The hike to Garibaldi Lake. This was a difficult one for me, maybe one of the tougher ones I’ve ever accomplished and I’m saying that because I’m not the biggest avid hiker.
I’m more of a moderate hiker and know my limits.
But here at the Rubble Creek Trail , which is the host for accessing popular Garibaldi Lake, it’s an 18 kilometer out and back hike (or as Americans would say - “roundtrip”)…that is a length of 11.5 miles long.
And with that 11.5 miles, it’s all uphill! Everything about the hike is uphill until you eventually arrive at Garibaldi Lake.

So…for all the folks out there who maybe don’t hike much or are newbies, I’d just suggest to be prepared for the long haul. The hike will be long, but don’t complain, pace yourself, take breaks when necessary and before long…you’ll have arrived at Garibaldi Lake!
And one more thing…I’m always motivated to capture worthwhile pictures in nature. And it’s this motivation that I use towards hiking the trails. I’m excited to see what’s out there. I want to capture amazing photos. I want to be able to reflect back on the experience and know I had the most amount of time during the day to accomplish all the sights and landmarks that’ll make for memorable stories.
That’s why I always hike early in the mornings and push myself up the mountainsides knowing the rewards are totally worth it. Plus, the path back down the maintain is obviously always much easier.

Okay so this Rubble Creek Trail to Garibaldi Lake. You must make a reservation 2 days in advance of the day you’d like to visit. Just go to bcparks.ca and sign up for a pass. I also used this website for accessing Joffre Lakes Provincial Park situated in Mount Currie, BC.
And btw…yes, this Garibaldi Lake is located just north of Whistler, British Columbia.

I tell ya, the parks, lakes and hikes here in Lower British Columbia are simply fantastic! There’s a laundry list of things to do. You can always stay occupied. And especially when you speak to locals and they recommend hidden under the radar places that the public eye doesn’t know much of. I thought the Canadian Rockies in Alberta was stunning, but British Columbia nature is just as scenic!

Now…before arriving at Garibaldi Lake, I suggest taking a short little side trek to Barrier Viewpoint for some quick panoramic views. Also along the trail you’ll pass over a short bridge looking up at a waterfall. I didn’t know the name of this waterfall but it’s worthy of a picture.

Now finally arriving at Garibaldi Lake, at first it may not be so scenic (even when the sun is out), but give it a chance. Walk around and explore and you’ll find colorful moments where you’ll capture some green and turquoise blue perspectives. Especially when you’re looking back towards the entrance area of the lake, on my return hike back down was actually some of my most fulfilling pictures of the day. It’s weird, it’s just the angle of the sun can play tricks on you.
Just be patient and the colors and magical moments will evolve!

Now, I tried to walk around the perimeter of Garibaldi Lake but that was not possible. So…I had to relax a little and live in the moment. Some of the best views are simply looking out at the snowcapped mountain peaks. There’s also a glacier set in the distance. Just look close enough and you’ll notice it.

A lot of visitors brought their bathing suits with them. And although the lake is glacially fed and absolutely freezing, people were swimming!
In fact, I even decided to join others and took off my clothes down to my underwear and hopped into the waters. Granted, it was only for 5 minutes, but still, I wanted to have a memorable instance and I wanted to leave no stone unturned!

I’d point out that since the lake is not navigable 360 degrees around, that it sort of took the pressure off me to find the best picture moments. Instead I just snapped the best pics possible and tried to enjoy the setting.

There’s camping allowed here but again you must make reservations for that.
I forgot something…it’s free to make your reservation to visit. Once you get your pass, you’re good for the day and parking is free as well.

Finally, just remember, as you head back towards the entrance of Garibaldi Lake, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the colors shining through from the hiking path. I left the lake around 3pm and all of a sudden the light greens and blues were evident!

Btw, there are decent vault toilets at the lake. They ask you to bring your own toilet paper though.

Overall, Garibaldi Lake was a fun, cool way to spend the day. And I can’t believe I accomplished hiking 18 kilometers. And the path goes throughout the forest and makes for a pretty atmosphere in the woods.

I would still rank Joffre Lakes as my favorite BC attraction, but this Garibaldi Lake has its value and popularity with hikers.

Thanks for coming along on this day journey and cat ya on the next one!

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