A Summer's hike to Garibaldi Lake - Squamish-Lillooet, BC
- Camilla Ho
- Jul 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Garibaldi Lake has been on our list for years. Initially booked for 2 nights, we had a change of plans and ended up doing this trip as a 1-nighter instead. Still worth the journey! The trail is considered a moderate to strenuous hike, and the lake is insanely stunning.
There is an interconnected network of trails and campsites in this area of Garibaldi Provincial Park if you want to extend your trip.
Other trails to access:
Taylor Meadows Trail (via Garibaldi Lake Trail)
Black Tusk Trail (via Taylor Meadows Trail or continuing past Garibaldi Lake Campground)
Helm Creek Trail (via Helm Creek/Black Tusk Trail)
Panorama Ridge Trail (via Helm Creek Trail)
Cheakamus Lake Trail (Via Helm Creek Trail)
Other campsites to access:
Taylor Meadows Campground
Helm Creek Campground
Cheakamus Lake Campground
Here we go!
Garibaldi Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
Elevation: Approximately 1500 m above sea level
Situated in the traditional lands of the Coast Salish, St’át’imc Tmicw (St'at'imc), Lil'wat, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
Gear wish list:
- Mosquito headnet! The mosquitos were relentless in the evening!
Respect the park:
- Follow Leave No Trace principles - you pack it in, you pack it out.
- Use the bear caches provided.
- Follow park and camp regulations.
- Protect sensitive vegetation by staying on the trail and respecting trail markers and out-of-bound areas.
- Do not feed any wildlife - it's a risk to people and wildlife.
Getting to the trailhead
Directions:
It's a paved road to the trailhead so you do not need a high-ground clearance vehicle to get to the parking lot. If you are coming from Vancouver, take the Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W, then keep left to continue onto BC-99 N towards Squamish. In Squamish, turn right onto Daisy Lake Road. Follow the road for about 2.5 km until you reach the parking lot at Rubble Creek Trailhead.
Parking:
There is a large parking lot at the Rubble Creek Trailhead and a smaller parking lot just below the main lot.
Permits:
Highly recommend securing your camping permits as soon as registration opens. This trail can get extremely busy during peak periods, frequently used by day hikers, tourists, trail runners and other campers. You can stay updated about camping registration times and free day-use passes on the BC Parks website.
The hike to Garibaldi Lake
Overall, the terrain to Garibaldi Lake was not too difficult but rather a gradually-graded climb up to the lake. Much of the trail winds through the forest, with some scenic spots passing Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi Lake. If needed, there are a few streams along the way to fill up on water.
The journey:
The start of the trail begins by winding upwards through the forest, with the first 3 kms being a steady climb. I don't know what came over me but we covered this first part of the trail in under an hour. The next few kilometers are a series of switchbacks making your way up towards the Garibaldi Lake/Taylor Meadows Junction at the 6 km point.
The junction is set up with an informational board and outhouse. There are also a lot of Whisky Jacks that hang around in this area looking for food. However, they have been known to be aggressive in the area due to humans feeding them over the years, highlighting why feeding wildlife in the backcountry is hugely discouraged!
Barrier Lake
The last 3 km of the hike is my favourite section of the trail! If you can hold off on that break just a little longer, continue hiking about 0.4 km further from the junction to Barrier Lake. Keep an eye out for a turnoff to Barrier Viewpoint—another good stopping point for views! This spot is the first scenic area where the trail really starts to show off 🌄.
Lesser Garibaldi Lake
Keep cruising along the Garibaldi Lake Trail, and you'll reach Lesser Garibaldi Lake just past the 7 km mark. And my excitement to get to Garibaldi Lake grows as the lake here glistens with its blue hue 🏞️💙! The initial 6 km of the trail involved hiking through a canopy of trees, making this section of the trail a refreshing and welcomed change!
Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake Campground
The campground has 50 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, with 4 outhouses spread across the area. There is a small creek to refill water close to the Ranger Station end of Garibaldi Lake.
Next day: Heading out
You follow the same path back to the trailhead and parking lot. If you have the time, make some extra stops at the lakes and viewpoint to soak in some scenery before hiking the remaining trail through the forest. The final few kilometers seemed endless, as its all downhill and zero relief for those toes and knees!
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