Elfin Lakes

  AWD HI YES

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐

Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mileage: 13 mi

Region: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Elev. Gain: 2,667 ft

When to Go: Jun—Oct

Avg. Time: 5 hr

Parking: Large unpaved lot

Type: Out + Back

Pass: None

AllTrails: Route

Trailhead Coordinates:

49.750149, -123.053767

Know Before You Go:

  • During peak season (Jun-Sep) you will need to reserve a free day use pass at bcpark.ca. These are available two days in advance of your chosen day and sell out quickly so plan ahead. Park employees do patrol the trail and ask for proof.

  • If you have an overnight camping reservation a day-use pass is not needed.

  • Even with the pass system the parking lot fills up quickly so arrive early to claim a spot.

  • Unfortunately no dogs are allowed.

  • The area around the lakes is very buggy so bring face nets, bug spray, bug jackets, anything you can.

  • The lakes make an excellent place for a swim to cool down on hot days.

  • Once you make it up the initial climb to the ridge line you'll get 360 mountain views all the way to the lake on a clear day.

  • Camping at the lakes makes an excellent jumping off point for some of the longer hikes in the area.

  • This trail is a popular mountain bike route so be alert and share the trail.