Garibaldi Lake in a Day Pack

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What I did

Left the trailhead at 6am to beat the crowds. The switchbacks in the first 4km are the hardest part — after that it flattens out.

What I'd do differently

Started too late in the season for the wildflowers. Go early July, not August.

Travel tips

Parking fills up by 8am on weekends. Bring bear spray, cell service dies after the first km.

Budget breakdown

Gas: $25 round trip from the city. Parking: free. Total: $40 including snacks.

Best photo spots

The lookout right before the final descent to the lake — best light is morning.

Fitness/discipline lesson

This is a good gut check for cardio base before bigger trips — if this feels hard, scale back the next one.

Final recommendation

Worth it, go on a weekday if you can.