Garibaldi Provincial Park

As of January 25, 2012

Safety Bulletins:

Avalanche and glacier hazards exist in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Only experienced groups practiced in crevasse rescue and properly roped should venture onto snowfields and glaciers.

Use extra caution and assess before crossing creeks/bodies of water.

For current avalanche bulletins check out http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/south-coast For more information visit: http://www.avalanche.ca/

View the most recent trail report [PDF]

Please Note: As of April 2011 camping fees are applicable for all camping in Garibaldi Park including the Garibaldi Neve Traverse. Please use our new online fee payment system for all areas of Garibaldi Park. BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to pre-pay your overnight fees for backcountry camping where designated.

Revenue from fees goes directly into providing park recreation services, such as maintaining trails, park roads (snow removal), and park buildings. This system ensures that members of the public are more involved in paying for the recreation services they use.

Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes Area:

Elfin Lakes / Diamond Head Access road is a narrow, periodically plowed mountain road. It is mandatory that vehicles are equipped with good winter tires and tire chains. Be prepared by bringing a shovel, blankets, and flashlight.

The winter pole route from Red Heather to Elfin Lakes is marked. Please use the marked route.

Elfin Lakes Shelter is busy on weekends. Shelter capacity is 33 people and fills up quickly. If you are planning on staying overnight, start up the trail early and bring a tent to be able to spend the night.

Please pay camping and hut fees: using cash only. Envelopes are available at the Diamond Head Trailhead parking lot. Note the 2011 fee changes; the Elfin Lakes Shelter is now $15.00 per person per night. Camping is still $10.00 per person per night.

Garibaldi Lake area:

Parking is restricted to lower section of access road. Please do not block access to private road.

Please pre-pay your overnight fees online at www.bcparks.ca.
Note: there are no huts for overnight use in this area.

Singing Pass Area:

Beware of multiple open creek crossings. Harmony Creek bridge was removed at 6km from village. Use caution and assess hazards before crossing creeks, or any body of water.

Access notes:

Large groups (10 or more) 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.

Know Before You Go

Prohibited Activities

Use of motorized vehicles including snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, trail bikes and similar conveyances are restricted to park roads and parking lots.
Domestic animals (dogs/pets);
Fires;
Arriving or departing from the park by aircraft;
Harvesting of natural resources;

Camping

Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Be prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if facilities are full.

All camping areas, cabins, shelters, etc. in Garibaldi Provincial Park are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations accepted.

Safety Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 16KB]

About This Park

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

Campground Hours of Operation All dates are subject to change without notice
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 – 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.

Location and Maps

Location Map

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.

Maps and Brochures

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]
To access more maps for BC, contact GeoBC here: http://www.geobc.gov.bc.ca/

Nature and 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.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Approved Garibaldi Management Plan

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

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.

Climbing

There are several excellent, granite alpine climbing locations throughout the park. Park visitors should research the peak or route information by using the most current guidebook(s) for the area. Or contact the Alpine Club of Canada or BC Federation of Mountain Clubs for more detailed information.
Note: climbing the Black Tusk is not recommended due to loose, unstable rock.

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.

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.

Hiking

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 [PDF 36KB] is available for both leaders and youths as a general aid in preparing for a fun, educational and safe wilderness experience.

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.

Winter Recreation

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.

Facilities Available at this Park

Cabins / Huts / Yurts

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.

Cabin Use Fee: $15.00 per person / night

Cabin Use Fee: $35.00 per family / night

(These fees are 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.

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.

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.

Parking fees are no longer being charged. Find out more.

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.

Pit or Flush 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!

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.

Backcountry Camping Fee: $10.00 per person / night (persons 16 years of age and older)

Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per child / night (persons 6 - 15 years of age)

(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.

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.