Garibaldi Provincial Park

Domestic animals are not permitted in Garibaldi Provincial Park

Pit toilets can be found at the Diamond Head Parking Lot, Red Heather Warming Hut, Elfin Lakes Hut, Rubble Creek Parking Lot and Garibaldi Lake Campground

Backcountry camping or overnight hut accommodations can be made on discovercamping.ca

Garibaldi Provincial Park is home to plenty of complex backcountry terrain, guiding services are available year-round with Altus Mountain Guides, Canada West Mountain School and Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures

Last-minute camping or hut accommodations are easy to book mid-week!

Garibaldi Park, named after the 19th century Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi and was first established as Garibaldi Park Reserve in 1920. It was later designated as a provincial park in 1927.

Due to the sensitivity of the alpine environment combined with various wildlife issues, dogs are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park. With a limited snow free period in the alpine, the vegetation is extremely sensitive. In addition, animal excrement can carry Giardia bacteria along with a variety of parasites which can be easily passed along to humans through water contamination. Vaccinations received by domestic animals prevent diseases which may be passed along to wild canines present in Garibaldi Park. Finally, Garibaldi Park experiences a healthy black bear population throughout the summer and fall months. Domestic animals may pose as a threat to the public in an encounter with wildlife. 

There are a variety of locations in which dogs are permitted in the Squamish, Whistler corridor. Deaks Bluff, Petgill Lake, Upper Shannon Falls, Squamish Chief, High Falls Creek, Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake Park , Brohm Lake, Brandywine Meadows, and Brandywine Falls all allow dogs.

Due to the sensitivity of the alpine environment, fires are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park. The Park’s alpine is snow free for only a few months of each year, limiting the growth per iod of the vegetation and ground cover. Dead wood also plays an important role in the alpine ecosystem during the process of decomposition into organic matter. Fire scars take years to regenerate.

The alpine flora and fauna is extremely sensitive due to its exceptionally short growth season. Garibaldi Park is snow free for only a few months of each year. As a result, dogs and fires are NOT permitted in Garibaldi Park.

The months in which alpine flowers are in bloom varies from season to season. The peak bloom usually takes place sometime between late July and late August. Visit the Trail Updates for current information on alpine flowers. 

All drinking water should be treated prior to its consumption. This can be done through the process of boiling, filtering, and/or chemical additives. Wilderness lakes and streams are the main source of water for all park visitors. P lease help keep them pure by washing a minimum of 30 meters away from any water source. 

Yes, black bears may be present in Garibaldi Park depending on the time of year in which you visit. Generally, bears may be spot ted at lower elevations earlier in the summer season. As the berries ripen in the alpine, the bears move upward foraging on the vegetation. As the frost begins and the berries drop, the bears make their way back down into the valley. Grizzly bears inhab it the undeveloped eastern portion of the park. As a result they are rarely seen by park visitors. Visit Bear Safety for more information regarding safe bear practices. 

The period in which Garibaldi Park is snow free varies from season to season. During most seasons, the alpine environment is snow free from late July to late September. Mountain weather is subject to sudden change and Garibaldi Park can receive snow anytime of the year. Those planning a trip into Garibaldi Park must be in good physical condition and properly equipped with adequate clothing. Visit Trail Updates for current trail conditions.

Climbing the Black Tusk can be a long and challenging day hike. From the Garibaldi Lake parking lot to the Black Tusk Viewpoint is 14.5 km one way. As a result, It is a popular day hike for visitors staying at the Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows Campgrounds. For those wishing to climb to the top of the Black Tusk it is recommended that they be equipped with the appropriate equipment, knowledge and skills. Good quality foot wear, ropes and helmets are all encouraged. The final ascent is up a loose and difficult chimney, threatened by rock fall from climbers above. Visit Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake Area for more information on the area.

Garibaldi Lake is blue due to the glacial sediment also known as rock flour which runs off the glaciers. When this run off enters the lake, the sediment remains suspended by water. The sediment then refracts the sunlight which enters the lake, reflecting only blue in return. 

Garibaldi Lake was stocked with Rainbow Trout in the 1920’s by means of horseback. This supply still thrives in Garibaldi Lake and people are commonly seen fishing along its shoreline. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Seasonal closures do occur during spawning, between the points of land upstream from the Lakes outflow. 

No, there is NOT a trail around Garibaldi Lake. This is due to the terrain in which one must travel to circumnavigate the Lake. There are small huts on the far side of the Lake in Sentinel Bay and Sphinx Bay. These huts are accessed during the winter months when the lake is frozen and access is by ski. See Winter Use for more information regarding winter travel in Garibaldi Park