Winter Hike to Garibaldi Lake, BC

Whistler, British Columbia

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Details

Distance

11.2 miles

Elevation Gain

2690.3 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brice Ferre

Garibaldi Lake is very popular for its bright green/blue colour during the spring and summer, but rest assured that hiking to the lake in the winter will be a lot of fun as well. Some might argue that it is even less difficult that when the ground is not covered in snow.Because the packed snow evens the terrain out and you don't have to navigate between roots and rocks to get to the lake.

Located about 90 minutes north of Vancouver, BC. Garibaldi lake is a very popular location all year long.

During the winter, you will not get to see the bright colours of the lake, but the ground will be covered in snow most of the way up and the lake will definitely be frozen so you will get the chance to walk across. Or even skate across if you brought your hockey gear up. As some people do.

Getting to Garibaldi lake requires a minimum of fitness, but if you have the proper equipment (snowshoes or micro spikes) it should not be a problem at all to reach the top. Be prepared to go through 7.5km of switchbacks (followed by 1.5 km of flat) each way. But if you admire the scenery and take your time, it's fairly easy.

You can also run it if you are a trail runner. It is a lot of fun on the way down.

As soon as you get to the lake you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountains and glaciers around. I have done this hike many times and it never fails to take my breath away, every single time.

You can also camp up there (or at Taylor Meadows) if you are brave enough to hike with your camping gear. Many people do that as well.

I strongly recommend this hike to anyone who is visiting or leaves in British Columbia.

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Features

Photography

Camping

Running

Snowshoeing

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

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Lake

Scenic

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Leave No Trace

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