Garibaldi Lake

Park: Garibaldi Provincial Park

8.8 km one way.

Terrain: Moderately gentle
Approximate Elevations (in meters)
Start: 600End: 1463
Minimum: 600Maximum: 1500
Net Gain: 900Cumulative Gain: 900
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Rubble Creek Trailhead: (165 km from Saanich Hall, ferry required). Drive north from Victoria on highway #1 to the Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo and catch the ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Drive north on BC#99 for 77.25 km (37 km north of Squamish) to the Garabaldi Lake turnoff. Turn right and drive 2.4 km to the Rubble Creek parking lot at the end of the road. (A $3 parking fee is charged.)

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Uses

Backcountry skiingModerate to strenuous.  
BackpackModerate.3.5 hours one way.Best from early July thru mid October.
Dayhike4 boot (moderate to strenuous).3 hours one way.Best from early July thru mid October.

Description

This trail is well maintained with several switchbacks leading up to the lake. The first 6km are the steepest with the grade lessening considerably after the junction with the trail to Taylor Meadows. Soon after this junction you come across a series of small lakes before climbing a little to the high point of the trail and another junction with a trail to Taylor Meadows. From here you descend to the footbridge over the outlet stream from Garibaldi Lake and soon after that to the campground.

This hike is a great backpacking destination with both Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge being accessible as day hikes. The trail is suitable for a dayhike and provides excellent viewpoints from the meadows and lake. It is a long climb but the trail is very well graded and is generally in excellent condition.

Features

This trail features flowers, forests, lakes, meadows, mountains, views and waterfalls.

Club Comments

With the ferries and driving distance involved this is not suitable as a Victoria based day hike, the rating is for hikes which might be done from either a campground or a condo in Whistler.

Campsites along the trail

Taylor Meadows7.5 km 
  • Bear cache/wire
  • Shelter
  • Tables
  • Tent pads
  • Pit toilet
Water is available quality is good.
 2.5 hours from the trailhead. Take the left fork at the junction 6km from the trailhead.
Garabaldi Lake8.8 km 1463 meters
  • Bear cache/wire
  • Ranger station
  • Shelter
  • Tables
  • Tent pads
  • Pit toilet
Water is plentiful quality is good.

The following trails can be accessed from this trail:

Other trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Trail-conditions

View trail condition reports for this trail.