Garibaldi Lake - Helm Creek Traverse

The Helm Creek Traverse begins at Cheakamus Lake just outside Whistler, climbs behind Black Tusk, descends to Garibaldi Lake, and finishes down Rubble Creek to the parking lot. It covers some of the most beautiful alpine hiking areas in BC and is a local favourite. It provides awe-inspiring vistas of turquoise waters nestled between towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks, a trek through an old lava flow, a comfortable campground with lots of water and of course lots of side-hike options. 

The Helm Creek Traverse is done as a 2-day trip with a night at Helm Creek Campground though there are opportunities to add time for side trips. Here's an overview of what to expect.

• Pre-Trip:
  • Logistical support and planning including a gear list, route information, etc. are provided well before the trip so that you can get organized well in advance.
• Day 1:
  • We pick you up in either Squamish or Whistler. After a review of the trip logistics, route information and the waiver we drive to the start of the hike with a stop at a local coffee shop if desired.
  • Gear: We supply all the cooking equipment, food and tents. Other equipment is available to rent from us including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, packs, etc.
  • Food: Meals for this trip are supplied starting with dinner on the first day and ending with lunch on the final day.
• Day 2:
  • At the end of the hike we will get picked up at the Rubble Creek trailhead and drive you back to your hotel.

Trip Details:

• Trip Length: 2 days (longer options are available)
• Distance: 27km trip with no side hikes
• Elevation Gain: 950m
• Best Time: June-October*

* Our favorite time to do the traverse is in September as the crowds are dying off and there are fewer bugs.

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

Campground Details:

For the Helm Creek Traverse we use the namesake campground for the overnight as it's a bit quieter and beautifully situated. Located about 8Km from the trailhead at 1550m this grassy campsite is nestled in amongst a numerous peaks that offer great side treks with views of glaciers, alpine lakes and old lava flows. The facilities include:

• 30 tent platforms
• Pit toilets
• Bear cache lockers and bear hangs
• Creek for water

Side Trip Options:

• Cinder Cone:
  • An hour hike from the campground this volcanic cone looks down on Helm Lake and the lava fields left behind when Black Tusk erupted.
• Panorama Ridge:
  • If you have a little more energy, keep hiking beyond Cinder Cone up to one of the prettiest places in Western Canada: Panorama Ridge. It offers views of Garibaldi Lake with the glaciated Mt. Garibaldi (Nch'kay) in the background.
• Black Tusk:
  • On the other side of the valley from the Cinder Cone is one of the most iconic peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Sea to Sky: The Black Tusk.

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.