The hike to glacier-fed Garibaldi Lake rewards hikers with one of the most spectacular turquoise alpine lakes in North America, set against the backdrop of Mount Garibaldi's volcanic cone. The trail passes through beautiful forests and alpine meadows.
The Garibaldi Lake Trail is an 18-kilometre return route in Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia, ascending 900 metres through coastal rainforest and subalpine terrain to one of the most strikingly turquoise alpine lakes in North America. Set in a glacially carved basin beneath the volcanic cone of Mount Garibaldi and flanked by the Garibaldi Glacier, the lake's vivid colour is produced by glacial rock flour suspended in its glacier-fed waters.
The trailhead is located at the Rubble Creek parking area on the Sea to Sky Highway (BC-99), approximately 37 km north of Squamish and 85 km north of Vancouver. A day-use parking reservation is required during peak season (late June to Labour Day) and must be booked through the BC Parks reservation system. Overflow parking is not available and enforcement is active; visitors without a reservation are typically turned away at the lot. No permit is required for day hiking; overnight backcountry camping requires a BC Parks campsite reservation.
From the trailhead, the path climbs steeply and continuously for the first 6 km through second-growth and old-growth coastal forest — predominantly western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and subalpine fir. The surface is well-maintained gravel and dirt with wooden boardwalk sections across boggy ground. No technical sections exist, but the sustained elevation gain makes this a strenuous outing for casual hikers. At roughly 8 km the trail crests the ridge and the lake comes into view in a widely photographed moment.
The lakeside area includes BC Parks campgrounds at Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows, with tent pads, pit toilets, food storage poles, and a seasonal warden station. Water can be collected from the lake and treated. Side trips are possible to Panorama Ridge (5 km further), Black Tusk (requiring scrambling), and Helm Creek. Wildlife including black bears, marmots, and pikas are commonly encountered. Cell service is generally absent above the trailhead.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
- Best season
- Mid-July to late September
Highlights
- Garibaldi Lake turquoise colour
- Panorama Ridge viewpoint
- Black Tusk volcanic peak
- alpine wildflowers
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a day-use parking spot through the BC Parks website before visiting in summer — the Rubble Creek lot fills completely and roadside overflow is not permitted.
- For an overnight trip, book a backcountry campsite at Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows through the BC Parks reservation system, which opens in spring each year.
- The ascent is steep and unrelenting for the first 6 km; trekking poles significantly reduce knee strain on the descent.
- Carry 2 litres of water from the trailhead — the first reliable water source is near the lake, 9 km in.
- Black bears are regularly encountered on this trail; store food in bearproof containers and make noise through dense vegetation.
- The lake's turquoise colour is most vivid on sunny days with high sun angle; overcast conditions dull the colour considerably.
When to visit
Mid-July to early September is optimal for snow-free conditions and the most vivid lake colour. Weekdays see significantly lighter use and parking is easier to secure than on summer weekends.
Accessibility
The Garibaldi Lake Trail is not accessible to wheelchair users or strollers. The trail consists of unpaved gravel and dirt with a sustained steep grade gaining 900 metres over 9 km; no flat or adapted sections exist along the route.
Frequently asked questions
Is a parking reservation required for the Garibaldi Lake Trail?
Yes, during peak season (typically late June through Labour Day) a day-use parking reservation for the Rubble Creek lot is required through the BC Parks booking system. Arriving without a reservation typically results in being turned away.
How difficult is the hike to the lake?
The trail is consistently steep for the first 6 km with 900 metres of total gain, making it a strenuous moderate hike. The 18 km return distance means most hikers need 6-8 hours for the round trip.
Can visitors swim in Garibaldi Lake?
Swimming is permitted but the lake is glacier-fed and extremely cold — typically 5-8°C in summer. Short dips are common among visitors but extended swimming is not recommended.
Is the trail open year-round?
The trail is physically accessible year-round, but the upper sections are snow-covered from October through June. Snowshoes or skis are required in winter and avalanche conditions exist above the tree line. Reliable summer access runs roughly mid-July through late September.
Are side trips to Panorama Ridge or Black Tusk worthwhile?
Panorama Ridge (5 km beyond the lake) offers the most dramatic views of the Tantalus Range and Garibaldi Glacier and is highly recommended for fit hikers with time to spare. Black Tusk requires scrambling and is better suited to experienced hikers with appropriate footwear.