'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.
External links
★
BC adventures - Garibaldi Park
★
BCParks - Garibaldi page
★
UN database entry