The breathtaking beauty of Canada is encapsulated in the beautiful turquoise-blue Garibaldi Lake, which is encircled by snow-capped mountains. If you’re in British Columbia, it should definitely be on your bucket list of places to see.
1. Garibaldi Lake
Make sure you bring a camera since Garibaldi Lake is a breathtaking lake with a deep azure color that is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and gorgeous greenery. You must complete an 18-kilometer (11-mile) round-trip hike that is classed as intermediate to get to the lake.
Due to the presence of nearby glaciers, the lake is renowned for its vivid blue water. The water’s Gatorade-blue hue is a result of the glacial silt or rock flour that flows from the glaciers and remains suspended in the water. The summer months, when there are the sunniest days, and the glaciers are melting, are the ideal times to observe this color of blue.
2. Garibaldi Lake Hike
Given that the Garibaldi Lake trail is rated as intermediate, it is a challenge and calls for some endurance. The trail is not flat, and until right before the lake, it is nearly entirely uphill, so I definitely wouldn’t call this an “easy hike.”
Given that this is where the terrain is steepest, the first few kilometers are the most difficult. The steepest section of the climb is gone by the time you reach the Taylor Meadows Junction, but there are still several exhausting switchbacks along the way that are not as steep.
You will gain 820 meters (2,690 feet) in elevation over the course of the trek. Be ready for the uphill character of this because, in my opinion, an uphill trail is only challenging because of the elevation rise. With that said, the descent will be simpler to walk!
The trail itself is wide and well-maintained the entire way there. For this, though, you’ll still need sturdy hiking boots, particularly if it has just rained.
3. Is camping allowed?
At one of the two campgrounds near Garibaldi Lake—Garibaldi Lake Campground or Taylor Meadows Campground—camping is permitted. Between the two campgrounds, there are 94 campsites available, as well as outhouses and day-use shelters for cooking. Unfortunately, there aren’t any trash cans here, so you’ll have to box everything up and transport it.
With a reservation, you can camp here any time of year, but the summer is when it’s busiest. If there are still available sites on the day of arrival before 5 pm, you can reserve a spot as early as two months before to your arrival. If you wish to camp here, I strongly advise you to make your reservation exactly two months before the day you choose; otherwise, you run the risk of missing out. This is especially true in July and August on the weekends.
4. Can you swim at Garibaldi Lake?
Garibaldi Lake does allow swimming, but dress warmly for the weather! Since the lake is fed by glaciers, the water is extremely chilly all year round, even in the height of summer. Swimming is best in July and August since if you arrive in May, the lake ice is typically just beginning to break up.
If you have the courage to swim, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The mountains’ reflection in the crystal-clear water is simply breathtaking. You can swim from a dock that you’ll find if you stroll along the lakeshore. If you don’t want to jump in, you can sit here and only dabble your toes in the water.
5. The best time to visit Garibaldi Lake
The public has year-round access to Garibaldi Provincial Park, which is never entirely closed. The hiking routes will, however, be covered in snow throughout the winter, and the majority of access roads won’t be plowed. It’s not advisable to hike in this park during the winter months unless you are really experienced and have the necessary equipment because there are additional avalanches and glacier hazards.
The trail to Garibaldi Lake may usually be accessed from May through October, but late July or early August are the ideal times to go. At this time, Taylor Meadows’ wildflowers are at their peak of bloom. It appears like a postcard when you gaze at the vibrant picture with all the wildflowers spread out in front of you!
Although summer is the ideal season to travel, it is also the busiest. If at all possible, schedule this hike for the middle of the week and leave early (before 7 am). If you’re not an early riser, you can begin the climb after many of the visitors that came for the day have already left.
6. How far away are Whistler and Vancouver from Garibaldi Lake?
Garibaldi Provincial Park is a little under 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) away from Whistler if you travel south on the Sea to Sky Highway. You should be able to get to the trailhead at the Rubble Creek parking lot in less than 30 minutes.
To reach the trailhead from Vancouver, it takes 1.5 hours to travel 98 kilometers (61 miles) along the Sea to Sky Highway. Don’t rush the drive; this section of road is among Canada’s most gorgeous. Even so, you might want to stop a few times to take in the breathtaking vistas of this region of the world.
Winter tires must be installed on your car, and you must be mindful of any icy or snowy conditions on the road if you’re driving to Garibaldi Lake in the winter.
