Garibaldi Lake Hiking Trail, Whistler, BC

Nuwan from Vancouver writes:

We went up to lesser Garibaldi lake on 30th Dec. There was about 4 ft of snow deposit at 6 km mark. It was very difficult to find a sign of the trail after Barrier view point.

Posted: December 31, 2011 04:44:57 PM PST

dimples from Vancouver writes:

Soooo, did the hike in snowshoes on Dec 3. Parking lot is closed so you have to park on the lower area of the access road. Start early since you have about 2km from where you park the car to the parking lot, and then the climb begins. It was quite tough. It's completely covered in snow and snowshoes were useful. But once you get to the lake, it's so worth it! Bring warm clothes, food, and lots of water!Flashlight/headlamp also a must!
have fun:)

Posted: December 6, 2011 09:24:57 AM PST

dimples from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike in October, the weather was nice. We made it up to the meadows and then went down to the lake. It was beautiful!
I was wondering can I do this hike now in late November, anyone did it recently? Is it too icy up there? Lots of snow I assume?
Thanks!

Posted: November 30, 2011 07:01:30 AM PST

Chris from Vancouver writes:

Just did Panorama Ridge on Thursday (the 29th) and there was a lot of snow on the trail as soon as you split from the Cheekamus Lake trail. I only had my light, low-cut hikers on and they got soaked so make sure you've got waterproof/resistant shoes or boots. Must have been very new snow as there were no other tracks on my way up. The trail from Garibaldi Lake to Panorama was wet and muddy in places with traces of snow, but the campsite at the lake was free of snow.

Posted: September 30, 2011 09:55:43 AM PST

Danker Kolijn from Vancouver writes:

We are 2 students hoping to go for a hike this weekend in the Garibaldi/Black Tusk area and need a ride up. Does anyone have 2 spots available in their car friday or saturday. Please let me know, willing to pitch for gas.

Posted: September 28, 2011 10:48:28 PM PST

Shaun from Vancouver writes:

Hi Candace,
My wife and I went up to Panorama Ridge on the weekend with friends and we stopped at the lake for lunch. The trail is clear of snow and is very well marked. There is a 10% grade from start to finish, it levels out a little at the end. All in all, it is an easy hike. Lots of people in running shoes. It can be chilly near the lake, bring a toque. Hope that helps.

Posted: September 26, 2011 05:31:55 PM PST

Candace from Vancouver writes:

I was hoping to hike this weekend but was wondering if any recent hikers could tell me if the conditions are okay?

Posted: September 14, 2011 09:47:46 AM PST

Nikki from St. Louis writes:

We went last Friday and did an overnight. No snow on the trail to Garibaldi Lake. It was a gorgeous, rewarding hike. Totally worth it.

The only downside is that there were plenty of people. Friday was manageable, but Saturday there were more than a hundred cars in the parking lot (and more people than cars). If you have a choice, go on the weekday when it's not as crowded. And if you do go on a weekend, get there early!

Posted: September 7, 2011 03:00:38 PM PST

Stephen from Vancouver writes:

Do the trails connect in any way so you can hike to Whistler from North Vancouver without following the highway?

Posted: September 3, 2011 09:40:07 AM PST

Theresa from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone hiked from Garibaldi Lake to Cheakamus Lake recently? Wondering if there is snow or areas that require Yaktraks or gaiters? How long (distance) is the route from Garibaldi Lake to Cheakamus?

Posted: September 2, 2011 05:20:34 PM PST

Hareesh from Delta writes:

Hareesh from Delta writes:

Had been to Garibaldi Lake on Sunday, Aug 28 with a friend. It was awesome! The Lesser Garibaldi and Barrier Lakes were also a treat to the eye. We took the route via the Taylor Meadows Campsite and on return via the smaller lakes. The view from Taylor Meadows Campsite of Black Tusk in the middle and two humps on either side was very rewarding. There is no snow on the trail and at the Lake Garibaldi campsite - saw some very tiny snow lumps around the Lake area - these would also melt by the next weekend.

Posted: August 29, 2011 09:31:17 PM PST

Kevin from Vancouver writes:

Anybody have any info about snow depth and conditions for the Helm Pass/ Helm Creek access trail into Garibaldi? Want to run from Helm creek through to Rubble creek in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks,

Kevin

Posted: August 21, 2011 08:23:39 PM PST

christine from surrey writes:

can you bring dogs?

Posted: August 19, 2011 03:55:36 PM PST

Danielle Mortimer from Ottawa writes:

Just back from a rewarding two-day backpacking trip Aug 15-17. Some snow at Garibaldi Lake campground but plenty of sites with exposed pads. Hiked up Panorama Ridge from Black Tusk meadows and down off the ridge to below Mimulus Lake. Lots of snow on Panorama Ridge. Route finding on the way down was difficult and ended in some bushwacking and creek jumping to rejoin the meadows trail. Lots of flowers blooming.

Posted: August 18, 2011 06:40:53 AM PST

Jeffman from Vancouver writes:

No snow on trail! Don't bother bringing snow shoes. I hiked it on sunday and took the taylor meadows route - no snow up there either. Lake was blue as ever too.

Posted: August 17, 2011 09:36:31 PM PST

sunny from vancouver writes:

@Lora: did you need snow shoes? or normal hiking boots are fine you think?

Posted: August 17, 2011 01:38:51 PM PST

lora from vancouver writes:

I was there yesterday and there was no snow on the lake... a bit around it but not much. It was beautiful but jammed packed with hikers/campers. Better to go on a weekday I guess.

Posted: August 14, 2011 07:35:07 AM PST

Jeff from Vancouver writes:

Is there snow on the lake still?

Posted: August 12, 2011 05:55:52 PM PST

Tusk from vancouver writes:

Hi mark, if you are still viewing this site, will you advise me the amount of snow on the Garibaldi lake campground? We are thinking of going up there after work on this Friday, but between sun coming down earlier and depend on how mush snow we have to walk, I am afraid that we might have to walk in the dark on snow.

Posted: August 11, 2011 03:04:20 PM PST

mark from new zealand writes:

What a fantastic hike! Black tusk was awesome and Lake Garibaldi beautiful -
People were really friendly + The snow was a fun depth to hike through
B.C. is stunning!!!! Amazing that you have that only 1.5hrs from Vancouver!

Posted: August 9, 2011 03:51:41 AM PST

Ric from Vancouver writes:

@mark from new zealand

How was the trail?

Posted: August 7, 2011 08:36:25 AM PST

Stefan from Vancouver writes:

As of July 29th the trail is clear until well after the junction, that's when the snow starts. It's pretty compact and easy to stay on top of, it's melting fast especially in taylor meadows. (The easiest route would be through taylor meadows through to black tusk). The best place for a view point would be the end of the official Black Tusk trail which has a sign board explaining the formation of the tusk through volcanic activity and so on. It gets you to the base of the tusk, that way if you so decide you can climb the tusk and chimney or just enjoy the view as you're already well up the mountain.

Posted: August 3, 2011 08:30:48 PM PST

mark from new zealand writes:

Planning on doing this on Sat 6th
Anyone know what current trail conditions are and if its worth doing the detour to the base of black tusk at the moment?
Also what is best place for a viewpoint if you don't go all the way to black tusk?

Thanks, Mark

Posted: August 3, 2011 07:53:45 PM PST

Marie from Vancouver writes:

Hi,

i am looking for a ride/carpool, for tomorrow (august 1st) to go to Garibaldi Lake.

Let me know if you do that!

Thanks

Marie-Sophie

Posted: July 31, 2011 05:36:51 PM PST

Mark Pizaz from vancouver writes:

Can anyone give me an update of the trail? we are planning on hiking it on sunday july 31 which is tomorrow

thank you

Posted: July 30, 2011 04:30:49 PM PST

Avik from Vancouver writes:

Can anybody give me update about the trail & Garibaldi lake please? We are planning to go this weekend.

Thanks

Posted: July 29, 2011 10:24:40 AM PST

Stefan from Vancouver writes:

Anyone know the current conditions again? The BC parks site isn't up to date and is not much help. Thanks!

Posted: July 23, 2011 07:50:55 AM PST

Kumi from Vancouver writes:

We went up to the Lake yesterday, July 10, 2011. The last 3 km up to the Lake was all covered by snow, although it was still OK for us to walk on the regular hiking shoes. At some part, there was like over 1 m height snow.
The Lake was still frozen and 95% covered by snow.
It was very sunny nice day and we enjoyed our hiking much, but I thought it was too early to see the beautiful lake.

Posted: July 11, 2011 12:30:16 PM PST

DR from vancouver writes:

Does anyone know what the current conditions are? Thanks

Posted: July 11, 2011 10:49:35 AM PST

Matt from London writes:

Went up today. After about 5.5km the path is mostly covered with snow, which in places is icy (ie slippery).

We met a fair few people on the trail, including some who'd made it all the way to the main lake and back. We called it a day shortly after the 7km marker as we weren't enjoying walking on the snow -- even with hiking shoes and poles. Nonetheless, there were some great views from the Barrier Viewpoint shortly after the map and benches at ~6.25km, and before the snow gets really deep, so we were glad we went.

Posted: July 5, 2011 07:32:00 PM PST

toddy from burnaby writes:

we went to Garibaldi Lake yesterday. First 5k was snow free, but after that
there are still a lot snow. With proper
shoes, we made it. There wre many people returned from 6k view poit.

Posted: July 2, 2011 01:05:26 PM PST

Mike Burns from Whistler writes:

For up to date trail information, check out the BC Parks website, select Garibaldi Park, and click on the trail update link. The most current update is dated 06 June. I spoke with a couple that had hiked to the lake last weekend 04 June) and they encountered snow at around 3kms in. They were able to follow the footprints of other (earlier) hikers to the lake. The saw approx. 20 other hikers during the day.

Posted: June 9, 2011 09:38:52 AM PST

Josh Moody from Lions Bay writes:

Is it too early to hike to Garibaldi Lake now? Or will the trail be free of snow?

Posted: May 31, 2011 11:06:53 PM PST

Daniel Sue from Burnaby writes:

Hi

Can anyone tell me how far it is from the main highway to the parking lot on foot? Im hitching and getting dropped off the Sea-to-Sky highway?

DS

Posted: October 12, 2010 09:58:31 AM PST

Sha from Vancouver writes:

My friend's family and my family hiked the trail to the lake yesterday. What's a beautiful day and a spectacular lake!
Because there two kids of 8 year-old and 9 year-old in our group, we had to take the short cut to the lake, but it still took us about 6.5 hours in total. We met a lady from Seattle in her 60's who was a solo hiker, and she said this was her fifth time of hiking Garibaldi Lake!

Posted: September 4, 2010 11:07:16 AM PST

Brian from Vancouver writes:

There is an overflow site at Taylor Meadows. Still a lovely spot, just slightly farther to the outhouses and to the food cache.

Posted: July 30, 2010 10:22:09 PM PST

Richard from Vancouver writes:

Does anyone know what to do if all of the campsites are taken? Is there any way to know this before packing all of your gear up to the lake? I'm heading up tomorrow (Saturday, July 31) early in the hopes of getting a site.

Posted: July 30, 2010 04:37:56 PM PST

Paul from Seoul, Korea writes:

Beautiful day(27th, July), beautiful lake! What a emerald color!
I was so happy to be there.
I think downhill walking was more boring than upgoing.
And totally 8-hours needed including lunch and rest at the Lake.

Posted: July 27, 2010 10:51:43 PM PST

Brian from Vancouver writes:

Just got back from two nights' backpacking at Garibaldi. About half the sites at Taylor Meadows have snow, the rest are clear and open. At Garibaldi Lake about half the sites have snow. Many people camped on the snow. There are shovels to clear the sites. Take your own toilet paper; the parks staff need to replenish the outhouses (or composting ecosystems as they prefer we call them).

Posted: July 25, 2010 08:47:09 PM PST

Alex from Vancouver writes:

Still some snow around the lake, but the trail is pretty much clear... definitely turquoise now though! The waterfalls along the trail are really flowing too. Such a great hike, a little (big?) paradise up there.

Posted: July 19, 2010 04:09:56 PM PST

George from Vancouver writes:

Anyone been up to Garibaldi Lake since July 10? Wondering how the conditions are now.

Posted: July 19, 2010 03:54:03 PM PST

Leo Gilbert from Vancouver writes:

We did this hike on July 10, 2010. Almost all the snow on the trail has melted. There was still quite a bit of snow around the lake and the lake didn't have its 'turquoisy' color. It should be perfect in a couple of weeks.

Posted: July 11, 2010 08:25:40 PM PST

Sharon from Vancouver writes:

My friend and I hiked the trail to the lake on Canada Day (July 1). There is still a 2' snowpack on the trail. It's slippery and very slow going for the last 3 km. The ice isn't off Garabaldi Lake yet but the lake has opened along the edges. I'd wait a few more weeks if you want to see the lake in its turquoise glory.

Posted: July 2, 2010 03:46:05 PM PST

Jessa from Vancouver writes:

My friends and I tried to do this hike up to Garibaldi Lake last June 5. There was still lots of slippery snow. We had to turn around at 6km (Garibaldi Lake is at 9km). It got very dangerous as we were sinking in the snow up to our knees. There was still people hiking though. I'm sure it could be done, just have to go slow. Next month I will try this hike again. Either than that the trail was easy marked.

Posted: June 18, 2010 03:13:42 PM PST

Maggy from France, Paris writes:

Hello there,

Does anyone know if we can hike until Garibaldi Lake (planned for May 23)?
I'm afraid there would be too much snow?

We will do the Cheakamus Lake on Saturday May 22 and I’m looking for another hike for Sunday May 23.

Any other great hike to advise? I was thinking about Joffres Lake?

Thanks so much for your help!
Maggy

Posted: May 10, 2010 03:13:20 PM PST

Mel from Australia writes:

Did the Garibaldi Lake hike on 27 Sept, perhaps the last sunny day left in 2009! We started at 10AM and were done by 4PM. We are not the fittest of people and it took us 2hr45m hrs to hike up the pretty well carved out trail with a slight incline, stopping occasionally to take photos and snack. Stayed for 90 mins basking under the sun (though it was still quite cold) and gazing at the spectacular lake. Took us 1hr45m at a pretty constant non stop pace to hike back down to Rubble Creek carpark.

Posted: September 30, 2009 11:41:14 PM PST

Mandy from Squamish writes:

HIked to Garibaldi Lake yesterday, Sept 20th. The trail is well maintained and marked. Pretty easy hike, slow ascent going to the lake and then of course down all the way back. Good sturdy shoes are a plus and it's 18kms round trip, took us 5 hours including sitting at the lake for about 45min enjoying the view, a drink and some food! Great way to spend the afternoon. There are about 50 campsites at the top if you prefer staying the night...

Posted: September 21, 2009 07:25:51 AM PST

Tom Byrne from Vancouver writes:

Hiked up on the 28th June, A great day as the sun was darting in and out of the light cloud cover so it didn,t get too hot. Trail was clear all the way up. I started at approx 1:00pm and most people were on their way down at that stage. View at the lake was fantastic. BTW don't forget your bug spray, lots of little blighters on the way up and I have many welts to prove it.

Posted: June 29, 2009 07:51:14 AM PST

Mike from Burnaby writes:

Hiked up to the lake on the weekend and to the Tusk and the trail is totally clear. The lake was really busy as all the camping spots were full for the sunny weekend. The flowers in Taylor's Meadow are blooming and their scent is refreshing.

This is certainly one of the most beautiful hikes around but the grueling 9km hike from the lake back to the parking lot is tough on the legs. We are feeling it today.

Posted: August 18, 2008 12:04:01 PM PST

Mark Edmondson from Whistler writes:

Still a lot of snow on the trail as of May 25th. The last couple of km were pretty difficult from the bridge over the creek at lesser lake, the snow pack was melting underneath and very unsafe.

Posted: June 15, 2008 10:15:34 AM PST