I hadn’t heard much about Joffre Lakes Provincial Park before seeing an image online. It looked beautiful, so I added it to my list. I finally got a chance to pass through the area on our way from Seattle to Banff recently. Joffre Lakes trail in British Columbia is a must see if you’re in the area and it far exceeded my expectations.
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Where is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is located in Southwestern British Columbia, Canada. The nearest major towns are Pemberton and Whistler to the west, about 30 minutes and an hour away respectively.
The main attraction in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park are the three Joffre Lakes: Lower Joffre Lake, Middle Joffre Lake, and Upper Joffre Lake. Someone obviously put a lot of thought into naming them.
Day Use Permit for Joffre Lakes Trail
Since July 2022, you must have a FREE day use permit for hiking in the park between 7am and 7pm from June 15th to November 14th. There are rangers at the trailhead checking your permits until at least 5:30 pm based on our experience. Getting this day use permit was incredibly easy on the BC Parks website. You choose the park you want to visit, the date, and it will tell you if any are available. If Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is not listed, then the permit system is not currently in place and a day permit is not required.
We were there in August on a Tuesday and I attempted to get a permit for the following day (Wednesday) but there were none available so I snagged one for Thursday easily enough. However we really didn’t want to hang around that long, so the following day we drove towards Pemberton to get cell reception around noon and I was able to get two permits for that day since there are often cancellations. So we turned around and went back to hike the Joffre Lakes trail that day.
When to Visit Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes is open year round. The permit is required in the summer and fall. Although you’ll avoid crowds, expect snow in the winter months. Typically May will be when the lakes thaw and snow melts however glacial lakes typically are only that vibrant blue color from June to October. July and August are ideal weather months but they are also when you’ll encounter more black flies and mosquitos. The glacial silt suspended in the water reflects green and blue wavelengths of light.
Where to Stay Near Joffre Lakes Trail
At a little over 30 minutes away, Pemberton, BC is the nearest town to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and the hike to the lakes. It is a small but quaint town with a number of Airbnb’s and just a few hotel options:
The Log House Inn – Just as it sounds, it’s a Bed and Breakfast style, big log house with private rooms.
Sweetwater Lane Farm – If you’re looking for something more secluded, views, and to feel at home with a sauna, hot tub, and fire pit, look no farther.
If you prefer to stay in Whistler, which is a little over an hour away, there are more hotel options and luxury at that, like the Four Seasons or Fairmont Chateau.
For a yummy breakfast of coffee, or U-pick produce, visit North Arm Farm. It’s beautiful.
Parking at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
There is a relatively large parking lot right of the side of Highway 99 at the trailhead, so it is accessible to any vehicle. The parking lot does fill up completely by mid morning so there is an overflow lot across the road making the walk a few minutes longer. If you arrive in the afternoon, there seemed to be spots opening up in the main lot as well. You cannot park along the highway.
The Hike to Joffre Lakes
As the name suggests, there are multiple Joffre Lakes. And for a relatively short hike, you get a large reward on this one. But expect to have your heart rate elevated for a while and your legs burning.
After showing the ranger at the booth your permit in your email (or a screenshot), you’ll continue on a flat dirt path into the forest.
Distance Roundtrip: 4.6 miles (5.5 km)
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours (This can vary depending on ability and time spent at each lake. For us, it included 15 minutes diving into Middle Joffre Lake and a few minutes viewing the other two lakes)
We left the car at 3:15 and returned by 6 pm but admittedly, we were cruising downhill.
Lower Joffre Lake
The Lower Joffre Lake splits off from the trail to the left. It is easily accessible and almost anyone could make it here in around 5 minutes or less. The lake is a beautiful emerald color rimmed with alpine firs and glacier covered mountains in the background. There’s a little viewing platform and bench to take it all in.
Middle Joffre Lake
This stretch of hike is the longest. It really begins to climb as well with many steps and switchbacks. Watch your footing as the level dirt path turns more rocky with exposed roots. Proper footwear is essential.
The turquoise color of Middle Joffre Lake will greet you through the trees as you round a corner and it is breathtaking. Rest assured, this is not your only view so keep going. The path will come to the lakeshore where you can take in the view and a rest. It took us just under 1 hour to reach the Middle Joffre Lake.
I stopped at Middle Joffre Lake on the way back down to take a dip and dive off a log. It was very refreshing!
Upper Joffre Lake
The trail will continue around the back of the lake and then start to climb again after you cross a bridge. The good news is Upper Joffre Lake is only 1 km farther. You’ll come upon Holloway Falls in only about 10 minutes, and then keep climbing.
Once you come to another bridge and wooden boardwalk, you’re to the Upper Joffre Lake.
There’s even a view overlooking Middle Joffre Lake to the right.
Eventually the view will open up with plenty of rocks to sit on and view the lake. If you were to continue around the lake, you’d come to the backcountry campground. It took us 20 minutes to get to Upper Joffre Lake from Middle Joffre Lake.
So Which Joffre Lake is the Best?
Middle Joffre Lake was hands down my favorite. I had read that each lake gets progressively more beautiful, but the middle lake was the most stunning color.
The upper lake gets points for being so up close and personal with the massive Matier Glacier though.
And the lower lake is absolutely beautiful in its own right, especially for how easily accessible it is.
Rules and Things to Note About Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
No pets are allowed due to bear activity. This goes so far as to ban pets left in vehicles (campers/RVs included). The ranger told us someone could stay behind with them or we had to take our dog elsewhere. Honestly, I don’t know how they police this, especially if you’re parked in the lower lot, but rules are rules.
Bring your own toilet paper if you are camping as they do not provide it in the backcountry. There are toilets at the trailhead that should have paper though.
This is considered bear country, and although it’s a popular trail, I recommend carrying bear spray or wearing a bell, especially if you’re hiking in the very early morning or at dusk.
I didn’t see any signs forbidding swimming, so I took a dip at Middle Joffre Lake. On the far side of the lake, there is a log jutting out into the water that is very obviously been used for photos and for swimming. Cold water can be very shocking and many drownings occur because of this. Swim at your own risk and stay very close to shore.
Backpacking and camping at Upper Joffre Lake’s 26 campsites is available year round but winter runs the risk of avalanches and all the other cold and snow related issues you can imagine. You need to purchase a $5 backcountry permit from May 1st-November 13th.
Another nearby beautiful lake that is perfect for canoeing or paddle boarding is Duffy Lake, pictured below. It is about 20 minutes east of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park along Duffy Lake Road. The boat launch is at the far east side of the lake 50.418724,-122.278594.
I hope this post has been helpful in planning your visit to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia. It is a bit far away from other parks and a drive to get there, but it’s definitely worth it, especially if you are in Whistler area.
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