Elfin Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elfin Lakes |
|
|---|---|
The lakes from Paul Ridge.
|
|
 Elfin Lakes
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Location | Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia near Squamish, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°47′08″N 122°59′20″W / 49.78556°N 122.98889°W |
| Type | glacial lake |
| Primary inflows | none |
| Primary outflows | none |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface elevation | 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) |
Elfin Lakes are two beautiful lakes found in Garibaldi Provincial Park. They are a super popular spot for outdoor adventures like hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain biking. You can find these lakes east of Squamish, in British Columbia, Canada.
Contents
Elfin Lakes: A Look Back in Time
The name "Elfin Lakes" became official in 1978. It was first seen in a brochure for a local lodge. Before that, in 1946, someone mentioned they were once called Crystal Lakes. But this name was never put on any maps.
The area around Elfin Lakes has been a favorite place for hikers and skiers for a long time. This started when Garibaldi Provincial Park was created in 1927. In the early 1940s, a lodge called the Diamond Head Chalet was built. It was a popular place for people exploring the park. The owners eventually retired, and the park service took over. They decided not to keep the old lodge. Instead, they built a new shelter for visitors a short distance away. The old road to the chalet is still used today as a trail and for park services.
Fun Things to Do at Elfin Lakes
All activities at Elfin Lakes follow the rules of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Getting to the lakes usually means hiking or biking an 11-kilometer (about 7-mile) trail. This trail goes uphill about 600 meters (almost 2,000 feet).
Exploring the Trails
About half of the trail goes through a forest. The other half opens up into wide alpine meadows. From these meadows, you get amazing views of the mountains all around you. There are different trails for mountain biking, hiking, and winter sports.
Where to Stay and What to Expect
At the lakes, you can find campgrounds and a shelter for overnight stays. There are also campgrounds and a day-use shelter at Red Heather Meadows, which is closer to the start of the trail. In winter, the lakes are usually frozen from late December until late April.
Activities for Every Season
You can swim in the top lake at Elfin Lakes. However, the lower lake is kept just for drinking water, so no swimming there! Beyond Elfin Lakes, hiking trails continue to other cool spots. These include Opal Cone, Mamquam Lake, and the Gargoyles. In winter, you can even travel to Mount Garibaldi and Diamond Head.
Images for kids
-
The view from Paul Ridge toward Elfin Lakes. Atwell Peak is clearly visible.
