Just Another Mountain

Trail Stats

Distance: 22 KM (out-and-back)

Elevation: 821m

Time: 5-6 hours

Last weekend, I was fortunate enough to visit Elfin Lakes, located in Garibaldi Provincial Park and it surpassed my already high expectations. Undoubtedly, my new favourite hike in BC and also places high on my list of the best views I’ve seen. This hike is sooo close to Vancouver it just amazes me that I live somewhere that has such easy access to such surreal landscapes.

The road to the trailhead

Located just 16km off Highway 99, Elfin Lakes is a popular trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. Driving down Mamquam Road, you’ll reach Garibaldi Park Road where you’ll eventually land at Diamond Head parking lot, at 914m elevation. The forest service road is very well maintained, but in the winter time (Oct-May) chains are mandatory. It’s a popular trail in the winter as you are able to stay in the Elfin Hut at the top, but of course you need to be prepared and cautious as this is a high avalanche zone.

The trail is 11km in length so very doable as a day hike, but I highly recommend camping to make the most of your time there. You need to book a camping spot four months in advance on the BC Parks website, or you could also book a bed in the Elfin Hut which is what we did. There were four of us trying to get a spot and only one person was successful, so you really need to be on it!

The Elfin Hut

There are 35 tent platforms and the shelter sleeps 33 people – the bunks fit two people on the bottom and one on top. The top bunk was more narrow than a regular single bed, and they are also under 6 foot in length as the boys were not able to fully stretch out 🤣 The hut is user-maintained and has four picnic tables inside, two wash sinks, solar powered lights, pit toilets, four propane burners and a propane heater. It costs $15 each and although it was nice to experience, I would definitely choose tent camping next time. I barely slept due to the heat and the noise of other people, so if you do choose the hut you NEED earplugs.

Trail details

The trail begins with a very gradual incline on a sheltered forest road. 5km from the parking lot, you’ll come across the Red Heather hut which is a day-use shelter and a pit toilet. Here, the trail splits for bikers and hikers. Following the signs, go left where it gets steeper for a bit. You’ll catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountains through the trees and eventually, you’ll climb out of the forest where the trail opens up onto a wide ridge and from here to Elfin, the landscape is unbelievable. It really is the hike that keeps on giving. I stopped to take pictures every few minutes because the view just seemed to keep getting better and better!

The hike was nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning views that accompanied us for most of the journey. Towering navy snow-capped peaks framed the landscape, while a striking mix of terrain unfolded before us: the earthy brown rolling hills, the rugged grey spires rocky mountains, and the unforgettable sight of Diamond Head. Its unique blend of pink, yellow, and grey stone stood out against a sweeping alpine meadow, lush with vibrant green fir trees.

The Lake

The sight of the lake was glorious after walking in 30 degree heat! The first lake you see is for swimming and the one next to it is for drinking water only. There is a day shelter near the tent platforms along with a map of the surrounding area, bear cache and several picnic benches. We spent the evening swimming and chilling at the lake, the water was pretty cold but so refreshing.

Catching the sunset was beautiful because on one side, the sky was orangey/yellow as the sun slowly lowered behind the trees, and on the other side the fading light made the snowy mountains look purple against a pale blue sky. And then, the stars!!! I am always amazed by the sky when we camp just since living in a city I never see stars anymore. We saw some shooting stars as we sat on the porch outside the hut.

The next day, we hiked to The Saddle and summitted The Gargoyles peak (check out my other post for trail details) before cooling down with a final dip and then trekking back down. The trail back was made better when I spotted four grouse chilling in the bushes and then three bear cubs and mama bear! I spotted one cub who ran out and crossed from one side of the trail to the other, and I didn’t know what it was until another cub appeared and the other trotted back and they were adorably playing with each other as the third cub and mama made an appearance! This was my first time seeing bears on a trail, FINALLY after nearly two and a half years in Canada 😅 It was the perfect way to top off an already perfect weekend!