We decided to tackle this trail the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend. The weather was cloudy with some sunny spots. We had read that the lake is quite busy and to arrive early if you want to get a parking spot. We arrived at 8am and had no issue parking our vehicle. We could tell it was going to be a busy day at the trail due to the long line up to use the two outhouses.
At the start of the trail were two BC Parks personnel keeping track of the number of people on the trail, reminding people to pack out what they pack in and confirming that campers had the required permits.
Although there were several hikers, it didn’t feel like the trail was busy as there was plenty of distance between the hikers in front of us and behind us. We couldn’t see or hear them, so it felt as if we had the trail to ourselves. We only noticed the other hikers when it came time to passing them or them passing us.
The trail is not rugged by any means and I’d describe it more of a hiking path with numerous switchbacks that takes you up hill for most of the trail. It is also wide enough for two people to easily pass each other but narrows as you get closer to the lake. It was dry and there was no need for insect repellent.
The outhouse at the Taylor Meadows junction was disgusting – not sure why people feel they should throw their used toilet paper all over the floor – but it was nasty. All the other outhouses at Garibaldi were decent.
We continued our hike and as we approached the lake the number of people increased but no where near the numbers I had expected to see. Although it was cloudy, the blue colour of the lake is breath taking and the view of the glacier is the distance is spectacular. This alone made the hike worth it. We found a spot on the beach and had some snacks.
We made our way back to the parking lot but managed to stop at the Barrier lookout on the way back down. Would recommend you take the time to go to this lookout.
It took us 4hrs and 40min to complete this hike. Due to the distance and ongoing incline to get to the lake, I would not recommend this hike for anyone who is inactive. If you want to get away from it all for some solitude, this is not the trail for you. However, when you get to the lake it is beautiful and understandably this is why it is so busy. We would like to go back and camp at Garibaldi during the weekday where, I suspect, it may be less busy.