Elfin Lakes Trail Information & Review
Elfin lakes – Hiking Trail Information
Trail Details
Elfin Lakes Trail Map
Providing easy access and high alpine, this is a classic and popular BC hike. Accessed from the popular Diamond Head Area, via Mamquam Road, Elfin Lakes is an excellent introduction to Garibaldi’s alpine trails. After trudging through a heavily forested wide-track for the first three kilometres, you’ll reach Red Heather Meadows (less-energetic hikers use this as a turn-around point) and enjoy alpine environments and flatter terrain with some wide-open vistas from here to the backcountry campsite at Elfin Lakes.
If you decide to pack in your camping gear, there are sites where you can stay overnight and turn this day trip into a weekend activity. There’s also a shelter with bunk beds, which is primarily used by snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter.
Mountain bikers and hikers use this trail to access the two lakes: one is safe for swimming, the other safe to drink from. Both are beautiful. The surrounding area offers tent sites in a campground for overnight hikers in the summer. Make sure you reserve your spot online well in advance.
HOW TO GET TO ELFIN LAKES
Elfin Lakes is located near Squamish, north of Vancouver, BC. The trailhead is a parking lot within Garibaldi Provincial Park.
FROM SQUAMISH
Turn east off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam Road, which is 4 km north of downtown Squamish. Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf and Country Club. Turn onto Highland Way South and turn east at the roundabout. Drive past Quest University. Turn onto Mamquam Road and follow it onto Garibaldi Park Road. Park in the parking lot and begin your hike.
View a map of driving directions to Elfin Lakes.
Additional Info
CAMPING AT ELFIN LAKES
There are 35 campsites available at Elfin Lakes. Spots tend to fill up quick, so reserve a spot online here.
DOGS AT ELFIN LAKES
Dogs are not permitted in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
TOILETS AT ELFIN LAKES
Pit toilets are available at Red Heather and Elfin Lakes Campground.
Contributors to This Trail Guide
Image by Alison Karlene Hodgins
