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Explore Garibaldi Park on Snowshoes

Whistler, British Columbia

Description

Added by Emily Haggar

Visit some well loved places in the winter months, without the crowds. Experience breathtaking scenery, deep snow, and absolute silence on the trails. Possible 18-20km routes (see description). Duration: full day.

Exploring Garibaldi Park by snowshoe is an experience you'll never forget. There is nothing like being in a forest wilderness in the stillness of winter. There are lots of places to snowshoe in the Whistler area, but here are two of the most exciting (yes, snowshoeing can be exciting!)

Cheakamus Lake:

You can reach Cheakamus Lake in winter two ways: one is by snowshoeing up the access road, and two is by getting extremely lost skiing off the back of Whistler mountain and ending up at the lake by accident. The road to the parking area is not plowed in the winter, so you will need to start in Cheakamus Crossing at the south end of Whistler. From here, it's 7km to the official trailhead then another 3km to the lake, making this a 20km round trip. If you choose to do a shorter day, snowshoeing along the access road is very beautiful in its' own right, plus there is no avalanche danger, and it's impossible to get lost since you're on a snow covered road.

Garibaldi Lake:

This is another long day, at 18kms round trip, taking you up the Rubble Creek trail to Garibaldi Lake. The lake freezes over in winter, and stays that way into the late spring/early summer months. In spring and fall, you may need to carry snowshoes along with your hiking gear for the upper part of this trail. This access road does not get plowed either, so you'll be starting from the pull out at HWY99 if it's mid winter (remember to add on the extra few kms each way to the trailhead if this is the case).

This is another area that is pure magic in the winter. It feels like a different world entirely. As a ski touring destination, you may see people winter camping at the lake. There is so much snow here that it often buries the huge cooking huts and outhouses.

Helm Lake and Wedgemount Lake areas:

These parts of the park are not ideal for snowshoeing.

Singing Pass:

Better on skis!

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