Join Janet Snell and Christine Thuring on an early summer botany backpacking trip at Garibaldi Provincial Park. Our home away from home will be the Cheakamus Lake Campground beside glacier-fed Cheakamus Lake (at elevation 850 m). It is just a 3 km hike in from the parking lot at a gentle elevation gain/loss. It is a good early season trip to get your equipment in order and get into backpacking shape.

During our time in the park, we’ll revel in the gorgeousness of the subalpine flora and fauna, surrounded by mountains that tower to 2,200 metres.  As spring has been so late, there should be many wildflowers blooming along the trail ranging from different varieties of Solomon Seal, Queen’s Cup, Bog Orchid to early Columbia Lily in drier sections.

On the second day, we will day-hike up the Helm Creek trail toward the northeast side of Black Tusk (approx. 8 km each way, 700m elevation gain). We should reach the Helm Creek Campsite for lunch with spectacular views of the Tusk beyond. We may see wildflowers like Marsh Marigold and White Pasqueflower at the higher elevation depending on the remaining snow cover.

Cheakamus Lake has 10 cleared shoreline tent sites, pit toilet facilities and food hang facilities. It is important to book now to ensure a campsite. We have booked two campsites that can accommodate 2 or 3 tents each and more are available. Contact janet@naturevancouver.ca for more information as soon as possible if you are interested in participating. Priority given to Nature Vancouver members. The trip will follow https://naturevancouver.ca/field-trips/covid-19-protocol-for-field-trips/.