Wedgemount Lake is one of the most stunning—and demanding—trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Gaining 1,100 meters over just 7 km, this technical ascent isn’t for the faint of heart. Still, it remains a quieter option compared to the more popular Garibaldi Lake or Elfin Lakes hikes. If you’re after solitude and scenery, this one’s a gem.

What sets Wedgemount apart is the chance to camp beside a glacier-fed lake, waking up to dramatic views of Wedge Mountain, Wedgemount Glacier, Mount Cook, and more. The well-marked trail takes you through a steep, enchanted forest before a final scramble delivers you to the alpine basin.

I’ve backpacked this trail several times in summer and early fall—it’s hands down my favourite solo trip. There’s usually a handful of other campers around, which helps me feel safe spending the night alone.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Hike to Wedgemount Lake?
2. Trail Details (Distance, Elevation, Difficulty)
3. When to Go
4. Getting to the Trailhead
5. Camping at Wedgemount Lake
6. Trip Report (2 Days in the Alpine)
7. Essential Info, Planning Tips & Wildlife 
8. Optional Add-On: Tupper Lake & Armchair Traverse
9. Final Thoughts & Tips

1. Why Choose Wedgemount Lake?

While Garibaldi Lake and Elfin Lakes are better known (and often packed), Wedgemount offers a quieter escape into the alpine. What makes it stand out? The chance to pitch your tent near turquoise water with a front-row view of Wedge Mountain and Wedgemount Glacier.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker or heading out with friends, this trail rewards the effort with one of the most scenic backcountry campgrounds in British Columbia.

If you are planning to hit this trail solo, here is a link to my Must-Have Gear and Safety Tips.

2. Trail Overview

• Starting Point: Wedgemount Lake Trailhead (20 min from Whistler, 2 hrs from Vancouver)
  
• Distance: 12 km round trip
  
• Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,100 meters
  
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
  
• Recommended Season: July to early October
  
• Trail Type: Out and back
  
• Campsite: Wedgemount Lake Campground
  
• Reservations are required
• Dogs are not allowed on this trail as it is part of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

3. Getting to the Trailhead

Once you exit Highway 99 near Wedge Creek, you’ll drive about 2.2 km along a well-maintained gravel road. No 4WD is required in dry conditions but check for recent reports before heading out.

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spots can fill quickly on weekends.Here’s a free downloadable checklist you can use as a starting point for your planning—it’s the same one I use when packing for my trips.

4. When to Go

The best time to hike Wedgemount Lake is from July through early October. The trail is snow-free by mid-summer, and the lake takes on its iconic blue color once the ice melts. I personally love September: fewer bugs, cooler temps, and golden hour light that makes the peaks glow.

5. Camping at Wedgemount Lake

Camping here is only allowed in designated spots, and reservations are required through BC Parks (head to the Backcountry section and then to Garibaldi Park, then you will see the different campgrounds available within the park, including Wedgemount). You can only book this campground 4 months in advance. 

Unlike other trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park, you don’t need a pass for parking or doing a day hike. 

Your booking gets you access to a tent pad, but not a specific site—so arrive early for the best locations.

There are about 20 sites:

· 10 near the Wedge Hut (some with wooden platforms)
· 10 along the lakeshore, about 500m further—gravel, flat, and dreamy
Bear hangs are available, and there are two pit toilets (surprisingly decent for backcountry standards—bring your own TP!).

6. My Trip Report: 2 Days in the Alpine

Day 1: Climb to Camp + Side Trip to Tupper Lake

I hit the trail around 7:30 a.m. to beat the heat and secure a good tent pad. The hike begins gently on a gravel service road before diving into a mossy forest that feels pulled from a fairytale. Roots, rocks, and steep switchbacks dominate most of the climb.

The final 300 meters of elevation gain is the steepest section, and poles came in clutch. At the top, you’re rewarded with views that stop you in your tracks—turquoise water, sharp peaks, and the sprawling glacier.

After setting up camp (I scored the site nearest to the Wedge Hut), I set off to Tupper Lake. It’s a short 2 km round-trip hike with ~120m of elevation gain and well worth it for a closer look at the glacier and quieter vibes.

Back at Wedgemount, I filtered water for the night and took a polar plunge in the icy lake. Painful? Yes. Refreshing? Also yes.

By 6 p.m., the sun dipped behind Rethel Mountain, casting a golden light across the basin. I had dinner early, watched the glacier turn orange at sunset, and tucked into my -9°C sleeping bag by 8:30 p.m. The stars were unreal.

Day 2: Peaceful Morning + Slippery Descent

Wildlife 

· Black bears are common, and grizzlies are rare but possible
· Bring bear spray, store food properly, and use the bear hangs so animals aren’t attracted to your tent while camping.
· Other wildlife: marmots, chipmunks, mountain goats

Cell Reception: 

· There is cell reception along the hike, with limited service at the campground.

Waste: 

· There are no garbage facilities at this backcountry campsite, so please pack out what you pack in. There are two pit toilets, but they are not for waste disposal, so please don’t use them for that.

8. Optional Add-On: Armchair Traverse

If you want to go for an extra mission to this trip, some hikers add this Class 3–4 scramble that runs along the ridge between Mount Cook and Mount Weart. It’s exposed and requires solid experience with scrambling—definitely not for beginners, but a popular challenge for alpine enthusiasts.

You can find more details in Alltrails.

9. Final Thoughts & Tips

• Lightweight gear makes a huge difference on this steep trail
  
• Hiking poles are essential in my opinion, especially hiking downhill when it is wet
• Bring layers—even in September, I had frost overnight
  
• Don’t leave food in the car—mice got into mine and made a mess
• If you are looking for a solo backpacking trip or day hike, you’ll likely meet a few other hikers along the way, particularly on the weekends!

Wedgemount Lake isn’t the easiest trail, but it’s one of the most rewarding. Between glacier reflections, golden sunsets, and peaceful mornings, it’s a backcountry experience you won’t forget.

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just looking to challenge yourself, this one deserves a spot on your hiking list.