Garibaldi Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a protected mountainous park in the Coast Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, Canada, containing volcanic peaks, glaciers and alpine lakes including the well-known Garibaldi Lake and the Black Tusk. It is a major regional destination for hiking, backpacking and mountaineering.

The park offers a spectrum of trails from maintained day routes to multi-day backcountry itineraries; Garibaldi Lake is a popular day-hike destination reached by a marked trail, while the Black Tusk is a distinctive volcanic spire that draws experienced hikers. Visitors use established trailheads and camping zones during the summer season when routes are clear.

The area has been managed as a provincial park to protect its alpine landscapes and provide recreational opportunities; infrastructure such as trailheads and designated camping zones has developed to support visitor use while protecting sensitive environments.

Garibaldi Provincial Park lies in the Coast Mountains north of the Lower Mainland, between the towns of Squamish and Whistler in British Columbia; access is typically by road to trailheads on the park’s southern and eastern flanks.

• Seasonal access: Trail access is most reliable in summer and early autumn; alpine weather and snowpack can make routes hazardous outside the warm season.
• Access routes: Main approaches are from the Squamish side (Rubble Creek trailhead) and from access points nearer Whistler; most popular destinations are managed as backcountry recreation zones.

What to See#

• Garibaldi Lake: A high-alpine turquoise lake accessed by a well-used trail from the Rubble Creek parking area, popular for day hikes and summer photography.
• The Black Tusk: A jagged dark volcanic spire and skyline feature that attracts experienced hikers and climbers for scrambling routes to its base and ridges.

The main access is from Highway 99 north of Squamish, via the Rubble Creek trailhead for Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge. There are parking and trailhead facilities but expect a popular and sometimes crowded start in summer; bus and shuttle options to trailheads are available from Squamish seasonally.

• Use trail reports and maps from BC Parks-some routes are remote and require route-finding skills.
• Book campsites in high season; the park has limited official backcountry facilities and permits for certain areas.
• Prepare for rapid weather changes and river crossings; some trails involve scrambling and exposure.