Day tripping to Garibaldi Lake

This is a very popular hike in the summer time and the parking lot is shared with day trippers as well as overnight campers. Make sure to arrive early, and note that if you plan on camping you will need to pay the overnight fee. Camping is first come first serve

Once you park your car in the rubble creek parking lot, the trail starts just past the map board. There are pit toilets located in the parking lot.

The trail winds its way up through the forest in a series of switchbacks for the next 6 KM's (3.7 miles) . Once you just pass the 6KM marker you will reach a junction with a spot to rest, a few benches and a map board. At this point, you can either choose to go left and follow the Taylor meadows route, or take the trail on the right towards the lake.

Taking the right trail, you will pass two smaller lakes ( Barrier Lake and Lesser Garibaldi) Make sure to watch out for a little sign that will bring you to a lookout before you reach Barrier Lake. This will show you the outside Barrier that actually is holding all the water in Garibaldi lake. It is said that old volcanic plug is over 300m (984.252 feet) thick.Both lakes are a beautiful blue but nothing compared to the main lake.

Follow the trail is it winds over a few waterfalls, ( water is safe for drinking if you need to) until you finally reach a junction where you follow a steep dirt path down the mountain towards the river that drains Garibaldi, and your first views of the lake.

Take the time to explore the stunning lake and the small islands that are located close to the shore. There are pit toilets at this location as well ass a warming hut, and the ranger station, and two picnic tables.

When you decide to finally rip yourself away from that view, retrace your steps back to the parking lot, making sure to pack out all your garbage.