Best Hiking Trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Overview

Named for glacier-ringed Mount Garibaldi (2,678-meters) Garibaldi Provincial park is a hiker's paradise. The park offers over 90 km of trails just a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver. It serves as a gateway to the rugged Coast Mountains, where grizzlies, black bears, wolverines, cougars, and other wildlife roam.

Getting Started

To enter the park, drive north from Vancouver. There are five access points along the Sea-to-Sky Highway: Diamond Head, Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, Singing Pass, and Wedgemount Lake. Check the trail report, available on the BC Parks page, before you go to ensure that your preferred trails are open for business.

You can also use the park's bus service as a more eco-friendly option.

The Elfin Lakes Trail to Brandvold Falls makes a popular entry-level hike. More committed explorers can try the incredible (and incredibly steep) trail that leads past Wedgemount Lake to Wedge Mountain (https://www.gaiagps.com/hike/249935/wedge-parkhurst-col-via-wedgemount-lake-trail-and-west-ridge-route/), or stage a multi-day trek on the Panorama Ridge Loop.

Garibaldi is home to ten campgrounds in addition to numerous wilderness camping opportunities. Most campsites are open year-round. See the Permits section below for more information on making reservations.

When to Go

The park is open year-round, but peaks season occurs during the summer months, which offer a respite from shoulder season rain. Go in July or August to see alpine wildflowers in bloom, or in the winter for snowshoeing and hut skiing. There are several backcountry skiing areas maintained by the park service. However, keep in mind that most access roads are not plowed during the winter.

Permits

All camping in Garibaldi Provincial Park requires a permit, reserved and paid for in advance. You can secure a campsite online through the BC Parks website. You can reserve a wilderness camping permit online as well.

Dog Info

Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi provincial parks. For more information on park rules, see the (BC Parks website)[http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/camping-ethics.html].