Garibaldi Lake & Alpine Hikes near Squamish: Guided Day Trek

Hike to turquoise alpine lakes and glacier views with a certified mountain guide

A guided day hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish with a certified mountain guide, park pass, parking and wilderness first-aid support included. You pick the trail: Garibaldi Lake (19km), Panorama Ridge (28km) or Elfin Lakes (20km), based on your fitness and what you want to see. The guide tailors the pace and can arrange lunch and gear rentals if you need them. Children are welcome from age 10.

The experience

Garibaldi Provincial Park sits in the mountains above Squamish, and the hike starts with your choice of three trails, each built around a different alpine feature. Garibaldi Lake draws you through forest to turquoise glacier-fed water ringed by peaks and ice; Panorama Ridge climbs to an all-day summit viewpoint for very fit hikers; Elfin Lakes takes you to alpine meadows and two swimming lakes with what the guide calls the best view-to-walking ratio. Your guide is a certified mountain professional who knows the park's landscapes, wildlife and history, and will help you pick the route that fits your goals and ability on the morning you arrive.

The day runs about eight hours total. You bring your own lunch, snacks and water unless you arrange catering with the guide beforehand. You also bring or rent rain shell and hiking shoes. The guide carries a first-aid kit and wilderness first-aid training, and the park pass and parking are included in the price. The pace is built around what the operator calls "alpine relaxing": time to slow down and sit with the landscape, not just move through it.

What’s included

• Professional mountain guide certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
• park pass and parking.
• wilderness first-aid support including guide training, first-aid kit and emergency supplies.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 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 10 days ago

Operated by Rise Mountain Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick Garibaldi Lake if you want a rewarding half-day-scale hike with glacier views and a swim; choose Panorama Ridge if you're very fit and want to spend a full day climbing to one of the park's highest viewpoints; pick Elfin Lakes if you want alpine scenery without the steepest grades.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 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 is Garibaldi Lake like when you get there?

Garibaldi Lake is a turquoise alpine lake ringed by rugged peaks and glaciers, reached after a 19km hike through forest with 950m of elevation gain. The water is glacier-fed and cold, but swimmers do take a dip.

How do I know which trail to pick?

Your guide helps you choose on the day based on your fitness level and what you want to see. Garibaldi Lake is a rewarding challenge with incredible scenery; Panorama Ridge is the longest and most demanding, built for very fit hikers seeking an all-day summit experience; Elfin Lakes offers alpine meadows and two lakes with a gentler ascent.

What do I need to bring?

You bring your own lunch, snacks and water, or you can arrange catering with the guide in advance. You also need to bring or rent rain shell and hiking shoes. The guide can arrange rentals if you ask ahead.