Garibaldi Lake

The Garibaldi hike is rated one of the most scenic hikes in the Vancouver area. It has fantastic views of Garibaldi Lake, the Garibaldi Park Mountain range, and the infamous Black Tusk, not to mention it's easily accessible and well maintained, making it great choice for all hiking abilities and ages.

My friend Emma and I camped at Garibaldi Lake last summer. It is true what they say: the views are captivating. If you are planning a trip to Vancouver, or perhaps live in Vancouver and not sure what the "must do's" are, this is one to add to your bucket list.

However, there are a few things I wish I knew before I went.

1. Planning to stay overnight? Book in advance.

When I say it’s one of the most popular hikes in the Vancouver area, I mean it. Guerilla camping is not allowed, and you must be holding a backcountry permit. If you are caught without a permit and/or not camping in a designated campsite, there is a chance you will be ticketed.

We stayed at the Garibaldi Lake Campsite. There is also the option of staying at Taylor Meadows Campsite. It is less scenic, but an alternative if Garibaldi Lake is all booked up. Each has limited space available and they fill fast.

2. Best Time to Book

The campsites are available all year round. However, from the end of June till October, you must make a reservation for a campsite.

The best time to go terms of weather would be from June to August.

The best time to avoid crowds are in May and September; just be aware there may be more chance of rain those months.

As the Garibaldi Lake's popularity grows, the campsites book up earlier and faster.

3. Allow For a Minimum of Three Days

Emma and I consider ourselves fair hikers, but more on the slow side. We decided to give ourselves four days at the campsite, and ended up packing it in on day three. Our original plan was:

Day 1: Hike to the Campsite

Day 2: Hike to Panorama Ridge

Day 3: Hike Black Tusk

Day 4: Hike Out

However, we didn’t make it to the top of Black Tusk on the third day. There was a storm predicted to roll in.

We had managed to reach the base of Black Tusk when we could see the clouds approaching and had already began to engulf the peak. At this point we decided turn back. Black Tusk is not a mountain I want to be stuck on with no visibility.

Once back at the campsite, we quickly packed our stuff and rushed down the mountain. Near the trail head we were caught in the storm and got completely drenched. We were thankful that we made the call to come down a day early instead of staying that extra night. It would have been miserable.

Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk can also be done as day hikes if you prefer—just be prepared for a long and challenging day.

4. Great for Beginners

The trail head is about an hour drive from Vancouver. The trail itself to the Garibaldi Lake campsite is well-marked and maintained. If anything, it is so well maintained, it’s one grade below a paved trail.

There are no exposed areas or steep sections. From the parking lot, it starts flat for the first little bit, followed by nine kilometers of switchbacks at a steady incline, making it much easier than your typical Pacific Northwest Trail, which are full of steep ups and steep downs, roots, rocks, snow and mud.

5. Garibaldi Lake is Not the Place to Find Peace and Quiet

Camping at Garibaldi Lake is scenic, not peaceful. This hike being such a great place for beginners, there are many school groups, summer camps, and families with young children that come here, leaving not a shred of silence.

Emma and I did not anticipate this and wished we had brought ear plugs. There were kids running around screaming nonstop till almost 10 PM. I have other friends who have also done this hike and have said the same thing.

6. Expect Snow

This is only if you are hiking to Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk. Each had snow, but Black Tusk had more than Panorama Ridge.

Emma and I didn’t bring any snow gear, making the hike up a constant fight. We managed to make it with just our hiking boots and trekking poles. However, we wished we brought proper gear.

If I were to do it again, I would have brought a pair of yak tracks or micro spikes.

7. Get Up Early to Get There Early

When you book your spot at Garibaldi Lake, you don't actually get to choose what site to get until you get there. The first to arrive gets the best selection of campsite. The only way to score a good spot is to get there before anyone else, meaning you should wake up early to get there early.

Emma and I were lucky and got there in early afternoon. Many of the lakefront sites were taken, but we found a nice area close to the outhouse (without the smell) and to the cooking shelter. We felt like winners.

8. Don't Pack Three Litres of Water

I made this mistake and humped an extra three litres (five pounds) up the mountain, when one litre would have been enough. The Garibaldi campsite is next to lake where you can fill up.

As long as you have some sort of water cleansing system, whether it be a filter or purifying tablets, you should be fine.

9. Prepare to be Blown Away

I’ve seen many incredible vistas and landscapes during my adventures, making this one of my of top seven.

For a relatively easy hike, the payoff was phenomenal. From the endless mountain ranges to Black Tusk's raw, rugged landscape, this place was nature's eye candy, all within an hours drive of Vancouver.

Even though you may not get the peace and quiet of nature here, you will get to see some of Mother Nature's brilliance.