Garibaldi Provincial Park

Squamish is also a starting point for visits to the southern part of the 1950 sq. km (750 sq. mi.) Garibaldi Provincial Park, including a trip to one of the most popular areas - Diamond Head. One or two alpine refuges and a few basic campsites are provided in this magnificent and still largely untouched mountain wilderness centered on the majestic, glacier-clad Mt Garibaldi (2678 m (8790 ft)).

Signs of relatively recent volcanic activity abound in the park, many of the peaks, especially in the vicinity of Garibaldi Lake, being volcanic in origin.

Picture - Snow covered trees in the Garibaldi Valley.

Picture - Mount Garibaldi in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Picture - A hiker in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Picture - Mount Garibaldi reflected in calm waters.

View a slideshow of Garibaldi Provincial Park Pictures

Garibaldi Provincial Park Map

Important Information:

Official site: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibald.html

Address: c/o Squamish BC Parks Office, Box 220, Brackendale, BC V0N1H0, Canada

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The waters of the lake itself are contained by a about 300 m (985 ft) high lava wall known as "The Barrier". This is believed to have been formed about 12,000 years ago when lava flowing from Mt Price cooled rapidly on contact with a glacier. The present physiognomy of the mountains is also partly the result of a landslip, probably caused by an earthquake in 1855.

About 4 km (21/2 mi.) north of Squamish a 16 km (10 mi.) long access road (mainly unsurfaced) branches off Hwy. 99 to Diamond Head from where there are marvelous views over the Squamish Valley and Howe Sound. The Elfin Lakes refuge (trails to Mamquam Lake and Little Diamond Head) can be reached in about four hours from the car park.

If you are venturing into Garibaldi Provincial Park outside of the summer season check with park staff for conditions and safety precautions. Some bridges provided in the summer are removed in the fall and hazards abound.

Related Attractions

Rubble Creek

Access to the Black Tusk area (at the heart of Garibaldi Park; highest summit 2316 m (7600 ft)) and also to the delightful Garibaldi Lake is from the car park at Rubble Creek (37 km (23 mi.) north of Squamish).

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