Garibaldi Highlands

This part of British Columbia is famous for its bald eagles. Just north of Garibaldi Highlands is the Brackendale Eagle Reserve, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the world. From November to March, bald eagles by the thousands feast on salmon and their eggs, left by the prolific salmon runs of the Squamish, Cheakamus and Mamquam rivers. Visitors come from around the world to view this incredible spectacle.

Outdoor adventures enjoy rock climbing, windsurfing on Squamish Spit, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, golfing, snowmobiling, boating and mountain biking.

Garibaldi Provincial Park, located nearby, takes in almost 195,000 hectares of pristine wilderness mountains, including the 2,678m high Garibaldi Mountain. No wonder it is one of BC's most popular and beloved parks. Visitors are treated to majestic snow-covered peaks, glaciers, wilderness alpine lakes, blue-green glacial streams and flower painted alpine meadows. Wild flowers such as lupine, Indian paintbrush, snow lily and arnica blanket the alpine meadows. An abundance of small mammals and birds frequent the park..

Most regions of the park are accessible only by mountaineers and cross-country skiers although there are five areas with visitor-oriented facilities. World famous Whistler and Blackcomb Ski Mountains are located near the park. Much of the landscape surrounding Garibaldi Lake was formed by recent volcanic action. Forest cover consists mainly of Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, birch, alder, and cottonwood. Mountain hemlock, yellow cedar and alpine fir grow in higher elevations.

Access: The Garibaldi Highlands are located 45 minutes north of Vancouver and 35 minutes south of Whistler, via Highway #99 (the Sea to Sky Highway), less than 10 minutes drive northeast of Squamish.