Garibaldi Park

188,667 ha

Area

1920

Established

Class A

Park class

Park

Type

About this Park

Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains just 64 km north of Vancouver, Garibaldi is known for its natural beauty and numerous hiking trails. Here, you’ll find rich geological history, diverse vegetation, snow-capped mountains, iridescent waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas.

The towering 2,678 m peak of Mount Garibaldi is the park’s centrepiece. Offering over 90 km of established hiking trails, Garibaldi Park is a favourite year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Safety information

Garibaldi Park trail information [PDF]

Stay safe

The backcountry is demanding. Hikers must be in good physical condition, properly equipped, and prepared to be totally self-sufficient. Take adequate clothing. Mountain weather changes suddenly, and it can snow any time of year.
Avalanche and glacier hazards exist year-round. Only experienced groups who are practised in companion rescue and who are properly equipped should venture onto snowfields and glaciers.
Lakes and rivers are glacier fed and the water is extremely cold year-round.
Access roads can have poor visibility, so 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 travelling through the zone. This means that camping or remaining overnight at or near the Garibaldi Lake parking lot is prohibited. Developed campgrounds are located nearby at Alice Lake, Brandywine Falls and Nairn Falls Parks.

Area-specific safety information

Diamond Head, including Elfin Lakes and Rampart Ponds
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake, including Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek trailhead), and Taylor Meadows
Cheakamus Lake, including Cheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, and Helm Creek
Singing Pass, including Russet Lake
Wedgemount Lake

Special notes

Prohibited in this park

Motorized vehicles including snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, trail bikes, and similar must keep to park roads and parking lots
Dogs and other pets, except those with valid identification issued by an accredited training school. The school must be accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI), or otherwise accredited under the BC Guide and Service Dog Act. Always carry proof of accreditation when visiting a park. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not allowed.
Fires
Aircraft access to and from the park (more information below)
Drones (for more information, see the responsible recreation page)
Harvesting natural resources, including mushrooms
Camping hammocks due to high visitor numbers and damage to small trees

Aircraft restrictions

Voluntary flight guidelines (designated no-flight and minimum altitude pathways) are in place to minimize negative interactions between wildlife, people, and aircraft. Aircraft operators should familiarize themselves with the geo-referenced flight zone map [PDF]. Contact parkinfo@gov.bc.ca to view the voluntary flight guidelines or to get additional shapefiles for navigation.

Location notes

There are five park access points along Highway 99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) between Squamish and Pemberton. We recommend taking a vehicle to these access points as the trailheads are between 2 km and 16 km off Highway 99.

Park access points (south to north):

Nearby communities include Whistler and Brackendale.

Transportation to the park is provided by Parkbus.

Activities

7:Interpretive programs Find fun summer outdoor learning experiences with Discover Parks Ambassadors here all summer long. For specific dates, along with many more seasonal and year-round activities, visit discoverparks.ca.
7:Hiking Day-use passes Passes are required at Diamond Head and Rubble Creek trailheads Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and holidays from June 13 to October 13, 2025.Passes are required at Cheakamus trailhead every day from June 13 to September 1, 2025. From September 2 to October 13, 2025, they are required Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only.If you have a valid reservation for overnight camping, you do not need a day-use pass. You must carry proof of your reservation while in the park.For full details, visit the day-use passes page.Hiking areasCheck Garibaldi trail information [PDF] for trail details.Access to the park is by developed trail systems along the western boundary. Signs along Highway 99 lead to trailheads for the five most popular areas of the park, as listed below. Parking is available at the trailheads. You can also access the park from the lift systems at the Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas.For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey all signs and keep to designated trails. Taking shortcuts destroys plant life and soil structure, which leads to erosion.For trail maps, see maps and location.Trail details:Diamond HeadElfin Lakes, Rampart PondsBlack Tusk/Garibaldi LakeRed Heather, Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek), Taylor MeadowsCheakamus LakeCheakamus Lake, Singing Creek, Helm CreekSinging PassRusset LakeWedgemount Lake
7:Climbing There are several excellent granite alpine climbing locations throughout Garibaldi Park. You can consult most current guidebooks for the area to get detailed information. Alternatively, contact the Alpine Club of Canada or the BC Federation of Mountain Clubs.Climbing the Black Tusk is not recommended due to loose, unstable rock.
7:Kayaking You may kayak on Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Lake, or Glacier Lake. Kayaking is not allowed on other lakes in Garibaldi Park.Please do not store your kayaks in the park. Camping for paddlers is allowed in designated sites only.
7:Swimming You can swim at Elfin Lakes (in the swimming lake only), Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Glacier Lake. Most of the lakes are glacier fed and extremely cold.
7:Cycling Bicycles are allowed on designated roadways and some trails in Garibaldi Park. Bicycles are allowed on the following two trails:Diamond HeadYou can cycle from the parking lot to the Elfin Lakes shelter. Bicycles are not allowed beyond this point and must stay on the main trail. The trail surface is rock and gravel.Cheakamus LakeYou can cycle from the parking lot to Singing Creek. Bicycles are not allowed past the bridge on the Helm Creek Trail. The trail surface is dirt.For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section, below.Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
7:Winter recreation Diamond Head is the main area for winter recreation in Garibaldi Park. This area offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities. For more details, visit the Diamond Head area page.Snowmobiles are not allowed in Garibaldi Park.
7:Fishing There are fishing opportunities at many lakes in the park, including Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake, and Mamquam Lake.
7:E-Biking Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist only) are allowed in Garibaldi Park, where bicycles are permitted, such as on the Diamond Head and Cheakamus Lake trails. For trail details, see the cycling section, above.Bikes with electric assist motors in other classes are not allowed on the trails. These e-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is allowed. The only exception is authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.For more information, see the e-bikes section of the cycling page.
7:Canoeing You may canoe on Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Lake, or Glacier Lake. Canoeing is not allowed on other lakes in Garibaldi Park.Please do not store your canoes in the park. Camping for paddlers is allowed in designated sites only.

Facilities

7:Picnic areas All picnic areas in the park are accessible by hiking in, and they have pit toilets. Day-use cooking shelters are available at Red Heather, Garibaldi Lake, and Taylor Meadows. Camping is not allowed in the shelters.Diamond HeadRed Heather day-use shelter offers two picnic tables, counters with a wash sink, two propane burners, a wood stove (winter only), and pit toilet facilities. Elfin Lakes offers two outdoor picnic tables, a day-use shelter with two picnic tables, counters with two wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities.Learn moreBlack Tusk/Garibaldi LakeGaribaldi Lake offers four day-use shelters with two picnic tables each, counters, wash sinks, and pit toilet facilities. Taylor Meadows offers two day-use shelters, each with two picnic tables, counters, a wash sink, and pit toilet facilities.Learn moreCheakamus LakeYou can use various scenic spots around the lake to picnic in a natural setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.Learn moreSinging PassThis area offers plenty of room to picnic in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.Learn moreWedgemount LakeThere is a small shelter at Wedgemount Lake with limited seating. Although this shelter is not recommended for picnicking, there is plenty of room outside to picnic in a beautiful alpine setting. Pit toilet facilities are provided. There are no picnic tables.    Learn more
7:Drinking water Water is available in lakes and streams. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled, or otherwise treated before drinking. Wash all dishes and conduct personal hygiene at least 30 m from the water source. Dispose of wastewater in a shelter sink or in campground pit toilets.
7:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are located at all designated camping areas, day-use sites, and trailheads. Please bring your own toilet paper.Do not place garbage in the toilets. There are no garbage facilities, so please pack out what you pack in.