Hiking and backpacking to Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia

Hiking and backpacking around Whistler, BC is a very popular weekend activity. One of the classic hikes is the 18 km (890m)round trip hike to Garibaldi Lake. Many people use the campsite here as a staging area for further exploration of the Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge areas.

If you are considering backpacking then avoid it Saturday nights if at all possible, especially when the weather forecast is good. There are 50 campsites at Garibaldi Lake and 40 campsites at Taylor Meadows, just over a kilometre away. Taylor Meadows is used as an overflow campground for Garibaldi Lake but it also is well positioned to explore the Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

The logistics on a weekend are such that you should plan to be at Garibaldi Lake by 1 pm despite what the signs say in the parking lot. On the weekend of July 18th all campsites were gone by 1pm YET there must have been an additional 30-40 people we met who were planning to camp but wouldn’t have arrived at the lake until 3pm or later. Campsites are available on a strict first come, first served basis.

In the parking lot you will need to pay $5 per person per night. Cash and credit cards are accepted but if you use cash then bring exact change. This will also be your parking fee. Car break-ins are common so leave all valuables at home or take them with you.

The campground has pit toilets and four shelters for cooking and food storage and as a result you will not need to hang your food. Mosquitos are bad at dusk so bring repellent. A warm sleeping bag will be appreciated even in summer as there is considerable nightime cooling.

Garibaldi Lake is an absolutely gorgeous turquoise blue colour. Glaciers on the far side feed the lake and wild heather is in abundance. Fishing is possible with a licence. Unfortunately the hike to the lake is primarily a series of switchbacks through the trees with the occasional crossing of mountain streams. The best views occur once you reach the lake though the hike to Panorama Ridge and the Black Tusk offers superb views in very short order. Also look for loads of wildflowers including lupines, columbines and arnica in July.

You won’t be disappointed by Garibaldi Lake though you may be somewhat dismayed at the size of the weekend crowds. Panorama Ridge and the Black Tusk are extremely worthwhile ventures and see far fewer people. They can both be done as a dayhike too but allow 8-10 hours for a return trip.

Have fun on this spectacular hike. Garibaldi Lake is one of my favourite summertime hikes.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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