Hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park: Which hike is the best?
Table of Contents
Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of the premiere hiking destinations in British Columbia, Canada and possibly even the world. People flock to Garibaldi throughout the year, with visitors the world over coming to British Columbia to bask in this unbelievable destination. With an abundance of hiking and camping options in the region it’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities.
Of all the hikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park, three typically stand out as “must do” hikes. Garibaldi Lake, Panorama Ridge & the Black Tusk are at, or near, the top of most newcomers hiking list, but there are many other options as well, many of which I’ve hiked and some that are still on my to-do list!
Many people will see photos of various places in Garibaldi Provincial Park, be it the epic panoramic shot from Panorama Ridge, the stunning photo of the turquoise Garibaldi Lake up close, or the commanding peak of the Black Tusk. The big question on these peoples lips is, which one should I do? Here I am going to provide a quick run through of each of these hikes, as well as others you may not have considered.
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Garibaldi Provincial Park Map
Rubble Creek Trailhead
At around 1.5 hours driving time from Vancouver, the Rubble Creek trailhead is easily accessible for any vehicle and is one of the most popular trailheads leading into Garibaldi Provincial Park. Recently this trailhead has also been getting plowed during the winter, making it accessible year-round, though I would check to make sure before you go if you plan to go in winter.
Many of the popular hikes in Garibaldi begin from this trailhead, which unfortunately means it can become incredibly busy on a sunny weekend, especially during the summer. An early start is strongly recommended!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 18Km
Elevation Gain: 850m
Highest Elevation: 1,501m
Average Gradient: 9.4%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
With its glacial turquoise hues and all encompassing mountain backdrop, Garibaldi Lake is a favourite hike for the more casual hikers. At 18km long and 850m elevation, Garibaldi Lake is a moderately difficult hike that is achievable for most fitness levels. As a result, hiking to Garibaldi Lake is extremely popular, and its relatively small lakeside area is often packed with visitors in the peak of summer.
The majority of the hike is in the forest, with seemingly endless switchbacks gradually taking you up from the Rubble Creek parking lot. Due to this, there aren’t a lot of views along the way and most of the hike is a slog through the forest with the glacier lake being one of the only rewards. While it’s an absolutely stunning lake, a hike that ends here misses most of the best sights in Garibaldi Provincial Park and for that reason I don’t advise hiking to Garibaldi Lake alone.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 31Km
Elevation Gain: 1,600m
Highest Elevation: 2,133m
Average Gradient: 10.4%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10 – 12 Hours
– Moderate: 9 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 9 Hours
With one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable photo spots in British Columbia, Panorama Ridge is one of the most highly sought prizes in the hiking glossary. At 31km and 1,600m elevation though, it’s also one of the longest day hikes you can do. If you want to do this one in a day, you’d best leave early as at a moderate pace it’ll likely take you 9-10 hours.
While hiking Panorama Ridge still has to follow the 7km of boring switchbacks as Garibaldi Lake, the views throughout this hike are far more impressive than and arguably better than the Black Tusk. In my opinion, the photos of the Black Tusk from the Panorama Ridge ascent are some of the best views in Garibaldi Provincial Park. You won’t get this on either the Garibaldi Lake or the Black Tusk hikes. Panorama Ridge truly has it all, offering some of the best views of any hike in British Columbia. With an average gradient of 10.4% this is gradually steeper than Garibaldi Lake but much less steep than the Black Tusk. Although a similar distance to the Black Tusk, Panorama Ridge has a much easier final ascent with little to no scrambling required.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 28.5Km
Elevation Gain: 1,750m
Highest Elevation: 2,319m
Average Gradient: 12.2%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10 – 12 Hours
– Moderate: 9 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 9 Hours
The Black Tusk is one of the most iconic mountains in Southwestern BC, easily recognizable from anywhere on the Sea to Sky corridor for its jagged, jet black volcanic peak. At 28.5km and 1,750m elevation gain, this is the hardest hike of the three. Not only that, ascending up the tusk itself involves a chimney scramble that is not for the faint of heart. While hiking to the base is still exceptional, you can’t truly say you’ve climbed the iconic Black Tusk without this unnerving, albeit short, scramble.
Hiking up the Black Tusk provides incredible 360 degree panoramic views, something you don’t really get at Garibaldi Lake or Panorama Ridge. This hike is the most difficult of the three, but the rewards match the effort, with stunning views not only from the top but throughout most of the hike. With an average gradient of 12.2%, this is significantly steeper than both Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge, thanks mostly to a gruelling final ascent on loose rock. If you’re ready for a challenge, this ones for you.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 32km
Elevation Gain: 1,725m
Highest Elevation: 2,052m
Average Gradient: 10.78%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 12+ Hours
– Moderate: 10 – 12 Hours
– Fast: 8 – 10 Hours
Mount Price is another reasonably accessible summit from Rubble Creek, and far, far less busy than Panorama Ridge or the Black Tusk. That’s not because the views aren’t worthwhile though, they are just as good as the other two.
The route to Mount Price is unofficial and won’t be found on park maps, which is likely why it’s less busy, so route finding skills are necessary for those wanting to make the trip. The hike to Garibaldi Lake is straightforward, but thereafter you will be on your own, following whatever markers you can see a long the way. A downloaded map is a necessity for this one and I would only attempt it if you’re a confident and capable hiker.
The views from the summit are breathtaking and unique, with stunning views of Garibaldi Lake, the Black Tusk, Mount Garibaldi, Castle Towers, the Table, Clinker Peak, the Tantalus Range and much more.
Diamond Head Trailhead
Also around 1.5 hours driving time from Vancouver, the Diamond Head trailhead is quite a bit rougher than the Rubble Creek trailhead, ascending up some pretty rugged terrain. 2WD’s can typically make it in the summer with some careful driving, and if not there is a lower parking lot where you can stop, though this will add a kilometer or two to your hike. In the winter tires chains are mandatory on this road due to how icy it becomes and how steep it can be.
While not as busy as Rubble Creek, Diamond Head is still a very busy parking lot in the summer and again, an early start is recommended.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 22Km
Elevation Gain: 821m
Highest Elevation: 1,602m
Average Gradient: 5.45%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Elfin Lakes are a duo of lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park that are very popular for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and even mountain biking. Due to its gradual gradient, beautiful setting and relative ease of access, you can be sure Elfin Lakes will be well trafficked by all sorts of adventurers year-round and especially during the summer.
This is a worthwhile hike for anybody looking for something a little easier than Panorama Ridge or the Black Tusk, as it is much shorter and covers far less elevation. The views throughout the 2nd half of this hike are absolutely beautiful on a clear day, with staggering views of Atwell Peak behind the glistening alpine lakes. One of the lakes is even swimmable, and camping here is an option, though reservations are required.
Since Elfin Lakes is in a different region of Garibaldi Provincial Park you will not have any views of Garibaldi Lake or the Black Tusk.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4Km
Elevation Gain: 512m
Highest Elevation: 1,826m
Average Gradient: 16%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
As an extension of a hike to Elfin Lakes, either as a day trip or an overnight, the Gargoyles and Columnar Peak offer incredible views of Garibaldi Provincial Park from high above many surrounding peaks. The views of Atwell Peak are the highlight for sure.
This is a long day trip at 28.4km when added to Elfin Lakes, but still shorter than both Panorama Ridge and the Black Tusk, and significantly less elevation at 1,333m. If you are thinking of hiking Elfin Lakes, I strongly suggest adding these two nearby peaks to your day for an epic day out.
Cheakamus Lake Trailhead
At almost 2 hours driving from Vancouver, the Cheakamus Lake trailhead is far less busy than both Rubble Creek and Diamond Head as there aren’t a lot of hikes in this area. While you can feasibly hike to Garibaldi Lake/Panorama Ridge/The Black Tusk from here, it’s a lot longer than Rubble Creek and most people don’t use this route. Still, this parking lot isn’t that big and can fill up in the summer. In the winter the road is usually closed making this trailhead inaccessible.
While Cheakamus Lake Road is fairly long and full of potholes, a 2WD could likely make it to the trailhead just fine.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 32.1Km
Elevation Gain: 1,580m
Highest Elevation: 1,985m
Average Gradient: 9.84%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 12 – 15 Hours
– Moderate: 10 – 12 Hours
– Fast: 9 – 10 Hours
Empetrum Peak is a rarely summitted peak in Garibaldi Provincial Park for those that might want something particularly adventurous and off the beaten path. Some of the hike is self-navigated, and finding a way across Helm Creek is an adventure in itself. The nearby Cinder Cone is an optional addition that doesn’t add too much distance or elevation and offers some nice views in itself.
Overall, the views on this hike are stunning and unique, not a lot of people do this one, unlike the other hikes, so if you like peace and quiet, check it out. At 32km though, this is no easier than either Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge, so I’d suggest one of those if you’re a first timer
Whistler Village Trailhead
Did you know you can get into Garibaldi Provincial Park from the heart of Whistler? At around 1.5 – 2 hours driving, all along a smooth highway, Whistler Village is an easy access point into a lesser explored area of Garibaldi. Obviously this entry point is 2WD friendly, and you’ll have the option of either taking the Whistler Village gondola to start your day (for a fee) to make things much easier, or you can hike up Singing Pass (long, not the most exciting).
Simply park at one of the many parking lots in Whistler Village (Lot 4 if you’re overnighting), head towards the gondola and you’re ready to go. Singing Pass starts right next to the gondola either way.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 26.20Km
Elevation Gain: 800m
Highest Elevation: 2,181m
Average Gradient: 6.11%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10+ Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 8 Hours
Russet Lake is a popular hike in the summer, particularly with overnighters. There are 20 reservable campsites, as well as the Kees and Claire Hut for hikers to take advantage of. Many people use Russet Lake as a base camp for deeper exploration into the park, namely to summit the nearby Fissile Peak, Whirlwind Peak or Overlord Mountain.
Hikers have a couple of routes to pick from to reach Russet Lake, either taking the Whistler Village Gondola and hiking the High Note / Musical Bumps trail, or hiking up Singing Pass. The former incurs a cost but is much easier and far more scenic, while the latter is free, longer, more challenging and less interesting. You can alternatively take one route in each direction. My advice is to take the gondola, at least in one direction, as the views are stunning.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 36Km
Elevation Gain: 2,200m
Highest Elevation: 2,430m
Average Gradient: 12.22%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: Overnight Hike
– Moderate: 10 – 12 Hours
– Fast: 9 – 10 Hours
Whirlwind Peak is a short hike from Russet Lake, making for a great option for anybody overnighting there, but it’s a very long hike if you intend to do it in a day from Whistler Village.
The route to Whirlwind Peak is unmarked but should be fairly straightforward if you have a map to navigate, with a faint trail to follow at times. The views from the summit of Whirlwind Peak are breathtaking, especially of the nearby Fissile Peak, Overlord Mountain and Overlord Glacier.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 39.60Km
Elevation Gain: 2,636m
Highest Elevation: 2,625m
Average Gradient: 13.31%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: Overnight
– Moderate: 12 – 14 Hours
– Fast: 10 – 11 Hours
Overlord Mountain is a lightly trafficked summit accessed from Russet Lake. Most parties will camp at Russet Lake, hike to Overlord Mountain and hike out of the park over two days. Overlord Mountain is more of a scramble than a hike, with parties having to first ascend Whirlwind Peak before navigating a steep ridgeline between Whirlwind Peak and Overlord Mountain. Refuse Pinnacle, another summit along the ridge, is particularly steep and involves some lightly exposed scrambling.
This hike should be left to experienced parties, but the rewards for those willing to make the effort are significant, with staggering views of the Overlord and Fitzsimmons Glaciers, as well as countless mountains as far as the eye can see.
Wedgemount Lake Trailhead
As the furthest access point from Vancouver to Garibaldi Provincial Park, the Wedgemount Lake trailhead is slightly north of Whistler, taking around 2 hours to reach, most of which is highway travel. The last 2km to the trailhead involves some driving along a forest service road, albeit a simple one that any vehicle can travel along easily enough.
This access point is predominantly used for the Wedgemount Lake trail, but more adventurous parties can explore much deeper into Garibaldi from here as well, and this is the trailhead you’d want to use to see (or summit) some of the highest peaks in Garibaldi and SWBC as a whole.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 12.60Km
Elevation Gain: 1,350m
Highest Elevation: 1,977m
Average Gradient: 21.43%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 6 Hours
Wedgemount Lake is a heavily trafficked hike throughout the summer, particularly thanks to the ability to camp at the lake at one of the many campsites dotted around (requires a reservation through BC Parks). Day hikers also frequently make the trip up, however, whether to simply enjoy the views from the lake or continue into the backcountry to one of the many summits in the area.
The lake takes its turquoise color from a number of glaciers feeding into it, namely the Wedgemount Glacier and the Armchair Glacier. The hike up to the lake is steep, with over 1,200m elevation gain, but it’s also quite short. Similar to Russet Lake, Wedgemount Lake makes for a great base camp for deeper exploration into the park.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 20Km
Elevation Gain: 2,150m
Highest Elevation: 2,835m
Average Gradient: 21.50%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 12 Hours – Overnight
– Moderate: 10 – 12 Hours
– Fast: 9 – 10 Hours
Mount Weart is one of the summits accessible from Wedgemount Lake, with hikers having the option of completing this as a (gruelling) day trip, or an overnight, staying at Wedgemount Lake, before summiting the next day. Due to the significant stats of this hike, only the fittest, most capable parties will summit it in one day.
Mount Weart is the second highest summit in Garibaldi Provincial Park, behind only Wedge Mountain (behind me in the photo). That being said it’s a relatively approachable scramble, with little exposure anywhere along the route. There is no trail to follow and hikers will need to be confident self-navigating backcountry terrain. For those that put in the effort, the rewards are undeniably some of the best views in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 15.10Km
Elevation Gain: 1,953m
Highest Elevation: 2,676m
Average Gradient: 25.87%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10 – 12 Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 8 Hours
Mount Cook is the easiest summit to ascend from Wedgemount Lake, with little scrambling, no exposure and no glacier travel required. The only real drawback to Cook is the tedious scree you need to climb in order to get there. Cook is less intimidating and easier than Weart and should be suitable for most parties, just make sure to bring an offline map to aide in navigation.
Mount Cook is also manageable as a day hike and takes a little less time than Weart, though many still complete this as a 2 day trip while camping at Wedgemount Lake.
So which is it?
Well, this is all dependent of course on your own ability, experience and preference. If you want an easier hike with still good views, you might choose Elfin Lakes or Garibaldi Lake. If you want a challenge but never be truly pushed to your limit, Panorama Ridge is quite manageable and offers unrivaled views of Garibaldi Lake. If you really want a challenge and you’re an experienced scrambler, Overlord Mountain or Mount Weart could be your winner.
I should note it is, of course, possible to combine some of these hikes into one outing. It’s easy to do both Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge or the Black Tusk together, just as you will pass by Wedgemount Lake when summitting Mount Weart or Mount Cook anyway.
For me, the best hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park that will be suitable for all audiences has to be Panorama Ridge. That being said, for seasoned parties with experience of traveling in the backcountry and scrambling, I would strongly advise Mount Weart as the best choice.
Are there any alternatives?
As noted at the beginning, Garibaldi Provincial Park is an enormous park with almost endless hikes starting from a variety of trailheads. While the above covers many of the “must-do” hikes in the park, there are still plenty more. My to-do list in this region is still significant, and I’ll be chipping away at hikes over time. The following are some other incredible hikes in this region you might want to check out:
- Little Diamond Head
- Opal Cone
- Castle Towers
- Cheakamus Lake
- Mamquam Lake
- Wedge Mountain
- And many more…
I am going to update this page after each hike I complete, so do check back now and then!
Other nearby hiking regions
One of the perks of hiking in British Columbia is the sheer amount of hiking options in the region. Garibaldi Provincial Park is enormous, but it’s a drop in the ocean of possible hikes in southwest BC and even in the Sea to Sky area. Both Whistler and the Howe Sound area offer staggering hikes as well, so I encourage you to check out the regional map of the entire area for a better understanding of what’s available.