Elfin Lakes Shelter
| Elfin Lakes Shelter | |
|---|---|
 Elfin Lakes Shelter in summer. | |
| Overnight Capacity | 33 |
| Coordinates |
|
| Elevation | 1470m (4823ft) |
| BC Parks Fee | $15/night [1-800-689-9025 (BOOK BY PHONE)] |
| Reservations | Yes |
| Locked | No |
| Access | Diamond Head |
| Built | 1970s |
| Caretaker | BC Parks |
| Legal |
|
The Elfin Lakes shelter is an often visited hut just south of Mt. Garibaldi, in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. It is probably the best equipped backcountry hut in the Coast Mountains, owing to considerable investment from BC Parks. The hut is heated by propane, and there are propane lamps and propane burners for cooking on the main floor. Don't rely on the burners for a busy weekend though - there are only 3 and the hut sleeps 30. Also, a few large pots are provided for melting snow or boiling water from the lakes.
A ranger station nearby is usually staffed (at least on weekends).
History
This hut was built by the BC government in the early 1970s. Previous to that there was a smaller log lodge, south of the hut. At some point a 3rd building was built, also south of the main hut, to serve as a warden hut.
Access
The trail to the shelter follows Paul Ridge and provides beautiful vistas. At Elfin Lakes, Columnar Peak, the Gargoyles, Opal Cone and Mamquam Icefield come into view. The shelter is 11 km from the Diamond Head parking lot. Suggested time is about 3 to 5 hours one way. The elevation change is 600 metres.
Facilities
The Elfin Lakes area offers an overnight shelter equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 12 single bunks), 4 picnic tables, 2 propane hot plates, a wash sink, a propane heater, propane lights and pit toilet facilities.
If the Shelter is full, the Elfin Lakes Campground located nearby, offers 35 tent platforms, a day-use shelter with 4 picnic tables inside and 2 picnic tables outside, pit toilet facilities and hang storage facilities.
| Heating | Propane Heater (propane supplied) |
| Lighting | Propane Lights (propane supplied) |
| Cooking | Propane Stove (propane supplied) |
| Fire Safety | |
| First Aid | |
| Sleeping | Sleeping only upstairs. 11 double bunks. 12 single bunks. |
| Capacity | 33 |
| Drinking water | Melt snow |
| Human Waste | Pit Toilets |
| Greywater | |
| Garbage | Pack it out |
Activities
See Diamond Head for skiing, hiking and other activities in the area.
Maps
Gallery
Cooking Area
Sleeping Area
