Elfin Lakes

Elfin Lakes Trail – the basics

Distance: 22 km Roundtrip

Elevation gain: 685 m

Highest Point: 1600 m

Time: 6-7 hours (It took us 4 hours up, and 2 hours down…so we did an extra walk from the lake)

What to bring: Walking boots. Hiking poles. Plenty of water and food.

Facilities: There is a loo at the start of the trail, in the middle (about 5km in) and at the campground

Dogs: No dogs on this trail.

How hard is it? Surprisingly easier than what we thought. Most of the elevation gain is in the first five kilometers, but even that is not steep. Once you’re up, it is sooo pretty that you don’t really notice how far you’re walking.

Two Nights at Elfin Lakes: Rain, Wind, and Good Company

There’s something about hiking in less-than-perfect weather that brings people closer together. Maybe it’s the shared challenge, or maybe it’s just the simple joy of earning your comfort at the end of a long day. Our two nights at Elfin Lakes were exactly that kind of experience — a mix of drizzle, laughter, muddy boots, and some of the best views British Columbia has to offer.

The Climb to Camp

We set off late morning, around 11 a.m., once everyone had wrangled their packs and adjusted their straps. Some of us moved faster than others — the usual rhythm of a mixed hiking group — but spirits were high despite the overcast sky and light drizzle.

The trail wound steadily upward, cutting through dense forest and past a cascading waterfall that felt like something out of a postcard. We regrouped at the halfway point, catching our breath and sharing snacks before continuing together toward camp.

By the time we reached Elfin Lakes, the clouds had thickened and the wind began to pick up, a sure sign that rain wasn’t far off. We wasted no time setting up our tents, working quickly before the evening weather rolled in. Once everything was secure, we gathered inside the shelter, lighting stoves and preparing dinner shoulder to shoulder — a warm, noisy refuge against the storm outside. The meal felt well-earned, and the laughter around the table was enough to forget the damp gear and wet socks.

A Stormy Night and a Clear Reward

The night was restless — the wind howled against the tents and rain drummed steadily through the early hours. By morning, the world outside was wrapped in fog, and few of us were in a hurry to crawl out of our sleeping bags. Breakfast was slow and quiet, the smell of coffee mixing with the damp scent of pine.

No one seemed eager to hike in the rain, so we lingered, waiting for the weather to turn. And then, just after noon, it did. The clouds broke open, revealing a patch of blue sky and sunshine that felt almost magical after the grey morning.

We didn’t waste a minute. Packs light, we set out for The Gargoyles, a ridge trail that winds above the lakes and opens up to incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The air was cool and clear, and the landscape — freshly washed by the storm — seemed to glow. Every step was worth it.

By late afternoon, we were back at camp, buzzing from the hike. Dinner was another cozy affair in the shelter, full of tired smiles and quiet contentment. Most people turned in early, lulled to sleep by the sound of wind brushing across the alpine meadows.

Back to Civilization

The next morning brought more rain, steady and unrelenting. It didn’t take long for the group to agree - it was time to head down. We packed up quickly, damp tents and all, and started the long descent back to the trailhead.

As we dropped lower, the rain softened, and talk turned to hot showers and pub food. By the time we reached the cars, mud-splattered and sore, the idea of a burger and a beer sounded like heaven.

And that’s exactly how we ended it — gathered around a table, warm again, recounting the weekend’s moments between bites of comfort food. The weather might not have been ideal, but in the end, it made the adventure all the more memorable.

Sometimes, the best trips aren’t the ones with perfect sunshine — they’re the ones where you push through the grey and find something beautiful waiting on the other side.