Exploring Scenic Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
Singing Pass, Wedgemount and Cheakamas Lakes
Sep 16, 2008
Almost 200,000 hectares of Coast Mountains make up this wondrous wilderness, where the scenic glacial mountains, the spectacular wildlife and the strenuous outdoor activity are just the beginning. From a quick morning stroll to a weekend camping adventure, this part of Garibaldi Park has the perfect hike.
There are five major sections to Garibaldi Provincial Park: Diamond Head, Black Tusk, Wedgemount Lake, Singing Pass and Cheakamus Lake. This article will focus on the three latter areas. For a more detailed look at the other hikes in the area, which also offer various trails and camping grounds, be sure to check out “A Rough Guide to Garibaldi Provincial Park: Diamond Head” and “A Rough Guide to Garibaldi Provincial Park: Black Tusk and Surrounding.”
Wedgemount Lake
This section of the park is located in between Whistler and Pemberton on Highway 99. Drive 11.5 kilometres north of Whistler and take the well-marked turnoff just after Green River. The parking lot is two kilometres in from the highway.
Wedgemount Lake is wedged between Wedgemount and Armchair glaciers and is home to Wedge Mountain, the highest peak in the park, standing at 2891 meters. This moderately difficult hike is seven kilometres one way with camping at the top. Allow four hours one way and expect a 1,200 meter elevation change. The trail is well marked, yet steep and slippery at some parts, so tread with caution. The upper part of the trail features a beautiful waterfall and a postcard-worthy sight of Wedgemount Lake and the surrounding glaciers.
Singing Pass
The back route to Whistler Mountain, Singing Pass weaves through more than 30 kilometres of vast mountain ranges and ends up at the Peak of Whistler Blackcomb, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Access to this section of the parking lot has been cut off; however, parking in Whistler Village is permitted and it is only a four kilometre hike to the trail head.
Although the trails in this area are well marked, it is a good idea to get a trail map from the Visitors’ Centre when hiking, as the mountains are immense and the trails abundant.
It will take approximately three hours to hike the 11.5 kilometres from Whistler Village to Singing Pass. Beginning at the Whistler Village Bus Loop, follow the Whistler Mountain Access Road for 500 meters. Turn left at old Singing Pass Road, which will take you six kilometres along Fitzsimmons Creek. The trail weaves through Melody Creek to Singing Pass all the while following the Fitzsimmons Mountain Range. It is at the top of Singing Pass and the top of the Whistler Mountain Gondola.
Cheakamas Lake
To get to this section of Garibaldi Park, take Highway 99, 48 kilometres north of Squamish, on the way to Whistler. The turn-off is an old logging road which weaves through the bushes for 8.5 kilometres until you reach the parking lot.
For those hikers not interested in spending their entire day trekking along glacier ranges, this three kilometre trail to Cheakamus Lake may be more their style. The forested walk cruises along old growth to glacier-fed Cheakamas Lake. Be sure to bring a camera and a picnic lunch.
Remember it is a Provincial Park. This means there are some costs all hikers must adhere to including a $3.00 parking fee and a $ 5.00 camping fee per night. Respect the Parks and keep British Columbia beautiful.
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