Take a Hike Garibaldi Lake
Garibaldi Lake sits in stunning Garibaldi Provincial Park, located between Squamish and Whistler in the heart of the BC's Coast Mountains. The park is 194,650 hectares in size and contains 90 kilometres (55.9 miles) of hiking trails used by outdoor enthusiasts year round. It was designated as a park back in 1927 in honour of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a 19th-century Italian patriot.
Garibaldi Lake is just one of the hundreds of jewels that the park contains. A few other that stick out are:
Mount Garibaldi - A magnificent 2678m towering peak, which is the peak that is seen from the Sea to Sky Highway when entering Squamish.- Wedge Mountain and Lake – The highest peak in the park at 2,891 metres, with a spectacular glacial lake surrounded by Wedgemount and Armchair Glaciers.
- Black Tusk - Probably the most well-known peak in the park and for good reason. It is a peak of volcanic rock, sitting at 2,319 metres.
Garibaldi Lake is a turquoise blue glacier-fed lake that sits at 1,450 metres. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows and volcanic mountains.
Our Lodging Ovations team took a day trip hike into Garibaldi Lake a few weeks ago for the first time ever and have not stopped raving about their experience. The hike is 18 kilometres round trip, with an 810-metre elevation gain. It takes an average of 6 - 8 hours depending on your pace and the amount of time you spend at the lake.
The hike starts off with numerous switchbacks, where you are gaining elevation with every step taken. These switchbacks go on for approximately 6 kilometres, through a forest of giant Douglas-firs and Western Red Cedars. Once you hit the top of the barrier at the Taylor Meadows Junction the trail levels out.
From here Garibaldi Lake is only 3 kilometres away. During these 3 kilometres, the trail passes by Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi Lake, giving you a preview of what’s to come. Then you come upon turquoise blue Garibaldi Lake! Making the last 9 kilometres well worth it. Once at the lake it’s easy to find a spot along the shores to sit and have a picnic. You can relax for as long as you’d like! The lake is glacier fed and if you are brave enough, you’re welcome to go for a swim!
It is a great hike but is also a very popular one. The coming months of September and October are great months for hiking, crowds have died down and trails are in prime condition, having not yet received snow. Our team highly recommends this hike to anyone in the area.
Our hiking tips include:
- Starting early in the morning
- Wearing comfortable hiking shoes
- Bringing lots of water
- Bringing band aids and mole skin in case of blisters
- Bringing a lunch for the lake and snacks for trial side
- Bringing a camera!!
Get out there are enjoy the great outdoors, you won’t regret it!
