TRAILS
The following information is intended to give a brief description of possible back country
adventures possible in Garibaldi Park. For more detailed information on these, and
other, trails please visit the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park Page.
Parking Lot to Elfin Lakes
This 11 km (7 mi) trail takes 3 to 5 hours and leads to the Elfin Lakes
shelter. The shelter has a wood and propane
stove, and can accommodate up to 36 people.
It is a popular starting point for other hiking trails
in the area.
In the summertime many people tend to have
the same recreational plan, and visitors may have to camp out in the nearby meadows.
There are some designated wilderness camping areas with tent spaces
and toilets provided.
From the Elfin Lakes trails lead to
various attractions such as
the Gargoyles (interesting rock formations), Columnar Peak, Mamquam
Lake, and the Opal Cone. Each site is unique and well worth a visit. Mountain
bikes are permitted on the trail to the Elfin Lakes, but not beyond.
Black Tusk
Black
Tusk lies in the center of the park, a volcanic peak 2315 m (7600 ft)
high that last erupted over 12,000 years ago. From here one can hike or ski
to the peak or
into numerous other sites including Taylor Meadows, Garibaldi
Lake, the Barrier Lakes, Panorama Ridge, Helm Glacier, the Sphinx,
and Castle Towers. No fires, pets, or bikes are permitted
in this area.
This is a popular area for mountain climbers who will find many challenging
peaks. Hikers will enjoy extensive although often steep trails through
old growth forests
to breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows
covered with wildflowers.
Camping is only permitted at Taylor Meadows or the west end
of Garibaldi Lake, where there are tent spaces, pit toilets,
and day use shelters. The beautiful blue, glacier-fed Garibaldi
Lake is one of the most popular spots for weekenders and is where
the park's headquarters are located in the summer, providing visitor information.
Helm Creek Trail
This trail provides another route to the Black Tusk area. Groups
of at least two or three people are needed
to operate the cable car across the Cheakamus River.
From there 
a
trail leads to the northeastern area of Black Tusk. Access to
Helm Creek Trail is by way of Cheakamus Lake Road, which turns off Highway 99
just before Whistler.
The Garibaldi Neve Traverse
This trail is in one of the best and most challenging
ski touring areas on the south coast. The trip is 50-70 km (31-44
mi) depending on the route taken. Skiers usually stay overnight in the
Elfin Lakes shelter and
the next day ski to a hut at Sphinx Bay on Garibaldi Lake. The area is
in a high avalanche risk area, and visitors must be experienced ski tourers.
For more information on the trail, and others in the area, please call the
Garibaldi/Sunshine Coast District Office at (604) 898-3678.
Cheakamus Lake
This is another lovely, glacier-fed lake surrounded by towering mountains
and forests that is popular with anglers looking for Rainbow Trout
and Dolly Varden. There are wilderness camping areas on the west end
of the lake. It is accessed by an easy one hour, 3 km (1.9 mi) hike
from the Cheakamus Lake parking lot.
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