Winter Hike to Elfin Lakes: What to Expect
Elfin Lakes is one of the most beautiful winter snowshoeing near Vancouver and Squamish. I’ve done the Elfin Lakes hike in fall and winter, but winter is something magical.
If you’re thinking about making the trip, this guide covers everything you need to know, from tire chains to snowshoes to Elfin Lakes shelter reservations.
Stats Elfin Lakes Winter Trail
Is a Winter Hike to Elfin Lakes Doable?
Absolutely, but a winter hike to Elfin Lakes is more difficult than a summer one. The trail is accessible year-round and having done it in both fall and winter, I can say that winter is the most magical time to be up there.
The trail is quite long (22 km return) but it can be done as a day hike if you start early. The elevation gain (700 m) is fairly gradual, which is why Elfin Lakes has become one of the most popular snowshoeing trails near Vancouver and Squamish.
One thing that makes the Elfin Lakes winter trail stand out is how well-marked it is. In fact, the trail past Red Heather hut is marked by orange poles, which are visible even in low light or light snowfall. That said, the markers can disappear in a whiteout and conditions in the Sea to Sky can change unexpectedly.
Always check the weather forecast the night before and again on the morning of your hike. Sometimes though also some personal judgment can help. On one of our attempts, we actually decided to turn around due to poor visibility. It wasn’t an easy call, but the mountains will always be there.
How to Get to Elfin Lakes Trailhead in Winter
The Elfin Lakes trailhead is located in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Squamish along Garibaldi Park Road. While in summer the drive is straightforward, in winter you need extra preparation.
About 2 km below the trailhead, you’ll come across the chain-up area. From October to May, tire chains are mandatory beyond this point and the rule is strictly enforced. Snow socks and spike belts don’t count.
These final 2 km up to the Diamond Head trailhead are the steepest section of the entire gravel road. This section gets significantly icier and snowier the higher you climb. So, even if the chain-up area looks clear, put them on anyway.
Another thing to know is that parking along the road is not allowed, which might result in your vehicle getting towed.
You don’t have chains? You can still do a winter hike to Elfin Lakes by parking your vehicle at the chain-up area and hike the additional 2 km up to the trailhead. It will add some elevation gain and distance to the overall hike but a worthwhile option if you’re spending the night at Elfin Lakes Shelter.
Tips for Hiking Elfin Lakes in Winter
Start early
Depending on how early in the season you hike to Elfin Lakes, days may be short and this hike takes around 7 hours round trip.
Follow the orange poles along the marked trail
The winter trail after Red Heather Hut is marked by orange poles. The summer trail is not accessible at this time of the year because there is a high avalanche risk. Therefore stick to the winter trail and don’t go off route.
Bring more food than you need
You’ll burn a lot of calories hiking to Elfin Lakes, so make sure you bring some extra snacks with you.
Turn around if needed
If you realize that the trail puts you out of your comfort zone, don’t hesitate to turn around. You can always return and be more prepared next time.
Download offline maps
Although the winter trail is marked by orange poles, it’s good practice to download offline maps if you unexpectedly go off trail and need to find your way back.
Check trail conditions before you go
Always check the trail conditions before your trip or on the same day on BC Parks website.
Snowshoes or Microspikes
The best practice for an Elfin Lakes winter hike is to carry both snowshoes and microspikes. Generally, microspikes work well when snow is packed and firm, while snowshoes are better on fresh and deep snow.
Another factor to consider is the time of day you hike. In the morning, when the sun is still low, the trail tends to be hard and crisp. Later in the day though, the sun hits the trails directly, softening the snow and making it more slippery.
The first 5 km to Red Heather Hut are usually well-packed and manageable with just microspikes. Beyond that, the snow gets deeper and snowshoes are of better use.
As a general rule, microspikes work well in November and April or May, while snowshoes are the better call from December through March.
Elfin Lakes is also popular among ski tourers and splitboarders. If you’re a beginner backcountry skier, this is one of the best trails near Squamish or Vancouver.
Avalanche Safety
The upper section of Elfin Lakes trail past Red Heather Hut is exposed to avalanche risk. There are in particular two sections where the risk is highest, namely around the back of Round Mountain and along Paul’s Ridge.
In order to avoid any danger, stay on the winter trail marked by orange poles and don’t go off route as this will directly expose you and anyone else in the area to avalanches.
Before your winter trip to Elfin Lakes, check the forecast on Avalanche.ca. If you’d like to be more confident in the backcountry, consider completing an AST1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1) course.
Overnight at Elfin Lakes Shelter
Although you can just do a day hike to Elfin Lakes, an overnight winter trip distinguishes this trail from all the other ones in the area.
Elfin Lakes Shelter has two floors, with the sleeping area upstairs and the kitchen and common area below. A total of 33 people can sleep in the shelter on 11 double bunks and 11 single bunks.
The kitchen is equipped with gas stoves that you can use to melt snow for water and cook your meals. Outside you can then find an outhouse.
If you enjoyed this, you might also like Kees and Claire Hut near Russet Lake in Garibaldi Park.
Elfin Lakes Hut Reservation
You need a reservation to sleep at Elfin Lakes shelter. Head to BC Parks website and select “backcountry shelter” under “backcountry”. Unfortunately, spots fill up incredibly fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
The earliest you can reserve a spot is 4 months in advance. It costs $15 per adult per night and you should bring a printed copy of your reservation.
If you’re staying at Elfin Lakes shelter overnight, don’t miss the sunset. Look over Atwell Peak as the alpenglow fades over it.
Elfin Lakes Shelter Winter Packing List
Although the shelter has bed bunks, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping pad and sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C). Also, to keep your feet dry and warm, while keeping the hut tidy, pack some hut slipper with you.
You’ll also need to bring your own utensils and personal cookware, since the shelter only provides a propane stove and large pots for melting snow.
Pack easy to prepare meals, such as dried dinners, instant ramen and/or oatmeal and snacks for the trail.
Don’t forget about a change of clothes to stay warm, gloves and hat for extra protection. For the hike make sure you have your sunglasses and sunscreen packed as well.
