Garibaldi Lake Barrier Hazard Zone - Southern Terminus | Warning

This is the southern end of the Garibaldi Lake Barrier Hazard Zone.

Any overnight use is not permitted in this zone - you will get hassled.

This zone continues until just north of Brew Creek FSR, and for the first few KM of Chance Creek FSR (up to the first switchback).

What is the Garibaldi Lake Barrier? It's a natural lava formation from ancient volcanoes, which forms the western edge of Garibaldi Lake some 1000m elevation above the highway. In the 1960s geologists became concerned this formation could collapse and cause what is known as a debris torrent - an avalanche of water, rock, mud and trees - similar to what happened at the Hope Slide (only bigger). The town of Garibaldi immediately below was relocated and then razed by the government - but there's some ruins in the area if you go looking.

Further note that the northern end of this zone is at the southern boundary of the Resort Municipality of Whistler which strictly enforces it's no overnight camping bylaws.

The result is that there is very limited near-highway free camping between here and the northern boundary of Whistler (approx 30km). The exceptions are: Cal-Check rec site, Callaghan Lake Prov. Park, and Chance Creek FSR up past the steep left-hand switchback. The other two options are the two private campgrounds where rates can be as high as $80 for a tent site in high season. North of Whistler the Wedgemont Lake access road (on this site as "Riverside Dispersed Camping") is the first free legal place to camp.