BC Parks
Garibaldi Provincial Park
British Columbia Est. 1927 1,950 km²
Turquoise glacier lakes and volcanic peaks a 90-minute drive from Vancouver.
Overview
Garibaldi is BC's flagship alpine day-hike park, wedged between Squamish and Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Five main access points (Diamond Head, Black Tusk / Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus, Singing Pass, Wedgemount) climb through old-growth to alpine lakes ringed by glaciers and volcanic spires. Overnight backcountry permits are required and released quarterly through the Discover Camping system; day-use is unrestricted but parking at Rubble Creek fills by 7am on summer weekends.
- Alpine lakes 90 minutes from downtown Vancouver
- Black Tusk — an unmistakable volcanic silhouette
- Wedgemount Lake, one of BC's most photographed alpine tarns
- Diamond Head loop, a rare alpine-hut backcountry option
Quick facts
- Size
- 1,950 km²
- Established
- 1927
- Highest point
- Wedge Mountain 2,891 m
- Backcountry sites
- By reservation
Things to do
Garibaldi Lake day-hike
18 km RT, 820 m gain
Black Tusk scramble
Class 3 chimney to summit block
Wedgemount Lake overnight
Backcountry ski (Diamond Head)
Camping
Reservations: Required · Frontcountry: No · Backcountry: Yes · RV: No · Glamping: No
- Backcountry only — Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, Wedgemount, Elfin Lakes
- Permits released quarterly through BC Parks Discover Camping
- Elfin Lakes has a heated shelter (winter reservations required)
Campgrounds in and near this park
- Garibaldi Provincial Park
Squamish, British Columbia · 3 km away
Hiking
Garibaldi Lake
Moderate · 18 kmThe classic — switchbacks through old-growth to a glacier-fed turquoise lake.
Black Tusk
Hard · 29 kmLong day or overnight; chimney to summit is unroped Class 3.
Panorama Ridge
Hard · 30 kmThe Instagram shot of Garibaldi Lake from above.
Wedgemount Lake
Hard · 14 kmSteep 1,160 m gain to a glacier-tongued tarn; often done as an overnight.
Elfin Lakes (Diamond Head)
Moderate · 22 kmGentler grade; heated hut at destination.
Wildlife
Common
Hoary marmot, Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Grey jay
Signature
Black bear, Mountain goat, Pika
Viewing tips
Marmots are certain at Taylor Meadows. Bears feed on blueberries above tree line August-September.
Safety
Snow lingers on north aspects into mid-July. Wind exposure on Panorama Ridge is severe.
Photography
- Panorama Ridge over Garibaldi Lake mid-morning
- Wedgemount Lake glacier tongue at first light
- Black Tusk silhouette against dawn alpenglow
- Elfin Lakes reflections at sunset
Best time to visit
spring
Snow closes higher trails until July; Rubble Creek trailhead often mud-clogged.
summer
Mid-July to mid-September: prime hiking window, permits mandatory.
fall
Late September: larches nowhere, but heather turns crimson.
winter
Elfin Lakes for backcountry ski touring; hut open all winter.
Peak: August (wildflowers) · Shoulder: Second week of September (fewer crowds, weather stable)
Family & accessibility
Family
- Day-hike to first switchback at Rubble Creek is manageable for tweens
- Ranger talks at Rubble Creek trailhead summer weekends
Accessibility
- Rubble Creek trailhead has accessible parking; no accessible trails inside the park
Reservations
Book through BC Parks Discover Camping — opens 120 days ahead of arrival.
Backcountry permits open in quarterly blocks; Wedgemount and Garibaldi Lake sell out within minutes.
Reserve nowSuggested itineraries
day-trip
Garibaldi Lake Classic
Alarm at 5am, park at Rubble Creek by 7am, lake by lunch, back at the car by dusk.
weekend
Panorama Ridge Overnight
One night at Taylor Meadows, sunrise on Panorama, out via Black Tusk viewpoint.
photography
Wedgemount at First Light
Hike in Friday afternoon, sleep at the lake, shoot the glacier at dawn.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike?
Day hiking is unrestricted, but overnight camping requires a paid backcountry permit through BC Parks Discover Camping.
How early do I need to arrive at Rubble Creek?
By 7am on summer weekends. Overflow lots fill by 8am and the highway shoulder is enforced.
Can I combine Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk in a day?
Yes, but it's a 29 km day with 1,700 m gain. Fit hikers only, and start before sunrise.
Is there any car camping?
No — the park is backcountry only. Nearest car camping is Alice Lake Provincial Park or Whistler private grounds.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Garibaldi is one of BC's few no-dog parks.
Nearby
National parks
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve · 130 km
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve · 219 km
- Mount Revelstoke National Park · 366 km
Other provincial parks
- Joffre Lakes Provincial Park · 59 km
- Cultus Lake Provincial Park · 122 km
- E.C. Manning Provincial Park · 186 km
- Strathcona Provincial Park · 193 km
Plan this trip with a human
Our Travel Concierge builds custom itineraries around Garibaldi Provincial Park — permits, campsites, driving times, and shoulder-season strategy included.
Talk to the Concierge