Wedgemount Lake, located in Garibaldi Provincial Park, boasts wonderful alpine scenery. The hike to the lake with an elevation gain of more than 1,100 m (3,609 ft) is one of the most strenuous and challenging in the park. A 7-km (4.3-mi) one-way trail to Wedgemount Lake starts near Whistler, British Columbia. Its first part goes through the forest with a small incline. The trail goes through two bridges over Wedge Creek and starts climbing through a series of switchbacks and a rockslide. After about 55 km (34 mi) of walking, hikers get to the beautiful Wedgemount Waterfall, 300 m (984 ft) in height. The last kilometre of the hike from the waterfall to the lake is the steepest one.
Dozens of magnificent peaks can be seen from the Wedgemount Lake. While many hikers complete this trail as a one-day trip, others prefer to stay overnight and continue to Wedge Mountain, Mount Cook, Mount Weart, Mount Moe, Mount James Turner, Wedge Glacier, Weart Glacier, Armchair Glacier, and Mystery Glacier. Wedgemount Lake campground offers comfortable wooden tent platforms overlooking the water. A deep-blue lake nestled among massive glaciers and jagged mountains is a marvellous sight, especially on the sunset!
Wedgemount Lake has a hut built by the BC Mountaineering Club in the 1970s, that is free for anyone. The park charges a camping fee of $10 per person, per night. The best season lasts from July to September.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Wedgemount Lake in British Columbia?
The ideal window to visit Wedgemount Lake in British Columbia is between July and September. This period of the year is characterized by favorable weather conditions and the melting of the snow. There are various breathtaking features of the area such as huge mountains and glaciers. There are fluctuations in the mountains and hikers should prepare accordingly to keep safe. Show more
What is the length of the hike to Wedgemount Lake?
The trail length to Wedgemount Lake is 7km and traverses through a steep terrain gaining an elevation of more than 1100m. Physical fitness and an appropriate level of preparedness are necessary to complete the challenging hike. There are several noteworthy landmarks such as a forest, bridges over Wedge Creek, and an area with switchbacks and a rockslide. In the final part of the hike, the trail becomes steeper around the waterfall leading to the lake. Show more
Are there any other places to visit near Wedgemount Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park?
Garibaldi Provincial Park has many other places to visit aside from Wedgemount Lake. For example, tourists can explore Mount James Turner, Mount Weart, Mount Moe, and Mount Cook. Other attractions such as Armchair Glacier and Mystery Glacier are also located in the area. Visitors can either plan for a day trip or an overnight stay at the Wedgemount Lake campground and explore farther the next day. Show more
Where can hikers stay overnight near Wedgemount Lake?
Visitors planning to stay the night close to Wedgemount Lake can prepare to camp at the Wedgemount Lake Campground. The campground avails comfortable wooden tent platforms that offer a clear view of the water and the surroundings. However, the free-of-charge usage of the hut is not without conditions. Guests must pay a sum of $10 per person per night, to the Garibaldi Provincial Park. Hikers must come with their supplies as the campground lacks amenities. Show more
How much does it cost to camp at Wedgemount Lake?
To maintain Garibaldi Provincial Park and cover the costs associated with park rangers, visitors are required to pay a $10 per person per night camping fee to camp at Wedgemount Lake. The BC Parks online reservation system provides payment options, and visitors should note that the free hut in the area does not have any equipment or supplies, so they should plan accordingly. Show more
