Garibaldi Lake Packraft Traverse

The Garibaldi Lake Packraft Traverse is a unique multi-disciplinary adventure that covers some of the most beautiful areas of the renowned Garibaldi Provincial Park. We hike amongst snowcapped peaks and ancient blue glaciers and packraft the turquoise waters of the majestic Garibaldi Lake. 

Our Garibaldi Lake Packraft Traverse starts with a 4x4 ride up to Brohm ridge on the western flanks of Mt. Garibaldi. From there we hike past the Sharks Fin to a scenic camp shadowed by towering seracs that look out over the Tantalus range, Squamish Valley and the ocean waters of the Howe Sound. After a great sleep in this alpine paradise we don our crampons and glacier travel equipment and set out across a vast icefield. Upon crossing the toe of the glacier, a short hike takes us down to the shores of Garibaldi lake and another pristine campsite. After a hearty breakfast the next morning, we find ourselves paddling across the turquoise waters of the lake. Once we reach the western edge of the lake we pack up the rafts and hike down the Rubble Creek trail to the van and some much deserved beverages. 

About the Area:

Nestled in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Garibaldi Lake is a gem of the West Coast and a favorite destination amongst locals and visitors alike. The clean and cool turquoise waters of the lake, which are up to 250m deep, are fed by glacial runoff which gives it such a vivid colour.  The trails and hikes in this area of the Park are often described as some of the most beautiful in BC. The alpine meadows above the lake are abloom with wildflowers in the late spring and early summer offering an amazing contrast to the glaciated peaks above. From lookouts on Panorama Ridge and Mt. Price there are great views of the north side Mt. Garibaldi (Nch'kay) a large stratovolcano that towers over the area.

The geology of the Garibaldi Lake area is also quite interesting. The lake is nearly 250m deep and surrounded by mountains except at the outflow where there is The Barrier. The Barrier is a rock wall formation caused by the damming of lava flows following a volcanic eruption from Clinker Peak on Mt. Price about 12,000 years ago. The lava flowed into the Cheakamus River valley and was stopped by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, resulting in the formation of a lava dam that we now know as the 250 meter high cliff called the Barrier. The Barrier effectively dammed the surface water outflow from the surrounding watershed and created Garibaldi Lake, Lesser Garibaldi Lake, and Barrier Lake. Water from these lakes seeps from beneath the Barrier via a series of springs into Rubble Creek. The Barrier is 9000 years old is unstable and has the potential to release approximately 1 trillion litres of water into the valley below in the event of an earthquake. More information can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garibaldi_Lake 

Garibaldi Lake Packraft Traverse Details:

The Garibaldi Lake Packraft Traverse is one of the more strenuous hikes we offer, but it is well worth the effort. The trail is in excellent condition, provides solid footing, and is achievable for anyone in reasonably good shape.

• Trip Length: 3 Days
• Hiking Distance: 30km
• Paddling Distance: 6km
• Elevation Gain: 1200m
• Best Time: July-September

Looking for other hiking or packrafting options? Check out all our hiking & trekking offerings here.

Waiver & Risk Management:

As you know, outdoor activities involve numerous hazards including, but not limited to, rockfall, slips and falls, 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.