The Picture-Perfect Garibaldi Lake, BC

Photo Credit: darnoldhiking.com

This picture-perfect Garibaldi Lake with its turquoise-coloured water, alpine mountains and glacier in the background, it is one of the most beautiful hiking trail in British Columbia. It is located between Squamish and Whistler, BC. To get there, just drive 25km north of Squamish, then turn right onto Garibaldi Lake road.

This 18km hike takes around 5-6 hours to finish. The trail head begins at the steps at the top section of the Rubble Creek parking lot, and it’s a 9km hike to reach Garibaldi Lake. The first 6km is a up climb through a forest of Douglas Fir and Red Cedar trees. The climb may seem pretty long, but remember that it will be worth it in the end.

After the 6km mark, you will reach a junction, that gives you two options to go to Taylor Meadows, or Garibaldi Lake. Taking the route to the right will take you directly to Garibaldi Lake, whereas going left will take you to Taylor Meadows and adds a few kilometres to your hike, but highly rewarding as you hike through the colourful alpine flowers during summer and early fall.

If you take this longer route, it will take a short uphill climb before arriving at Taylor Meadows. Then just continue along the trail and eventually you will arrive at another junction, where heading off to the right will loop you back to Garibaldi Lake. This trail will go downhill and once you reach the bottom, there will be a path leading you across a bridge and shortly after you will reach the lake via the path to your left. From here, you will get to see the most amazing and beautiful views, and also there’s more to come when you head back to the parking lot.