Elfin Lakes Trek – 3 Day Trip

Types: Hikes & Treks

Region: Sea to Sky

Elfin Lakes Trek - 3 Day Trip

A 3-day trip exploring the southern reaches of the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park and the amazing lakes, glaciers, wildlife and lookouts found there.

Next Trip:
Leaving Jun 28 2025 from $849.00

Elfin Lakes Trek - 3 Day Trip

Elfin Lakes Trek - A 3-day trip exploring the southern reaches of the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park

For the Elfin Lakes Trek we hike into the southern end of the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park and camp on the shoulder of Mount Garibaldi (Nch'kay), a large stratovolcano that towers over the town of Squamish and the Howe Sound. The campsite is located near a series of ponds or small lakes, called Elfin Lakes, situated on a scenic ridge below a rocky feature called "The Gargoyles". This campsite will be home for two nights while we explore the amazing glaciers, lakes, peaks  and lava flows the the area hosts. In the evenings your guide will prepare delicious and hearty meals before you fall asleep under the stars of the milky way.

About the Area:

Located 64Km north of Vancouver, Garibaldi Provincial Park is known for it's amazing lakes, glaciers and abundant hiking trails. Mount Garibaldi, also known by it's first nations name Nch'kay, sits on the southern edge of the Park and towers over the town of Squamish and the Howe Sound. The area features a rich geological history with numerous lava flows, a volcanic crater called the Opal Cone and even a Tuya, extensive glaciers, snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and abundant wildlife. An extensive trail network links the various areas together though a glacier traverse is needed to get around the backside of Mt. Garibaldi and into the northern parts of the Park.

How Hard Is It?

One of the easier access points into Garibaldi Provincial Park, the Elfin Lakes Trek requires some fitness but is not overly difficult as you will not be required to carry any food or group equipment into the campsite keeping your pack light.

  • Hike In:
    • Red Heather trail to Elfin Lakes
    • Distance: 10km
    • Elevation Gain: 850m
  • Exploration Day - there are lots of options but a popular one is the Opal cone to Mamquam Lake hike
    • Distance: 10km
    • Elevation Gain: 700m
  • Hike Out:
    • Return to the trailhead via the Red Heather
    • Distance: 10km
    • Elevation Gain: 100m

Travel Solo, with a friend, partner, the family or whoever else you can think of.

This adventure tour is perfect for anyone travelling solo, with a friend, partner or small group, and suitable for all skill levels. We take care of almost everything including transportation to the trail head, all the camping equipment, food, campsite bookings and parks permits and even have a porter organized so you will have a light pack on the way into camp. Your expert local guide will prepare a mouthwatering menu, rich in healthy, fresh meals. We source our food from local farmers, most of whom are within a day's drive of where your tour takes place. You can count on a delicious variety of seafoods, quality meats, Canadian cheeses, fresh fruit and produce from Western Canada.

Waiver & Risk Management:

As you know, outdoor activities involve numerous hazards including, but not limited to, avalanches, crevasses, rockfall, slips and falls, equipment failure, poor weather, etc. And while we do our best to anticipate and mitigate these hazards we cannot completely eliminate them. So, as with anything fun, you will be required to sign our Participant Release to take part in one of our courses or trips.

Custom Dates Available

Just let us know what dates will work for you and we will put together a custom package.

June 28th to 30th, 2025

Deposit Required: $250.00

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $849.00

July 17th to 19th, 2025

Deposit Required: $250.00

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $849.00

August 14th to 16th, 2025

Deposit Required: $250.00

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $849.00

August 28th to 30th, 2025

Deposit Required: $250.00

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $849.00

September 28th to 30th, 2025

Deposit Required: $250.00

8 spots remaining
Group Size8 persons
Pricing
Quantity: $849.00

Booking Notes:

  • Lifetime deposits (deposits never expire)
  • Canadian trip prices are in CAD
  • Canadian trips subject to 5% GST (tax)
  • Payments made by credit card are subject to a 2.5% credit card fee
  • Be sure to look over our Booking Policies
  • Participants will be required to sign a BlackSheep Participant Release

Exploring the Land of Fire & Ice!

  • Day 1:
    • 8am: Meet in Squamish at the Cloudburst Cafe
    • 9am: Head up to the trailhead to hike In via the Red Heather trail to Elfin Lakes
  • Day 2: Various options to explore the area including:
    • Hike to the Opal cone (volcanic dome) and then onto Mamquam Lake for a swim
    • Go for a trek on the Garibaldi Neve glacier
    • Hike up to the Gargoyles to an amazing viewpoint and then around past a small tarn to circle back to camp
  • Day 3:
    • After an big breakfast we break camp and hike back out the Red Heather trail
    • Back in Squamish at about 2pm
Elfin Lakes Trek – 3 Day Trip

Highlights

  • Beautiful views
  • Lakeside Camping
  • Glacier Trek
  • Hut available for Relaxing
  • Lights packs
Types Hikes & Treks
Region Sea to Sky
Season July to September
Next Departure Jun 28 2025
Prices From $849.00

Difficulty: Difficulty: Beginner Beginner

This trip is open to everyone though some fitness is required for the hike in which takes about 4-6 hours.

What's Included

  • 3 days of guiding and transportation
  • 2 nights camping accommodation
  • All camping meals and snacks
  • Camping gear including tents, sleeping pads, etc.
  • Food & Group gear carried in by a porter
  • Parks passes, permits, insurance

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities
  • Sleeping Bags (rentals available)
  • Medical, Rescue & Travel insurance
  • Personal alcohol
  • Travel to/from Vancouver

Clothing:

  • Wool or Synthetic Socks (1 or 2 pairs)
  • Base Layers: Top & Bottom
  • Light Mid-Layer Jacket
  • Hiking Pants
  • Gore-Tex or Similar Outer Jacket
  • Warm Puffy Jacket
  • Toque & Brimmed Cap
  • Light Gloves & Insulated Gloves

Personal Equipment:

  • Hiking Boots / Trail Running shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun and Lip Cream
  • Head Lamp
  • Sleeping Bag (-5 to -8C)
  • Camera/phone & battery charger

Supplied Equipment:

  • Tent (based on double occupancy)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • All cooking & eating kit
  • Backpack
  • Glacier equipment as needed

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