Garibaldi.
A glacier-blue lake ninety minutes from Vancouver, a volcano on the skyline, and meadows full of wildflowers in August. Here's how to do it.
Where to go.
Every trail starts at Rubble Creek with the same 6 km of switchbacks. Pick by how far you want to go past them.
Garibaldi Lake
The one people come for. Lunch on the shore, then jump in; it's cold enough to take your breath away.
Barrier and Lesser Garibaldi lookouts
A shorter day for first hikes and families. The big lake is 3 km past here.
Taylor Meadows and the alpine lakes
Helm, Black Tusk and Mimulus lakes. In August, two kilometres of wildflowers.
Panorama Ridge
The view in every photo of Garibaldi Lake. A full day for strong hikers.
Black Tusk
To the base. Above that is for experts only; wear a helmet.
First time? Hike to the lake.
The lookouts make a fine short day, but the lake is why people come. Done the lake already? Go through Taylor Meadows to the alpine lakes, or all the way up Panorama Ridge for this view.
When to go.
Snow lingers into July up high. August is the show.
Late July to August
Wildflowers in Taylor Meadows. The best two weeks of the year.
September
Cooler, quieter, the clearest views. The lake is still swimmable if you're brave.
Late June to early July
The trails are usually open. Expect snow patches above the lake.
October on
Snow comes to the high trails. Check conditions before going past the lake.
Take the long way through the meadows.
Taylor Meadows adds a kilometre or two, and in August it's wildflowers the whole way, with your first look at Black Tusk. Watch for marmots on the rocks.
Before you go.
The short list.
Driving? Get a day-use pass.
At Rubble Creek, BC Parks asks for a free vehicle pass Fridays to Mondays, mid-June to mid-October (June 12 to October 12 in 2026). Passes go online at 7 a.m. two days ahead, and they go fast.
No dogs.
Garibaldi is one of BC's no-dog parks.
No cell service.
Past the trailhead you're on your own. Download your map first.
Bears live here.
Carry spray and know how to use it.
Bring two to three litres of water.
There's no reliable refill until the lake.
Pack the extra layer.
Weather turns fast above the treeline.
No car? Take the bus.
Parkbus runs from downtown Vancouver to the Rubble Creek trailhead in summer and early fall. About nine and a half hours in the park, the day-use pass included, and someone else drives home.
- Leaves
- 1025 Dunsmuir St, 7:30 a.m.
- Ticket
- $95 regular, return
- Dates
- Summer 2027, dates to come
Driving instead?
Rubble Creek is off Highway 99, north of Squamish. The lot fills early on summer weekends, so book your pass and leave early.