Here you’ll find all the info you need to help plan your next favorite adventure hiking the iconic Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia.
If you’ve ever researched the best hiking trails in British Columbia, chances are you’ve come across photos or articles about Panorama Ridge. Aptly named, this iconic trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, and Helm Lake. Widely regarded as a quintessential BC hiking experience, I finally had the chance to see it for myself in August 2023—and now I understand why.
I first came across a photo of Panorama Ridge in 2015, and it instantly earned a spot on my “must-do” hiking list. Year after year, I kept adding it back to my list, but it took me eight years to finally tackle the trail. The main reason? The sheer effort it demands. Reaching Panorama Ridge is no small feat—it’s roughly a 30 km out-and-back journey with over 1,600 meters of elevation gain. Even as an experienced hiker, the thought of completing such an intense trek in a single day felt daunting (and, to be honest, not particularly enjoyable).
How to Hike Panorama Ridge
- Distance: 28.2 km (17.5 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 1612 m (5288 ft)
- Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
While plenty of reviews, social media posts, and blogs boast about completing this 30 km trek in a single day, I wouldn’t recommend experiencing Panorama Ridge that way. For starters, you’ll be utterly exhausted, and if you’re driving to and from Vancouver on the same day, you’re looking at a grueling 20+ hours of travel and trekking. Plus, you’ll be so pressed for time that you’ll miss out on fully enjoying the stunning beauty of Garibaldi Lake and Taylor Meadows along the way.
Instead, I recommend making a full weekend trip out of it to fully immerse yourself in this bucket-list experience. Here’s my suggested breakdown for the best way to hike Panorama Ridge.
Trip Tips
- Reservations: To hike Panorama Ridge, you’ll need a reservation for either Day Use entry or overnight camping in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
- Day Use: From June to September, visitors must have a Day Use pass to enter the park unless they hold a valid overnight camping reservation. Day Use passes can be reserved online starting two days before your visit at 7:00 AM PST.
- Overnight Camping: Backpacking campground reservations in Garibaldi Provincial Park open as early as four months before your planned arrival. For example, if you plan to camp on August 5, you can make your reservation starting April 5 at 7:00 AM PST. Reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book as soon as they become available.
- What to Pack: For day hikers, you’ll want to be well equipped with all day hiking essentials. For those backpacking, you’ll want to ensure you have all the gear you need to safely, and comfortably, enjoy a few nights in the backcountry.
- When to Go: The best time to hike Panorama Ridge is from late summer to early fall, when the trails are clear, and the views are absolutely stunning.
Safety Tip:
- While Panorama Ridge is a popular and well-marked trail, remember that you’re venturing into backcountry terrain. This intermediate-level hike includes some scrambling near the summit, so ensure you’re well-prepared with proper gear, supplies, and planning.
Being a Responsible Hiker:
You must be prepared to pack out everything you pack in, as there are no garbage bins or waste facilities on the trail or at the campgrounds. Toilets are to be used for toilet paper and personal waste only. Responsible waste management is essential to keeping the trails clean and protecting wildlife.
Day 1 – Trailhead to Taylor Meadows
- Distance: 13.8 km (8.6 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 925 m (3034 ft)
- Where to Camp: Taylor Meadows Campground
Your adventure kicks off at the Rubble Creek parking lot, just 30 kilometers north of downtown Squamish. From here, the trail wastes no time as it begins with an immediate uphill climb through a dense, shaded forest on the way to Taylor Meadows Campground. The views along this stretch are mostly of the towering trees above, offering a peaceful ambiance but little to distract you from the steady ascent. While the trail isn’t overly technical, the endless switchbacks will leave you breathing heavily—especially with an overnight pack in tow.
Taylor Meadows Campground is one of two popular options for an overnight stay on the way to Panorama Ridge. Although it’s the quieter of the two, don’t expect solitude on a summer weekend—on a Friday in mid-August, every campsite was taken. The campground is well-equipped with pit toilets, an eating shelter, and a nearby stream, which serves as a reliable water source (be sure to bring a filtration system!).
Day 2 – Taylor Meadows to Panorama Ridge to Garibaldi Lake
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Elevation Gain: 1520 m (4986 ft)
- Where to Camp: Garibaldi Lake Campground
Departing the Taylor Meadows Campground on Day 2, you’ll begin the big adventure day and your ascent to Panorama Ridge. Before heading straight for the summit, I highly recommend a quick detour to the Garibaldi Lake Campground. Use this opportunity to drop off your camping gear—tent, sleeping bags, and other overnight essentials—and secure a campsite before the afternoon rush.
While this adds a few extra steps to your journey, it lightens your load significantly, which you’ll appreciate during the steep climb ahead. Plus, with Garibaldi Lake Campground frequently at capacity, this early stop ensures you snag a prime spot by the shimmering turquoise waters.
After dropping off your gear at Garibaldi Lake, it’s time to tackle the next leg of the journey. The trail picks up with a steep, winding climb through the forest, but don’t worry—it quickly transitions into a stunning, flat alpine meadow. This well-maintained section is a welcome reprieve from the incline and, if you’re visiting at the right time of year, an absolute paradise for wildflower viewing. Vibrant blooms against the backdrop of towering peaks make this stretch a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s delight.
The final stretch of the trail leads you up a steep, rocky incline. While not overly technical, the climb will get your heart pumping as you push toward the summit and catch your first glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
Once you crest the final boulders, you’ll be greeted by a vast plateau with plenty of space to soak in the breathtaking views of Garibaldi Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. Despite its popularity, the expansive summit ensures everyone can find their own perfect spot to take in the magic of this iconic destination.
Unfortunately, our visit coincided with wildfire season, and the views were slightly veiled by a smoky haze. Even so, the scenery left us in awe. We can only imagine how much more jaw-dropping it would be on a crystal-clear day.
After soaking in the breathtaking views at Panorama Ridge and refueling with some snacks, you’ll retrace your steps back to the Garibaldi Lake Campground. If the weather’s warm and you have some extra time, I highly recommend taking a dip in the lake’s turquoise waters. Though the glacial water is ice-cold, it’s an invigorating and refreshing reward after a 20-kilometer trek.
Garibaldi Lake Campground is well-equipped with pit toilets, a cooking shelter, bear-hang caches, and outdoor picnic tables. We spent the evening unwinding by the lake, playing card games as the sun dipped below the horizon. It’s easy to see why this spot is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the park—it’s a slice of alpine paradise.
Day 3 – Garibaldi Lake to Trailhead
- Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 mi)
On day 3, you’ll pack up camp at Garibaldi Lake and begin your descent down the forested, winding switchbacks you climbed on day 1. On the way down, consider taking the route past Barrier Lake and pausing at Barrier Viewpoint for one last breathtaking moment. This alternate path offers a stunning panoramic view of the Squamish Valley and the surrounding mountains, making it well worth the detour compared to the route through Taylor Meadows.
After hiking over 30 km and surviving on freeze-dried meals for three days, a well-deserved pit stop in Squamish is in order before heading home or to your next destination. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of my favorite local spots: The Watershed Grill, known for its riverside views and hearty dishes; Luz Tacos, for flavorful and fresh bites; or Backcountry Brewing, where you can enjoy artisan pizza and craft beer.
Though the trek is long, the hike to Panorama Ridge is an adventure well worth the effort. This three-day route gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the stunning turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake and the sweeping vistas of jagged peaks and vast valleys. You’ll end your journey with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of nature that makes this hike unforgettable.
