Garibaldi Provincial Park

195,000 hectares between Squamish and Whistler containing the most recognisable alpine terrain in southwest BC - Garibaldi Lake, Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, Elfin Lakes and the Diamond Head massif. Reservation-managed in summer, serious backcountry in winter.

2 trail guides · 1 h 45 min from Vancouver

Garibaldi is the park that most people picture when they picture hiking in British Columbia, and the photographs have done it a disservice. The turquoise lake and the volcanic plug are real. So is the eleven kilometres and 800 metres of climbing between the parking lot and them, the day-pass system, the reservation system, and the fact that the season for most of it is about ten weeks long.

The park splits into five access areas, each with its own trailhead off Highway 99: Diamond Head at the southern end above Squamish, then Rubble Creek for Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk, Cheakamus, Singing Pass, and Wedgemount at the northern end near Whistler. There is no road through the park. Each area is its own trip.

What the region is good for

Diamond Head in winter. This is the part of Garibaldi that has a genuine winter season, because the access road is passable and the route to Elfin Lakes is marked with snow poles from Red Heather onward. It is the most accessible real winter backcountry objective from Vancouver, which is not the same thing as being an easy one.

Alpine overnights. Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Elfin Lakes and Wedgemount all have established backcountry camping with reservations, which makes this the region where multi-day trips are logistically simplest - provided you win the booking.

Volcanic geology you can walk on. The Black Tusk, the Gargoyles, Opal Cone, the Barrier. This is an active volcanic field and it looks like one.

Access notes

Day passes apply in summer only, and per-trailhead. Diamond Head and Rubble Creek run Fridays through Mondays and holidays, June 12 to October 12, 2026; Cheakamus runs daily in peak summer then Fridays through Mondays into October. Passes are free, release two days ahead at 7am PT, and go quickly for Rubble Creek. Overnight reservation holders are exempt and must carry proof.

Backcountry reservations are required year-round for the Elfin Lakes shelter and campground. In 2026 the shelter is $30 for adults with a $20 surcharge for non-BC residents; bookings open three months out and cap at six people per group.

Dogs are prohibited everywhere in Garibaldi Provincial Park, including the trails and all camping areas. This catches people out constantly. Drones are prohibited.

Winter access is really only Diamond Head. The road is 16 km of rough gravel, BC Parks recommends 4x4, chains are mandatory above the chain-up area October through May, and snow removal is periodic rather than continuous.

Seasons

Season	Reality
Nov-Apr	Diamond Head only. Avalanche terrain, transceiver-probe-shovel, poled winter route to Elfin.
May-Jun	Snow still deep in the alpine. Rubble Creek trail may be walkable to the lake by mid-June in a light year, and the lake is often still frozen.
Jul-Sep	The season. Day passes in effect, everything open, and the trails busy from 7am.
Oct	Larch-free but excellent colour in the meadows, first snow at elevation, day passes end October 12.