Garibaldi Lake Trail

Accessible: Late-June - October

Distance: 18km (11.2 miles) round-trip
Elevation Gain: 820 meters (2690 feet)
Estimated Time: 5 hours

The hike to Garibaldi Lake is either done as a day-hike or an overnighter by camping at the Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows Campgrounds. The hike to the lake is 18km (11.2 miles) and takes roughly 5 hours, however the route can be extended to pass through Taylor Meadows and loop down to the lake, adding a few kms extra.

The trail starts from the Rubble Creek Parking Lot and is well marked and climbs steadily for the first 6.5km until you reach the Taylor Meadows Junction. To hike directly to Garibaldi Lake, go right at the junction and continue along the trail as it passes the smaller Barrier Lake and then Lesser Garibaldi Lake. After passing a junction to the Taylor Meadows Campground and reaching a third junction near the lake, go right and down the hill, crossing the wooden bridge, and following the lake shore around to a view of the turquoise lake and glacier mountain. You can return to the parking lot via the same trail that you took to the lake.

Alternatively, a nice day-hike to Garibaldi Lake is also to follow the same first 6.5km and then go left at the junction, hiking through Taylor Meadows. This is particularly spectacular around late-July and into early-August when the wildflowers are blooming and the many colours light-up the meadows. After passing through the meadows, go right at the junction before Black Tusk and follow the trail to Garibaldi Lake, down the steep hill through the long switchbacks. After spending time at the lake, you can return via the route that passes by Lesser Garibaldi Lake and Barrier Lake before descending back downhill to the Rubble Creek parking lot.