Elfin Lakes Hikes: Squamish Winter Hiking Trail Spotlight

• Hike: June – October
• Snowshoe, Ski, Splitboard: Nov – May
• Snowshoe rentals: Valhalla Pure
• Gain: 600m in 11 km
• Time: 6- 8 hours for 22km round trip

Elfin Lakes  is a local favourite hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and snowshoe trail located in Garibaldi Provincial Park just outside of Squamish, B.C.  This popular camping spot in the summer, turns into a winter wonderland for backcountry enthusiasts in the winter. The parking lot is only a short drive from downtown Squamish, be sure to leave your pets at home as the provincial park has a strict no domesticated animal policy.

Parking to Red Heather Meadows- 5 KM

The trailhead starts just past the yellow gate and is a wide gradual uphill trail. One hour of hiking (backcountry skiing or snowshoeing) for 5 km will bring you to Red Heather Meadows. The shelter is the perfect place to take a lunch break and warm up before heading into the alpine.

Red Heather Hut:

Small day/warming hut with free wood to use. Overnight stays are for emergencies only.

The Elfin Lakes Hiking Trail – From Red Heather 5m – 11km

The trail from the Red Heather Hut is a narrow hiking trail for approximately 1 km before it reconnects with the original wider trail. After the first kilometer, most of your elevation gain will have been completed, with the hike along Pauls Ridge, being relatively flat with stunning vistas in every direction. 6 kilometers along this trail will bring you to the Elfin Lakes Hut & Campground. This section of the trail can take up to 4 hours via Snowshoe, as there are many peaks and valleys, with a consistent amount of elevation gain.

The Elfin Lakes Hut

This is a must-visit hut on your backcountry hut list this winter. An overnight stay allows access to many more great areas like the gargoyles, little diamond head, and Opal Cone.

The solar-powered hut is heated, with enough beds to sleeping for 33 people. This tends to fill up on the weekends and is on a first come first serve for beds, so bring a backup tent for weekends and holidays.

Elfin Lakes Hut & Camping Pre Pay & Book Online:

Please note that although you can pre-pay by clicking here, the hut is on a first come first serve basis

Driving Directions:

From Vancouver drive north on Highway 99 to Mamquam Road ( Canadian Tire intersection ) Turn right and follow this road to quest university and stay right. This dirt road will take you all the way to the parking lot and trailhead

Please be aware that the access road is not maintained or plowed in the winter, winter tires and snow chains are a must. Also, be prepared for self-rescue when entering any backcountry trails.

Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Park is a great hiking & Biking destination for year-round exploring and camping.