Garibaldi Lake: Day Trips and Tours from Vancouver

One of southern British Columbia’s most popular hiking destinations, Garibaldi Lake, located in the picturesque Garibaldi Provincial Park, is a glacier-fed lake with mesmerizing views of volcanic mountain ranges and bright turquoise water—all in all, a true photographer's paradise.

While it's certainly a modern marvel, the lake is rich in history too; it was formed around 9,000 years ago when the lava flow from the Mount Price and Clinker Peak volcanoes created a natural dam in the valley between them. These days, the dam in question serves as a refreshing getaway from the fast-paced city life in Vancouver.

There are countless things to do on a Garibaldi Lake day trip from Vancouver - hiking through lush forest, canoeing or kayaking on the clear waters, or even taking a dip (so long as you're prepared for chilly waters).

Here's all you need to know about Garibaldi Lake, one of the most exciting day trips from Vancouver.

How to get to Garibaldi Lake From Vancouver?

Garibaldi Lake is nestled in the British Columbia countryside, 70 kilometers north of Vancouver, 37 kilometers away from Squamish, and just a short 19-kilometer drive south to Whistler.

From Vancouver to Garibaldi Lake by car

To get to Garibaldi Lake by car, begin your journey by heading north out of Vancouver, making your way up the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway. You'll drive for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until reaching the town of Garibaldi.

From there, take a right down Daisy Lake road until you reach the Rubble Creek parking lot. The rest of the journey is on foot. The drive to the parking lot takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Guided tour to Garibaldi Lake From Vancouver

The most popular, hassle-free option is a guided tour. You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning (or meet at a central Vancouver train station) and then driven along the Sea to Sky highway all the way to the Garibaldi Lake trailhead.

The tour includes a guide who'll share interesting facts and anecdotes about the area while you take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers and meadows.

What is the typical itinerary?

The common tour format for a day trip from Vancouver to Garibaldi Lake starts in the morning when you'll meet at a central station in Vancouver, such as the Burrard Skytrain Station. After greeting your guide and being given the day's itinerary, you'll be whisked away on a comfortable and scenic drive north toward Garibaldi Provincial Park.

From there, you'll be guided along the 17-kilometer hike around the lake, with plenty of stops for photographs, lunch, or even a swim in the refreshing (yet chilly) waters. Once exhausted from the roughly 8-hour walk, you'll be taken back to where you started in Vancouver for a good night's rest!

Throughout the day, you'll hear all kinds of interesting stories and facts about the area from your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Garibaldi Lake?

There is a variety of different tours to Garibaldi Lake, although not all of them are offered at the same time. The most popular option is discussed in further detail below.

Guided photography tours to Garibaldi Lake from Vancouver

Ideal for nature lovers as well as photography buffs, this tour allows you to capture stunning shots of the Garibaldi Lake area. Professional photographers will help guide you along the scenic trails and provide tips for taking better photos of this unique landscape.

The tour typically lasts about 12 hours, with plenty of time to take pictures and explore different vantage points around the lake. The group size is usually kept small, allowing for a more intimate experience with the natural beauty of Garibaldi Lake.

For those wanting to make sure they head home with the best shots they could ask for of their travels, this tour is perfect.

How much does a day trip to Garibaldi Lake from Vancouver cost?

Prices for day trips to Garibaldi Lake from Vancouver may change from time to time, however, they usually start at around US$150 per person. The guided photography tour, for example, costs US$160 per person. This doesn't include gratuities or food and drink, so be sure to bring a little extra cash to make sure you have a comfortable adventure.

What will you see and do?

At Garibaldi Lake, you can take part in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, swimming (for those who are brave enough!) and hiking along trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or simply sitting back to admire nature's beauty.

The main hike around the lake goes for about 8 hours and covers an 11-mile stretch, winding through Douglas fir trees on every side. There are also plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife like birds and deer, as well as take photos of breathtaking sunsets over the still waters.

Day trips to Garibaldi Lake also include a beautiful drive along the Sea-to-Sky highway with majestic views of the Howe Sound, Stawamus, Squamish and more, making it a perfect way to spend a day out in British Columbia's infamous nature.

What are the opening times?

Lake Garibaldi is open year-round and is never completely closed, however, it is worth noting seasonal changes. The roads heading into Lake Garibaldi are plowed for snow between December and March, and the park remains open during this time. However, it is recommended that travelers have snow chains for their vehicles during this time.

When is the best time to visit Garibaldi Lake?

The best time to visit Lake Garibaldi depends on your favorite type of activity. For swimming and kayaking, fall and summer are recommended when the water is a more tolerable temperature.  Generally, guided Garibaldi Lake day trip tours are best joined in summer and fall too.

Winter and spring make for a good visit if you are also looking to add some winter sports such as skiing to your itinerary.

As for time of day, it's recommended to leave as early as possible to make the most of your adventure and get the most sunlight possible.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your tour to Lake Garibaldi early and online, as they can book out rather fast!
• Bring appropriate clothes for the season — rug up in winter and bring swimmers in summer.
• Bring plenty of food and water for energy on the big hike around the lake.