I love the mountains and the outdoors, and Garibaldi Provincial Park, just south of Whistler, B.C. Canada, is one my favorite places to visit. Some of my fondest memories as a teenager were hiking and camping around Garibaldi Lake. Since then, I’ve taken over thirty trips into the park, including four this past summer. On this post, I’ll include photos from the past five years taken with various cameras, from a five megapixel point-and-shoot to my current Canon 60D. I don’t profess to be a photographer, just a hobbyist who enjoys taking photos.
Garibaldi Provincial Park covers an area of 1,950 square kilometers, or 750 square miles, and was designated a provincial park in 1927. It’s located north of Vancouver, and has five access points from the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler. Although the area has a rich First Nations history, Mount Garibaldi was named by Captain George Henry of the Royal Navy for Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot, soldier, and commander. For more information about the history and legends of the First Nations people in the Garibaldi area, please read this excellent article from the John Davidson Legacy website.
Garibaldi Lake is a deep, glacial lake, naturally created by the damming of the flows from the now dormant volcanos, Mount Price and Clinker Peak. The Sentinel and Sphinx Glaciers feed the lake with meltwater, and the glacial flour creates the turquoise colour. The easiest and most popular route to Garibaldi Lake is from the Black Tusk (formally Rubble Creek) parking area, 37 kilometers north of Squamish, or 19 kilometers south of Whistler. If you’re driving from Vancouver, it takes about 1 1/2 hours.
After hiking for about 9 kilometers with 900 meters of elevation gain, this is an early view of Garibaldi Lake.
From a higher elevation, this is the first view from Black Tusk Meadows.
The water has this beautiful turquoise color, which varies depending on the sunlight, and I believe the time of year.
I take a photo of this log every time I see it.
The Sphinx Glacier is one of the most prominent features of the surrounding mountains. However, one my favorite features is the tiny island in front. It has been a focal point of mine for many years.
On the south side of the Garibaldi Lake campground, the Battleship Islands are a popular place to relax. If you visit in late August, you may see alpine flowers such as Indian paintbrush, fireweed, and yellow aster.
 Frozen on a beautiful day in April or…
on a blistering hot summer day…
an early evening reflection in late August…
 an evening storm on a late September day.
 Volcanoes on the center-right: Mount Price on the left and Clinker Peak in the center, on a warm summer day.
A similar view with Mount Price on the right, on a fine spring day.
From the summit of Mount Price on a cold, September day. The formation known as the Black Tusk is a prominent feature in this area of Garibaldi Park. The campground is at the end of the bay on the left.
The first view of the Black Tusk from near the Battleship Islands, in late August.
The view of Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake, from the old trail which is now only used when the lakeside trail is flooded.
 Panorama Ridge behind the Battleship Islands, on a summer evening.
 From the top of Panorama Ridge: Garibaldi Lake with Mount Price in the center, in early August. If you haven’t seen it, please read my post: Views From Panorama Ridge On A Clear Summer’s Day.
The west side of Garibaldi Lake with with the campground on the right, taken from the first peak of Panorama Ridge.
Another look on a summer day. Mount Garibaldi is in the center-right while the formation known as The Table is in front. For an interesting look at The Table, please check out this video of I Will Be There by ’80s pop/rock band, Glass Tiger (starting at 43 sec.).
One of my most memorable and tiring hikes was to Panorama Ridge via Garibaldi Lake on a sunny day in May.
One of my favorite photos, taken from a point below Panorama Ridge.
Here’s me on that sunny day in May.
And a much younger me (okay, this was only five years ago) thinking on the shores of Garibaldi Lake.
I know I entitled this post, Garibaldi Lake Through The Seasons, but really, there are no photos from the actual winter. I hope you don’t mind, but at least a few of the photos resembled winter. Garibaldi Lake In Winter may be a future post.
I hope you enjoyed the photos of Garibaldi Lake taken from my trips over the past few years. I can’t wait to return.
If you have my book, Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, or have ordered it, I really appreciate your support. It’s also out on Kindle and Kobo. My Goodreads and Amazon pages have reviews and more information. Please share this post, and thanks for your time.
About Randall St. Germain
Randall St. Germain, author of Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, is a middle-aged Canadian Boy who is passionate about nature, photography, hiking, music, and self-improvement. After the death of his mother, he chose to walk the famous pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, across the north of Spain, despite knowing little about it. He certainly didn’t plan to write a book until the latter days of his Camino. Similar to walking the Camino, writing and publishing a book was a learning experience. It was also very rewarding, and part of his ongoing journey. Please join him as he takes you along on his journey in Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, and on his blog Camino My Way.
Great shots. Looking forward to the winter post – bet it is decadent up there!
Thanks again Anita. Garibaldi is very special and there are many areas to explore, far greater than I covered in this post. Good luck with your travels.
Beautiful photos! What’s the difficulty level of the hike from Black Tusk parking area to Garabaldi Lake? I’ve never done it but looking at your photos makes me want to try it!
Difficulty depends on the individual. For the Black Tusk hike, the real difficulty is with the formation itself, especially for those who don’t like climbing rock and exposure. You must climb up chimneys and feel comfortable going up and down. Also, ensure that you take the proper ones or it could cause problems. I haven’t climbed the Tusk for many years, but they were marked when I went. If you don’t like the scramble, Panorama Ridge is a long hike, and the view from the top is beautiful. Thanks for your comment.
What about the hike from just the parking lot up to the lake? How long does it take? Is it fairly steep the entire way up? I’ve never done any of the hikes in Garibaldi so I’d like to start small first!
Thanks!
Caroline, the length of time depends on the person. It can take about 2 1/2 hours up to 6 hours to Garibaldi Lake. There is a 900 meter elevation gain over 9 kilometers so it is fairly steep. There are switchbacks though, and the trail is very well-groomed. If you haven’t done anything that big, there are smaller hikes in the Vancouver/ Squamish area that are open right now. Happy Hiking.
Awesome thanks for the info! I think I’ll give it a try in the summer!
Have fun, Caroline.
Questions about the hike to Garibaldi Lake from the parking lot:
1) Will there be snow covering the trail still in mid June? What can we expect for that time of year?
2) Sounds like about a 7 hour roundrip hike for a fit couple..correct?
Your pictures are amazing! Thanks in advance for any info you can give!
I’ll try my best to answer, but please understand that every year is different.
1) I have no idea. Sorry, it depends on the amount of snowfall, and how warm May and June are. If the weather stays like this, I would think that much of the trail to the Barrier lookout (much of the elevation gain) will be free of snow. After that, I would still expect snow into July.
2) If you are fit, 7 hours should be easily attainable. Of course, that doesn’t include the time you stay at the lake. For me, I normally take a little less than 3 hours to the lake.
I hope that helps. Have a safe hike to Garibaldi Lake. Thanks for your comment.
Fabulous pix of this magnificent scenery. Wish I could go hiking with you. Have a wonderful day!
Thanks so much. It’s too bad it’s such a jaunt to get up there. I’m sure you would enjoy Garibaldi Provincial Park. I’ll do my best to bring it to you with more blog posts.
Love all the pictures, thanks Randall
Thanks Don. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Garibaldi is a beautiful place
Beautiful pictures!! Love to visit over there! Thanks for sharing, Randall !
Thanks Hiromi for visiting. Glad you enjoy the photos. Garibaldi is spectacular! You would love it
Wow, thanks for posting these awesome pictures, the beauty is just breath taking, wow I wish I could jump into those pictures, I would love visit those places someday. Thanks for sharing Randall!!!!
You’re welcome John. You’d love it up there. Fresh air, exercise, and breathtaking views