Backpacking to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park
If you're looking for a stunning alpine adventure that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned backpackers, the Elfin Lakes trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park is a must-do. Nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains near Squamish, British Columbia, this hike offers breathtaking views, serene lakes, and access to some of the most iconic alpine terrain in the region. Matt and I tackled this trail in September 2022, and despite some mental hurdles and less-than-ideal weather, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own backpacking trip to Elfin Lakes, including trail details, permits, gear recommendations, and even some ideas for extending your adventure.
Opal Cone Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Why Elfin Lakes?
Elfin Lakes is a gem in Garibaldi Provincial Park, offering a relatively moderate hike to two pristine alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks. The area is a gateway to even more incredible destinations like Opal Cone, Mamquam Lake, and the Gargoyles. Whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in the cozy Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) hut, this trip is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
For us, this trip was a big deal—it was our first time spending a night away from our daughter, Aspen. The mental barrier of leaving her was tough, but Matt’s encouragement kept me going, and I’m so glad it did. The sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the landscape made it all worth it.
Elfin Lakes Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park (November 2021)
Views from the Elfin Lakes Campground tent pads, Garibaldi Provincial Park (September 2022)
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead for Elfin Lakes is located at the Diamond Head area in Garibaldi Provincial Park, about a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver and 45 minutes from Whistler.
From Vancouver:
Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north toward Squamish.
Just past Squamish, look for the turnoff to Garibaldi Highlands.
Follow Mamquam Road and Branch 200 (a gravel road) to the Diamond Head parking lot.
The gravel road is well-maintained but can be bumpy, so take it slow if you’re driving a low-clearance vehicle. The parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Views of the lakes and ACC shelter as you approach from the ridge. Garibaldi Provincial Park
Arriving at Elfin Lakes Campground, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Trail Stats and Details
Elfin Lakes Trail
Distance (Round Trip): 22 km
Elevation Gain: 600 meters
Time: 5-7 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
The trail starts with a steady climb through dense forest before opening up to stunning alpine meadows. The second half of the hike is relatively flat, with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks.
Views of Elfin Lakes Campground from Opal Cone (Telephoto Zoom). Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Opal Cone
Distance (Round Trip from Elfin Lakes): 12 km
Elevation Gain: 300 meters
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Opal Cone is a volcanic remnant that offers incredible views of the Mamquam Glacier and Atwell Peak. We left our heavy gear at camp and explored this area with running vests, which made the trek much more enjoyable.
Opal Cone Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Opal Cone Trail, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Views of Opal Cone from Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park (Telephoto Zoom)
What’s still on our wish list for next time?
Mamquam Lake:
Distance (Round Trip from Elfin Lakes): 20 km
Elevation Gain: 400 meters
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Mamquam Glacier, Garibaldi Provincial Park
The Gargoyles:
Distance (Round Trip from Elfin Lakes): 10 km
Elevation Gain: 500 meters
Time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Both of these hikes are on our list for future trips—they offer even more remote and rugged terrain for those looking to push their limits.
The Gargoyles and a small lake on the ridge below as seen from Opal Cone, Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Backcountry Permits and Reservations
All overnight stays in Garibaldi Provincial Park require a backcountry camping permit, which can be reserved online through the BC Parks website. Reservations open in early spring and fill up quickly, especially for summer weekends.
Cost: $10 per person per night (plus a $6 reservation fee).
Camping Options:
Elfin Lakes Campground: Tent pads, a cooking shelter, and outhouses are available.
ACC Hut: A rustic cabin with bunks, a kitchen, and a wood stove. Reservations are required and can be made through the Alpine Club of Canada.
We opted to camp, but the hut is a great option if you prefer a roof over your head.
Camp at Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park
Views of Elfin Lakes and the tent pads from Opal Cone, Garibaldi Provincial Park (Telephoto Zoom)
Our Experience
We hiked in on a rainy September afternoon, getting a late start after delaying our departure from Whistler. The weather wasn’t ideal, and I was ready to turn around multiple times, but Matt’s encouragement kept us going. We arrived at Elfin Lakes just before dusk, set up camp in the rain, and cooked dinner in the warming hut.
The next morning, we woke up to a break in the weather and decided to explore Opal Cone. The views of the Mamquam Glacier and Atwell Peak were absolutely stunning, and navigating the cone counter-clockwise was a highlight of the trip.
After our side trip, we packed up camp and hiked back to the trailhead. It was a long day, but the relatively mellow descent made it manageable. Reuniting with Aspen at the end of the trip was the perfect reward.
Gear Recommendations
Here are a few key items we relied on for this trip:
Backpacks: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (Matt) and Osprey Aura AG 55 (me).
Sleeping Bags: Mammut Protect Down - 21C
Cooking System: Jetboil MiniMo.
Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini2 (for messaging and safety).
Camping at Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Provincial Park
I’ve also put together a Backpacking Checklist with a complete list of gear recommendations.
Where to Stay in Whistler Before Your Trip
If you’re driving from Vancouver, spending a night in Whistler can help you get an early start to the trailhead. Here are a few recommendations:
Mid-Range: Aava Whistler Hotel
Why We Love It: Aava offers comfortable, modern rooms and it’s centrally located, making it easy to explore Whistler Village.
Splurge: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (perfect for a little pre-hike luxury).
Why We Love It: This iconic hotel offers luxurious rooms, a world-class spa, and stunning mountain views. Don’t miss the nachos at the Mallard Lounge—they’re legendary!
Backpacking to Elfin Lakes was a transformative experience for us. It pushed us out of our comfort zones, both mentally and physically, and rewarded us with some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever seen. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner looking for an accessible alpine adventure, this trail has something for everyone.
We can’t wait to return and explore more of the area, including Mamquam Lake and the Gargoyles. If you’re planning a trip, don’t hesitate—just book it! And if you’re leaving little ones behind, trust me, the reunion at the end makes it all worth it.
Happy trails!
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