. Please do not block access to private driveway when parking along road.
Wedgemount Area - Bridge railings at 2km on the trail have been removed for the season - please use caution when crossing.
The Black Tusk Forest Service Road will now be 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.
View the most recent trail Report [PDF]
Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 16KB]
Youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip. A Youth Group Information Package [PDF 36KB] 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.
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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.
- Domestic animals (dogs/pets), fires and snowmobiles are prohibited in Garibaldi Park. Failure to comply with Park Regulations may result in a fine.
- 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.
- Harvesting of natural resources is prohibited in Garibaldi Park.
Stay Safe:
- 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 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.
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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| Opening and Closing 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 |
| 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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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.
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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.
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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 627KB – updated June 2008]
- Campground Maps
- Cheakamus Lake Campground [PDF 331KB]
- Elfin Campground [PDF 614KB]
- Garibaldi Lake Campground [PDF 344KB]
- Taylor Meadows Campground [PDF 625KB]
- Brochure [PDF 73KB]
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To access more maps for BC, contact GeoBC here: http://www.geobc.gov.bc.ca/
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
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Climbing | |
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Cycling | |
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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Fishing | |
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Hiking | |
Youth groups planning a trip into Garibaldi Park are requested to register online well in advance of their trip. A Youth Group Information Package [PDF 36KB] 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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Swimming | |
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Winter Recreation | |
Snowmobiles are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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Cabins / Huts / Yurts | |
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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Drinking Water | |
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Picnic Areas | |
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.
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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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
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Walk-In/Wilderness 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.
(fee includes parking and is 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.
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Winter Camping | |
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this park. Check the trail updates noted in the Attention Visitor section.
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