Winter Trail Guide: Elfin Lakes

Any snowshoers or ski tourers in Vancouver will likely be familiar with the Elfin Lakes trail. This is a personal favorite for many because of its fairly easy terrain and spectacular views.

The trail is 11km, and will take around 4-5 hours, each way (with great variability depending on conditions). The total elevation gain is 600m, and the peak is 1560m. There are spectacular views of mountain peaks along the way to the summit as you trek along Paul Ridge. The first 5km of the trail are a steady uphill climb. At the 5km mark, you can stop at the Red Heather Shelter to eat, rest, and warm up using the wood furnace before pushing the final 6km. Many people day trip here, and enjoy some backcountry snowboarding and skiing on Paul Ridge.

Pushing on, the next 6km provide some steeper sections, but also some flat/ downhill relief. Follow the orange guiding poles and enjoy the views (provided you have decent weather), until you finally reach the Elfin hut.

This trek is usually an over-nighter, but you are saved form hauling your tent as there is a cabin that sleeps about 30 at the peak, and has cooking and heating ($10/ night). Be forewarned, however, that the cabin can get packed, and you may have to resort to sleeping on the floor. I would also recommend bringing earplugs, as it can get pretty loud when you are trying to sleep if there are night owls/ and or the inevitable snorers.

To get to the trail, take Highway 99 just North of Squamish. After you pass the intersection for downtown Squamish, exit at the BC Parks sign for Garibaldi Park (aka Mamquam Road, right before the Canadian Tire). The road will steepen and you will pass a new college. Follow the sign for Diamond Head – Garibaldi Park. Follow the logging road to the parking lot. Depending on time of year/conditions, you may need chains, and the road isn’t always plowed.