Bus to Garibaldi Provincial Park from Vancouver
World-Class Alpine Hiking, No Car Required
Garibaldi Lake is held in place by a wall of lava. About 9,000 years ago, eruptions from Clinker Peak sent molten rock flowing into the valley, where it hardened into a dam over 300 metres thick. The glacier behind it melted. The meltwater pooled. And now, at nearly 1,500 metres above sea level, one of the most striking alpine lakes in North America sits in a basin ringed by volcanic peaks, glaciers, and subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in late summer.
The water is turquoise. The real, photograph-ruining, "no one will believe you didn't edit this" kind of turquoise. Glacial flour from the Sphinx and Sentinel glaciers stays suspended in the water and scatters sunlight back in wavelengths that look fake. They're not.
The park is only 90 minutes north of Vancouver. But without a car, getting to the Rubble Creek trailhead has always been a problem. There's no public transit. The trailhead sits several kilometres off Highway 99 down a road no bus runs. BC Parks also requires a free day-use pass during peak season, and those passes disappear within minutes of release.
Parkbus picks you up in downtown Vancouver at 1025 Dunsmuir Street and drops you directly at the Rubble Creek trailhead on a coach-style bus with air conditioning and an onboard bathroom. Your day-use pass is included with your ticket. No scrambling for permits. No fighting for a parking spot. No navigating mountain highways.
We handle the driving, the parking, and the permits. You handle the hiking. Every busload of hikers means roughly 40 fewer cars on the narrow access road and in an already overflowing parking lot. Less congestion, fewer emissions on the Sea-to-Sky, and a little less pressure on a sensitive alpine ecosystem. It's a small thing, and it adds up.
What's Waiting for You
The hike from Rubble Creek to Garibaldi Lake is 18 km round trip with about 900 metres of elevation gain. It is not easy. But the payoff is enormous.
- Six kilometres of switchbacks through old-growth forest. Steep and relentless, but shaded by towering western red cedar and hemlock. Think of it as the price of admission.
- The Barrier viewpoint. A 300-metre-thick lava dam that holds back the entire lake system. You can hear boulders still peeling away from the cliff face. It's geology happening in real time.
- Garibaldi Lake. The first glimpse of turquoise through the trees is the moment your legs stop complaining. The lake is 250 metres deep, fed by glaciers you can see from the shore, and ringed by snow-capped volcanic peaks including the Black Tusk, a 2,319-metre spire of dark rock that is the eroded core of a million-year-old volcano.
- Taylor Meadows (via the left fork). An alternate route through alpine wildflower meadows with the Black Tusk looming directly ahead. One of the most photographed viewpoints in BC.
- The swim you'll debate for about ten minutes. The water is glacier-fed and, honestly, painfully cold. But plenty of hikers do it. Bragging rights last all winter.
You'll have approximately 9.5 hours in the park before the return bus. That's enough time for fit hikers to complete the trail at a comfortable pace with time for lunch at the lake and a long look around.
A Note on Difficulty
This needs to be said plainly: the hike to Garibaldi Lake is challenging. It is 18 km round trip with continuous uphill for the first half. The average hiker takes 5 to 7 hours. You need proper hiking boots, plenty of water and food (there is nowhere to buy either in the park), and layers for changing mountain weather. There is no cell reception on the trail. This is genuine backcountry. Come prepared and it will be one of the best days you've had outdoors.
Tickets
- Regular: $95.00
- Student: $86.00
- Child (12 and under): $48.00
- Senior (60+): $86.00
Pickup Locations
1
Rubble Creek Trailhead
Rubble Creek parking lot is the trailhead for Garibladi Lake, Panorama Ridge and Black Tusk.
Estimated arrival
9:00 AM
Departure
6:30 PM
Is this a guided trip?
Not this one. This is transportation only. Parkbus drops you off at the Rubble Creek trailhead and picks you up at the end of the day. Once you're in the park, you are responsible for your own safety, navigation, food, and water. There are no guides and no group leader. Familiarize yourself with the route and basic backcountry safety before you go.
What kind of bus is it?A
full-sized coach bus with air conditioning, a washroom, and plenty of storage for your gear. The ride is about 90 minutes each way.
Where does the bus pick up?
1025 Dunsmuir Street in downtown Vancouver, adjacent to the Bank of China and near Burrard SkyTrain Station.
How long do I have in the park?
Approximately 9.5 hours. That's enough for most fit hikers to complete the 18 km round trip with time for lunch and photos, but budget your time carefully.
Do I need a BC Parks day-use pass?
No. Day-use reservation is not required for Parkbus passengers. Your pass is included with your ticket.
How difficult is the hike?
This is the most challenging destination Parkbus offers. The trail is 18 km round trip with 900 metres of continuous elevation gain. It can take over 10 hours to complete. The first 6 km is a series of steep uphill switchbacks. The descent is equally demanding on your knees. Be honest about your abilities. If you are not in great physical shape, this hike is not the right fit.
What should I bring?
Sturdy hiking boots (not running shoes or sandals), at least 2 to 3 litres of water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, a rain jacket, warm layers, and a fully charged phone with an offline trail map downloaded. Trekking poles, a first aid kit, and bear spray are recommended.
Can I buy food or water in the park?
No. There are no services of any kind. Bring everything you need.
Is there cell reception?
Some reception may be available at the trailhead. On the trail and at the lake, expect none. Tell someone your plans before you go.
What if I can't complete the full hike?
Assess your abilities before you start. You need to be back at the Rubble Creek parking lot when the bus departs. If you're not sure you can make the full 18 km, hike partway and turn back with plenty of time to spare. The forest section and Barrier viewpoint are rewarding on their own. The bus will not wait.
What if I miss the bus back?
Howe Sound Taxi Service at (604) 898-8888 is the closest taxi operator. Plan ahead so you don't need them.
What about safety hazards?
This is remote backcountry wilderness. You may encounter snowy conditions, poor visibility, wildlife (including bears), and steep, dangerous cliffs, especially if you wander off trail. Mountain weather changes quickly and can include snow at any time of year. Stay on marked trails, carry bear spray, and be prepared for conditions to shift.
Can I hike to Panorama Ridge?
Panorama Ridge is 29 km round trip with 1,500 metres of elevation gain and typically takes 10 to 12 hours. It would be extremely tight with the bus schedule. We recommend sticking to Garibaldi Lake for this day trip.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
What about wildlife?
You may encounter black bears and hoary marmots. Store your food properly, don't leave packs unattended (marmots will absolutely investigate), and carry bear spray. Make noise on the trail.
When is the best time to go?
The alpine is typically snow-free from late July through September. Late summer offers the best combination of clear trails, warm weather, and wildflowers. September and October bring fewer crowds but cooler temperatures and shorter days.
How much do tickets cost?
Regular: $95 | Student: $86 | Child (12 and under): $48 | Senior (60+): $86. Round-trip transportation including your BC Parks day-use pass.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Only if you're in strong physical condition. If your longest hike to date is a flat 5 km seawall walk, this is a very big jump. The trail is relentless uphill for the first half and hard on your body coming down. Be honest with yourself. If you're unsure, start with one of our other destinations that offer easy and moderate trail options.
What makes taking the bus better than driving?
No parking stress (the lot fills early on summer weekends), no day-use pass hassle, no navigating the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and a lower carbon footprint. You also get to nap on the way home instead of driving tired after a 7-plus-hour hike. That last one is a significant perk.
