Elfin Lakes Shelter in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park is now open. BC Parks opened the shelter on April 4, 2023. The Diamond Head area is in the southwestern portion of the park and includes Mount Garibaldi, Atwell Peak, Opal Cone, Garibaldi Neve, and Mamquam Lake.
Reservations for the shelter opened at 7 am on April 3, and it can be reserved from April 4 to August 3. After that date, reservations are available four months in advance of the desired arrival date. The shelter offers overnight use and is equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 11 single bunks), four picnic tables, four propane burners, counters with two wash sinks, a propane heater, solar powered lights and pit toilet facilities. The propane is supplied by BC Parks.
However, as of June 14, people will also need to reserve free passes for Golden Ears Provincial Park and specific trailhead parking lots in Garibaldi Provincial Park (Diamond Head, Rubble Creek and Cheakamus). Since cellphone service may be limited, people will need to print or download a copy of their pass onto their mobile device before arriving at the park. Cancelling passes is possible and encouraged if people do not intend to use them so others can access the benefits of time in nature.
BC Parks also reminds that although camping is permitted anywhere within the Garibaldi Wilderness Camping Area, but by reservation only. However, before making a reservation, BC Parks encourages people to read on how to be prepared for the camping to ensure a safe and exciting adventure.