3-Day Guided Hiking and Camping Tour: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Three days at an alpine lake you pick, with a guide who knows the backcountry.

A 3-day guided backpacking tour in Garibaldi Provincial Park where you hike to an alpine lake campsite, spend a full day exploring from camp, and return to the trailhead on day three. You choose your destination and daily route based on your fitness level and what appeals to you: options range from Garibaldi Lake to Wedgemont Lake to Elfin Lakes, with summit day-hikes like Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge. A certified guide handles navigation, safety and camp setup. Camping permits, first aid kit, bear spray and emergency satellite communications are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hike to alpine lake campground

• Choose campsite with guide
• Hike to selected alpine lake

Day 2: Relax and hike to summit

• Choose daytrip route with guide
• Relax at lake or hike summit

Day 3: Morning at camp and return

• Relax morning at campsite
• Hike back to trailhead

The experience

The trip starts with a hike into your chosen alpine lake campground on day one. You and your guide pick the destination together before you book, based on how challenging you want the trek to be, which lake calls to you, and where there's space: mid-week bookings open up more options. Garibaldi Lake, Wedgemont Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake and Taylor Meadows are all on the table, along with a handful of others. The guide is a certified member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, so navigation, camp setup and safety are handled.

Day two is yours to shape. You can spend it relaxing at the lake, take a summit hike from camp (Black Tusk, Panorama Ridge, Little Diamondhead, Opal Cone or Helm Lake are common choices), or split the day between both. The guide knows the terrain and the routes. You decide how much you want to push. Day three is a relaxed morning at camp before the hike back down to the trailhead.

Food and camping gear come with the tour, or you can bring your own and travel lighter. Transport to the trailhead can be arranged for an extra charge if you need it. Children from age 10 are welcome, and the guides work with all experience levels: newcomers to backpacking get the same support as seasoned hikers.

What’s included

• Professional certified guide.
• camping permits and park fees.
• safety equipment including first aid kit, bear spray and emergency satellite communications.
• camping gear and meals (depending on which option you choose).
• or the option to bring your own gear and food and arrange transport to the trailhead separately.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rise Mountain Adventures

Is this one for you?Book early if you have a specific alpine lake in mind, since mid-week departures have more campsite options and popular destinations fill up fast. If you want to travel light and focus on the hiking rather than gear logistics, the all-inclusive options handle food, camping equipment and transport: leaving you to show up and hike.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the three purchase options for this tour?

The "Guided Hiking and Camping Tour" option includes the guide, permits and safety gear only. You bring your own food, camping gear and clothing. "Food and Gear Provided" adds meals and all camping equipment. "3 Day Camping & Transport" bundles the guide, permits, gear, food and transport to the trailhead: the most complete package. You pick one at checkout based on what you want to carry and arrange yourself.

How do I choose which alpine lake to camp at?

You and the guide choose together before you book, based on three things: how hard you want the hike in to be, which lake appeals to you, and where there's space available. Garibaldi Lake, Wedgemont Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Russet Lake and Taylor Meadows are the main options, though others exist. Mid-week departures have more campsite availability, so booking early for your preferred dates helps secure your first choice.

What happens on day two if I'm not sure how much hiking I want to do?

Day two is flexible by design. You can stay at camp and rest, take a summit day-hike like Black Tusk or Panorama Ridge, or do both: a morning hike and an afternoon at the lake. The guide knows all the routes from your campsite and will help you pick based on how you're feeling and what the weather looks like.

What safety gear and emergency equipment does the guide bring?

The guide carries a first aid kit, bear spray and emergency satellite communications devices. These are included in the tour price and stay with the guide throughout the trip.

Is this tour suitable if I'm new to backpacking?

Yes. The guides work with all experience levels and aim to make newcomers feel supported and encouraged. You choose a campsite and route that match your fitness level, and the guide handles navigation, camp setup and safety. Children from age 10 are welcome. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.