Garibaldi Wilderness Traverse

2025 dates will be added soon.

Please contact our office at info@themountainschool.com, or by phone at 1-888-892-2266 to receive updates and more information on this program!

This is the ultimate multi-day backpacking adventure from Whistler to Squamish, through the alpine and sub-alpine wilderness of Garibaldi Park!

Starting at the Cheakamus River near Whistler, BC, you will ascend through ancient coastal old-growth forests on the first day, spending the remainder of the 7-day trek in the alpine and sub-alpine wilderness of this majestic 195,000 hectare park before finishing in Squamish, BC.

Throughout the trip you will be in the company of one of the top Guides in Canada, Dave Sarkany. A veteran of countless expeditions through the Coast Mountains, Dave has a wealth of experience with decades of hiking, ski touring climbing, and kayaking. This traverse is one of his favorites and he will keep you in awe with his knowledge of the region and his tales of adventures in the mountains as he safely guides you through this amazing landscape.

Unique to our Garibaldi Wilderness Hiking trip is our porter support to help keep pack weights manageable. You will start the 7-day traverse with only 4 days of food; on the 4th day of the traverse, our support staff will meet you with the food and supplies for the remaining 3 days! During the pre-trip preparation stage, you will pack out your food for the trip in 2 portions, and leave one sealed and pre-packaged 3-day supply of food with Canada West Mountain School. We will have our porters bring your food for the 2nd half of the trip up to a supply transfer location on the morning of day-4, so you do not have to carry all your food and fuel for the complete trip.

• Day-1: You will start the trip with a morning meeting in Whistler with the team and your Guide, Dave Sarkany. After a review of the trip, gear check, and conditions update, you will head out to the trailhead near the Cheakamus River. The adventure starts with a hike along the river in amazing ancient rain forests of towering old-growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar trees, before crossing the Cheakamus River and ascending to Helm Creek Meadows. This sub-alpine zone underneath the impressive Black Tusk will be the site of your first camp.
• Day-2: After a great breakfast, your team starts the day travelling on easier trails before venturing off the main trail and into the true backcountry wilderness of this amazing region, striking out towards the glaciers and alpine zone of Castle Towers. You will camp this night above treeline on the ridge crest, soaking in the breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains.
• Day-3: Everyone gets a break from carrying big packs today! A day trip to Castle Towers and Polemonium Ridge will have you skirting the edge of glaciers, scrambling to the tops of peaks, and exploring areas that only a few people ever manage to visit. Your evening is spent back at the same camp, so you can extend your day to make the most of the experience.
• Day-4: Up early and heading out towards the jewel of the park, Garibaldi Lake. After hiking through meadows and over ridges, you will establish your 3rd camp of the trip on the shores of this truly majestic lake. The turquoise blue waters are enticing from every viewpoint, and the chance for a quick dip in the lake is welcomed at the end of your day. Also, this is our re-supply camp so you get to enjoy some fresh food and treats for dinner!
• Day-5: Continuing south on the traverse, you will strike out past Mount Price and Clinker Peaks, the source of the massive lava flows that define the fascinating geography of this area, before dropping down to camp at the toe of the Warren Glacier on the north side of Mount Garibaldi.
• Day-6: Ascending up the side of the Warren Glacier, keeping a lookout for resident goats along the way, will bring you to the top of Brohm Ridge where it joins the impressively steep and chaotic north face of Garibaldi. After a welcome break enjoying the new views down to Howe Sound and Squamish 2,000 meters below, you will start the descent along the ridge enjoying the 360 degree views the whole way. the last camp of the trip is on the western edge of Brohm Ridge, among idyllic sub-alpine heather meadows.
• Day-7: One final morning enjoying the mountain views, fresh air, and quiet surroundings, and then you will start the final hike down below treeline to meet the shuttle back to civilization.

Gear List for the Garibaldi Wilderness Traverse (note that the gear list will open as a PDF file in another window)

• Garibaldi Wilderness Traverse Gear List

In addition to the general guidance provided by this Backpacking Gear List, there will be a detailed package of pre-trip planning materials sent out to each participant in advance of the trip with comprehensive advice on how to plan and pack for the Garibaldi Wilderness traverse. Trip planning will take place by email, Live Zoom session, and phone calls in advance as well, providing ample time and opportunity to ensure everyone is properly prepared.

Waiver & Medical Disclosure

Complete the required Waiver and Medical disclosure form in advance of your program. Click on the link and navigate to the specific program and date that you are registered for:
• Canada West Mountain School Waiver and Medical disclosure form

Cancellation & Transfer policy

Review the CWMS cancelation and transfer policy:
• Canada West Mountain School Refund/transfer Policy