Elfin Lakes Backpacking

Self Guided Elfin Lakes Backpacking - Spend 3 or more days exploring the southern reaches of the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park

The Self Guided Elfin Lakes Backpacking trip involves a hike into the southern end of the beautiful Garibaldi Provincial Park to 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 also features a small hut that can also be booked if you would prefer a roof over your head. Our standard trip includes two nights at Elfin Lakes while you explore the amazing glaciers, lakes, peaks and lava flows the the area hosts.

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.

Standard Package:

Our standard Self-Guided Elfin Lake Backpacking Trip Package includes the following:

• Day 1:
  • We will pick you up from your Squamish hotel and review the trip logistics in detail to ensure that you have everything you need.
  • Gear: the package includes sleeping pads, tent, stove and cooking equipment.
  • Drive you up to the trailhead to start hiking in.
  • A porter carries your camping equipment into Elfin Lakes.
• Day 3:
  • We will pick you up at the trailhead again and bring you back to Squamish.

Of course we will also provide you with an emergency phone number so that you can contact us should you run into any trouble.

Optional Extras:

• Food can be supplied upon request at a cost of $50/person/day
  • A small surcharge may apply to some special dietary requirements

Want a guide? We also offer fully guided versions of this trip. Check them out here: Elfin Lakes Trek.

How Hard Is It?

One of the easier access points into Garibaldi Provincial Park, the Elfin Lakes Backpacking trip requires some fitness but is not overly difficult as you will not be required to carry any camping equipment into the campsite keeping your pack light (a porter to carry the camping equipment into the campsite is included in the package).

• 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

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.