Elfin Lakes Campsite – Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC

Elfin Lakes Campsite is one of the most popular backcountry campgrounds in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Sitting in an open subalpine meadow just above treeline, the site offers incredible 360° views of the surrounding peaks and glacier fields, complemented by a well‑maintained shelter and tent platforms. It’s a perfect base for day‑hiking nearby peaks like Atwell Peak, Opal Cone, or Mamquam Lake. 📸 The best photo spots are on the tent platforms or around the shelter at dawn or dusk, with mountain reflections in the lakes.

Distance & Elevation

• Trail length: ~22 km round‑trip (Diamond Head parking → Red Heather → Elfin Lakes)

• Elevation gain: ~600–820 m

• Route type: Out & back

Trailhead & Route:
Start at Diamond Head Trailhead off Mamquam Road. Hike the old gravel service road past Red Heather Meadows and shelter, then up Paul Ridge to the ledge above Elfin Lakes. The trail has both forested and open alpine sections, with a short descent to the campsite near the twin lakes.

Campsite & Shelter:

• Tent platforms: ~35 raised wooden pads surrounding the shelter.

• Elfin Lakes Shelter: wood‑fired, year‑round heated hut with bunks (~33), used heavily in winter.

• Facilities: pit toilets, bear cache, day‑use shelter. No campfires allowed.

Permits & Reservations:

• Backcountry camping permit required; sleeps limited via tent pads and shelter.

• Reserve through BC Parks reservation system:
  https://camping.bcparks.ca → select “Garibaldi Provincial Park”, then “Elfin Lakes Campsite/Shelter” .

Day‑Use Vehicle Pass:

• Required at Diamond Head lot Fridays through Mondays and holidays, June 13–Oct 13.

• Reserve two days in advance via BC Parks.

Season & Timing:

• Best Season: mid‑July to early October (snow‑free camping, wildflowers in July).

• Winter shelter open year‑round but snowy access requires snowshoes; shelter must be reserved.

• Early summer may have snow and wet patches; micro‑spikes/mud gear recommended.

Gear Essentials:

• Full camping kit: shelter, sleeping bag/pad, cooking gear, water filter (no potable sources).

• Warm layers and bug protection—campsite is exposed.

• Trekking poles help on steeper uplands.

• Map/GPS for detours toward Opal Cone or Atwell Peak.

AllTrails Link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/red-heather-meadows-to-elfin-lakes