Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia

IUCN Category II (National Park)
Location British Columbia, Canada
Nearest city Squamish, British Columbia
Coordinates 49°55′″N 122°45′″W / Expression error: Unexpected / operator, Expression error: Unexpected / operator
Area 1,950 km²
Established 1927
Governing body BC Parks

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a wilderness park located in British Columbia, Canada, about 70 kilometres (43.5 mi) north of Vancouver. The park is located to the east of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler and covers an area of over 1,950 square kilometres (753 sq mi). Garibaldi was designated as a provincial park in 1927.

Region

The park is comprised of many steep, rugged mountains, many of which are capped by glaciers. The southern portion of the park includes Mount Garibaldi and the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt. The Park features many dense Douglas-fir, western red cedar and western hemlock forests, as well as alpine meadows, and many rocky alpine areas. The highest peak in the Park is Wedge Mountain at 2891 metres (9482 ft).

Recreational access

There are five park access and entrance points located along the Sea to Sky Highway. Each entrance provides access to hiking trails with backcountry camping opportunities. The Garibaldi Lake and Diamond Head areas are also open in winter for backcountry skiing. All camp sites are first-come, first-served.

Diamond Head

This southern most entrance provides hiking or skiing access to the area south of Mount Garibaldi. A cooking hut and winter-only camping area are located in Red Heather Meadows, about 5 kilometres (3 mi) from the parking lot. An overnight shelter and campground are located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the parking lot at Elfin Lakes.

Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake

The second entrance is located approximately half way between Squamish and Whistler. Hiking trails provide access to Garibaldi Lake, the Black Tusk, and Panorama Ridge. A trail also connects to the Cheakamus Lake area further north. Two camping areas provide sites for 90 tents.

Cheakamus Lake

This entrance, located just to the south of Whistler, provides access to Cheakamus Lake. Two campgrounds are located a few kilometers from the parking lot.

Singing Pass

The Singing Pass area is located to the east of Whistler Mountain. The area can be accessed by a trail which follows the Fitzsimmons Creek, between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The area can also be accessed from the top of Whistler mountain via an alpine route. Camping is permitted at Russet Lake.

Wedgemount Lake

The most northern entrance is via a deactivated forest service road. The road is unmaintained and is recommended for 4x4 vehicles only. Wedgemount Lake is accessed via a hiking trail. Camping is permitted around the lake.