Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park
The Elfin Lakes Trail is very well marked and maintained and leads to the wonderful, Elfin Lakes Hut. This amazing hut sleeps 33 and is solar powered and propane heated. There is a charge of $15/person(payable at the trailhead or online here) to stay the night there which is a small price to pay for the beautiful comfort after the long, 11 kilometre snowshoe hike to get there. This area is very popular with skiers as well as snowshoers in the winter and deep snow covers the trail usually from November to June.
Expect to take four hours to reach the Elfin Lakes Hut as you are almost constantly ascending a gradual, though consistently uphill trail. There are several jaw-dropping views along this final 6k stretch. This trail is so well marked with orange poles and tree markers that you can reliably find your way after dark or before sunrise with good lights to assist you. You often see, with some shock, skiers trudging up the trail, not far from the trailhead after the sun has set. Making their way to the Elfin Lakes Hut in the dead of night seems to be a pastime of quite a few local skiers and boarders. As this trail is within Garibaldi Park, dogs are not allowed. This is a courtesy to all the animals that inhabit the park and the potential disturbance that dogs my introduce to their environment. BC Parks staff can issue fines for dogs in the park. Though it is rare, it does happen as Elfin Lakes is regularly staffed with rangers and even has a separate ranger station near the Elfin Lakes Hut. Getting to the trailhead can be difficult during periods of heavy snow. The gravel road runs deep and high into the mountains to the trailhead parking lot. You should be prepared with tire chains and may have to walk from the lower parking lot below the main, usually deep with snow trailhead parking lot. The Elfin Lakes Trail - Details & Map
In the winter months you have to be prepared for snow on the road and several signs will indicate chains must be carried. You may be able to drive to the trailhead, then return from your hike a day or two later to a metre of snow on the access road. You will get little sympathy from road crews if you find yourself stranded due to poor planning. There is another parking lot before the main parking lot at the trailhead. It is located before the last steep and if snow covered, potentially dangerous final section of road. If you are worried about driving on steep, snowy sections of road, be sure to park at this lower area. Mamquam Road becomes Garibaldi Park Road as you continue ascending ever steeper to the trailhead parking area. At the parking area you will find a nice information board and an outhouse. Parking is free at all BC Parks, however there is a charge for overnight parking in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Camping fees are $10 per person, per night for adults and $5 per child per night(6-15 years old). If you stay in the Elfin Lakes Hut the cost is $15 per person per night, or $35 per family per night(children under 6 are free). You can buy your camping permit online here.
The fact that there is a shelter after only 5 kilometres indicates that the 11k distance to the lakes is a bit of a journey. The Red Heather Shelter at 5k is for some, a destination on its own. An unexpectedly idyllic little hut that for much of the year is consumed by snow. The roof is often a metre deep with snow and unable to slide off, builds up around the edges, making the hut often invisible from the side. Getting in the front entrance usually requires an abruptly steep slope down to the door. The back door has an adjacent window that glows a beautiful blue from the wall of icy snow that often buries the back door.
The walls are lined with clothing hooks indicating that this shelter sees a lot of traffic. For the most part however, you will find the hut deserted. Occasionally in the evening you will find a couple drinking wine by the fire, enjoying this rustic paradise. If you are lucky enough to be here on a clear night, the stars will shine like diamonds this far from the bright lights of civilisation.
If you are not well prepared, however, you may easily stray from the trail and get dangerously lost. From the trailhead to the Red Heather Hut is hard to stray from, even after dark, however, the Red Heather The section of trail from the Red Heather Hut to Elfin Lakes is considerably more scenic than the first 5 kilometres of the trail. Much of the route is along Paul Ridge which gives you sweeping views both left and right of endless snowy mountains. If you hike it during a full moon, the mountains light up all around you in a surreal world trapped between day and night. The serenity and vastness of this part of the world are magnificent. Eventually after a long and sensationally beautiful 11 kilometres, the Elfin Lakes Hut comes into view. Just like the Red Heather Hut, almost entirely buried in snow much of the year, you have to slide down an icy slope to reach the front door. Once inside the warmth hits you. A large furnace blasts out heat and after your eyes adjust to the inky darkness, you can't help but be surprised how huge the hut is inside. From the outside, buried in snow it looks tiny. On the inside you find two floors complete with kitchen, lots of seating areas and tables... and bunk beds to accommodate 33 people! History of Elfin Lakes
Elfin Lakes has been a popular destination for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing for almost a century. In the 1930's Ottar and Emil Brandvold immigrated to Canada from The Elfin Lakes Hut
Trailhead & Parking Directions Map
Camping & Bivouacking at Elfin Lakes
Facilities at Elfin Lakes
Restrictions at Elfin Lakes
Wildlife at Elfin Lakes
More Whistler Area Snowshoe Trails
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