Trail Stats

The following figures are from my original hiking notes and describe the return hike from the Rubble Creek parking area to Garibaldi Lake.

Although the trail gains more than 900 m, the climb is spread over approximately 9 km. That makes the grade feel relatively manageable compared with hikes that gain similar elevation over a much shorter distance.

Interesting Facts

• Glacial lake: Garibaldi Lake is fed by glacial meltwater, which contributes to its distinctive turquoise colour. Fine suspended sediment, often called glacial flour, scatters sunlight and produces the vivid appearance.
• Volcanic landscape: The lake is held back by a natural volcanic formation known as The Barrier, part of the area’s fascinating geological history.
• Mount Garibaldi: The mountain rises to approximately 2,678 m and is part of the Garibaldi volcanic complex.
• Sphinx Glacier: This glacier is one of the striking ice features visible across the lake.
• Coastal mountain forest: The lower trail travels through coastal mountain forest before reaching the cooler, higher-elevation environment surrounding the lake.
• Protected landscape: Garibaldi Provincial Park protects an extensive area of mountain forests, volcanic features, glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes.

Getting There

The hike begins at the Rubble Creek trailhead, accessed from Highway 99 between Squamish and Whistler.

From Highway 99, follow the access road approximately 2.5 km to the Garibaldi Lake parking area. The trailhead is beside the parking area, so no separate driving destination is needed.

The Get Driving Directions button near the beginning of this article leads directly to the parking area.

Trail Map

The Hike to Garibaldi Lake

The hike begins with a steady climb through forest. The trail gains elevation gradually, winding uphill toward the lake without the kind of extremely steep sections found on some other mountain hikes.

What makes Garibaldi Lake appealing is that the trail itself is straightforward to follow, while the scenery becomes increasingly rewarding as you reach the higher elevations.

Eventually, the forest opens toward the lake and the surrounding mountains. The change from a long forest climb to the bright turquoise water is one of the highlights of the hike.

Garibaldi Lake

Here is Garibaldi Lake, surrounded by the dramatic mountain scenery that makes this hike so popular.

The lake is surrounded by an impressive landscape of mountains and glaciers. On a clear day, the combination of turquoise water, snow, ice, and rock makes for some remarkable views.

Mount Garibaldi and Sphinx Glacier

The surrounding mountains are every bit as interesting as the lake itself. Mount Garibaldi is the dominant volcanic peak in the area, while Sphinx Glacier provides an impressive reminder of the forces that shaped this landscape.

Rockslide and Waterfall

There is more to this hike than just the main lake views. During my visit, I also photographed an extensive rockslide area beside the lake and stopped for a photograph beside a waterfall.

Mushrooms Along the Trail

On the way down, I came across some interesting mushrooms growing in the forest. They were worth stopping to photograph, even after a long day of hiking.

Before You Go

Garibaldi Lake is an established and well-travelled hiking destination, but it is still a substantial mountain hike. The return journey is approximately 18 km, with more than 900 m of climbing.

Bring the Ten Essentials, including navigation, a headlamp, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, a first-aid kit, extra food, sufficient water, emergency shelter, and a means of starting a fire in an emergency where safe and lawful. Carry a fully charged phone and a backup battery, and leave your route and expected return time with someone you trust.

Download a map for offline use before leaving. Do not depend on cellular coverage in the backcountry.

Even when the trail is snow-free at lower elevations, snow and ice can persist around the lake and on shaded sections. Mountain weather can change quickly, and conditions may be quite different from those at the parking area.