How to hike Joffre Lakes: 2024 Hiking & Backpacking Guide

Joffre Lakes is one of the most beautiful and popular hikes in British Columbia – and for a good reason! The Joffre Lakes hike will take you to not one, but three stunning turquoise lakes. These alpine lakes are aptly called Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes and are each very unique.

The great thing about the Joffre Lakes hike is that it can be done as a day hike or a backpacking trip where you can camp at Upper Joffre Lakes. In this blog post, I’m covering everything you need to know about hiking Joffre Lakes, including:

How to get there
The best time to go
How to reserve your Day-Use Pass or Camping Permit
What to expect on the trail
Hiking and backpacking essential items
Joffre Lakes overnight camping

As this is one of the most popular hiking trails near Vancouver, it gets very busy so you need to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. Read on to find out how to visit Joffre Lakes in summer 2024!

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Joffre Lakes hiking & camping guide for 2024

If you’ve seen photos of Joffre Lakes on Instagram, you can see why it’s a bucket-list British Columbia hike. The lakes are known for their vivid blue water which was created from glacial silt or rock flour. When the sun hits the water, the light reflects off the silt creating the vibrant turquoise colour you’ll see in photos. It’s a truly beautiful sight!

Before we jump into the Joffre Lakes trail overview, here’s some important information you should know to help you plan your own trip!

Where are Joffre Lakes?

Joffre Lakes Trailhead is located in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park which is in south-west British Columbia. From Vancouver, it’s a 2.5 hour drive north up the Sea to Sky Highway past Squamish and Whistler. The closest town is Pemberton which is just a 30-minute drive from the trailhead.

How long is the Joffre Lakes hike?

The hike to Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes is a 10 km (6 miles) out-and-back trail which takes about 4 – 5 hours. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Joffre Lakes hike time:

Lower Joffre Lake: It takes less than 5 minutes to reach Lower Joffre Lake from the car park, making it a great option for families that just want to relax at the first lake for the day.
Middle Joffre Lake: From Lower Joffre Lake, it takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to get to Middle Joffre Lake depending on your pace and how often you decide to stop.
Upper Joffre Lake: From the Middle Joffre Lake, it’s a 20 to 30 minute-hike to reach the final lake.

I’ll go into more detail about each section later on but I would plan for at least 5 hours. That way you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your lunch at one of the lakes and take photos.

Is Joffre Lakes hike difficult?

While you will be hiking uphill for most of the way, you’ll only gain 370 m (1,213 ft) in elevation which is a lot less than most British Columbia hikes.

Lower Joffre Lake is only a short walk from the main trail and on a clear day you can see the Glacier in the distance. The section between Lower and Middle Joffre Lakes is the most challenging part of the trail as you climb through old growth forests and a boulder field. Luckily, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the Coast Mountains and valleys below. On the way to the Upper Joffre Lake, you’ll come across a scenic waterfall before scrambling up some more rocks. The trail is not too technical and the path is well-maintained and easy to follow for the most part.

Despite the distance, it’s a relatively moderate hike especially if you’re a regular hiker. If you don’t feel comfortable hiking that far, you can shorten the hike by cutting out Upper Joffre Lake. A lot of people stop and turn around at the Middle Joffre Lake. While I personally recommend continuing to the Upper Joffre Lake, if you need a shorter option, the views at the Middle Joffre Lake alone are spectacular.

Do you need a day pass for the Joffre Lakes hike?

Like most of British Columbia’s parks, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has seen a big increase in visitors over the past few years. As a result, BC Parks introduced a Day-Use Pass reservation system to manage the number of visitors and reduce the impact on the environment and local wildlife.

If you are planning to do a day hike to Joffre Lakes this summer, you’ll need to book a Day-Use pass in advance. Here’s what you need to know:

Passes are free and can be booked via the BC Parks website at 7am, two days in advance of your planned visit
Hikers will need to a day-use pass for each person in their group. You can only book up to 4 passes at the same time. Children under 18 don’t need a pass if they are accompanied by an adult.
If you are camping overnight and have a reservation at one of the campgrounds, you don’t need a Day-Use pass
Your pass will be emailed to you but cell phone service is limited in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park so make sure you download or print it before you go

You can find more information about BC Park’s Day-Use Passes on their website.

How do you get to Joffre Lakes from Vancouver?

By car

The easiest way to get from Vancouver to the Joffre Lakes trailhead is by car. You can take Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) all the way from Vancouver to Pemberton. Once you reach Pemberton, you’ll continue along the Highway (Duffey Lake Road) for 30 minutes until you reach the main car park. It is quite a long drive if you’re just doing a day hike so you may want to stay overnight in Pemberton the night before. I’ve included some accommodation options at the end of the blog post.

By public transport

If you don’t have a car or don’t drive, you can get to Joffre Lakes on public transport. Parkbus offers a shuttle service from Vancouver to Joffre Lakes trailhead in partnership with BC Parks. It typically only runs on weekends so make sure you check the schedule on their website.

The bus will pick you up near Burrard Station in Downtown Vancouver at 8:30am and arrives at the trailhead at 11:30am. It stops in Whistler along the way so if you are coming from Whistler, you can get on and off here. The shuttle will pick you up from the trailhead at 5:30pm. Tickets cost $108 for adults and $97 for students. The great thing about the shuttle is that it includes your day pass so you don’t have to worry about reserving one on BC Parks website.

By tour

There are a few guided tours that will take you to Joffre Lakes. This is a great option if you are a solo traveller and would prefer to hike in a group with an experienced guide. If you want to go down this route, I would recommend the full-day photography tour which leaves from Vancouver. The tour is run by a professional photographer who will teach you how to take amazing photos. You will need to bring your own camera but your guide will also take some photos of you on their camera and email them to you afterwards. The tour is 12 hours long and costs $240 CAD per person, which includes transport to and from Joffre Lakes.

When is the best time to hike Joffre Lakes?

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is open year-round; however, I would recommend doing this hike in summer or fall. There are a lot of great winter hikes in British Columbia but I personally don’t think that the Joffre Lakes hike is one of them. The lakes are usually frozen until May or June and while it is still a beautiful hike in winter, you won’t see the signature blue water. Seeing the lakes’ turquoise colour really is the highlight of this hike which is why most people wait until June to do this trail.

The best time to do the Joffre Lakes hike is from mid-June to late September; however, July and August are peak times. The weather is usually nice and sunny so you’ll get a clear view of the mountains and see the lakes at their brightest.

If you plan to do this hike in summer, I recommend going in the middle of the week and starting your hike early. You’ll have a better chance of securing a Day-Use Pass and avoiding the crowds. When we hiked Joffre Lakes last summer, we actually stayed overnight in Pemberton so that we could start the hike first thing in the morning. We were the second group on the trail and enjoyed the peace and quiet. On our way back down, we passed lots of groups and there was a queue for the log photo at Middle Joffre Lake. Even with the Day-Use Pass reservation system, it is still a very busy hike.

What is the best time of the day to visit Joffre lakes?

This is a busy hike so I would recommend starting your hike early (think 7am). This will allow you to get up to Middle Joffre Lake before the crowds and take some photos in peace. If you’re looking for the best time to take photos, you’ll want to try and get to Middle Joffre Lake just as the sun rises over the mountain. That way you’ll get some lovely photos of the sun lighting up the mountains and see the vibrant turquoise water. The light can be very harsh by noon so I recommend going early to make the most of the softer morning light.

Alternatively, you could start your hike to Joffre Lakes later in the afternoon. There will be fewer people and the light can be very pretty. However, the sun does dip behind the mountains quite early (6.30pm in early August) so you’ll need to factor this in and be prepared to hike back down in the dark.

Can you swim in Joffre Lakes?

Yes, you can! I swam in Middle Joffre Lake on the way back down last summer. It was a nice way to cool off but let me warn you – it is freezing cold! It is a glacial-fed lake so be prepared for an ice-bath. Make sure you have your towel ready and some extra layers to warm you up once you get out!

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Where do you park at Joffre Lakes?

There are two car parks at Joffre Lakes. The main parking lot is next to the trail entrance but there is also an overflow parking lot 250 meters away from the main car park. These car parks tend to fill up very quickly; however, the reservation system has reduced the number of visitors so you should be able to find a spot. If for any reason there isn’t a spot in either car park, you may have to wait for people to return. Do not park on the side of the highway as you will get towed!

LEAVE NO TRACE | Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles during your time in nature. These 7 principles are guidelines to help you plan, prepare and explore the outdoors more responsibly. They include staying on the designated trails, not touching or removing any natural objects, packing out all your trash, and respecting wildlife. By following these principles, you can reduce your impact on wildlife and nature.

Joffre Lakes hike: What to expect

Joffre Lakes hike is one of my favourite trails in British Columbia. It’s a long, uphill hike but it’s a fun trail with some nice views. There are a few rooty sections where you need to watch your footing but most of the trail is easy to walk on. If you’re thinking of doing Joffre Lakes as a day hike or an overnight trip this summer, here’s a trail overview so you know what to expect.

Hiking to Lower Joffre Lakes (0.2 km/ 0.1 miles)

The first lake is less than 5 minutes from the trailhead. Some people will skip it and go straight to Middle Joffre Lakes but I recommend making the quick detour as it is a beautiful lake. You can see the glaciers high up in the mountains and on a calm day, you’ll get perfect reflections. Once you’ve seen Lower Joffre Lake, you can re-join the trail and make your way up to Middle Joffre Lake.

Hiking to Middle Joffre Lake (2.8 km/ 1.7 miles)

Middle Joffre Lake is probably the most photographed of the three lakes. It’s where you’ll find the Instagram-famous log which you can walk along. It’s incredibly photogenic and you can see why people queue to have their photo taken on the log. But be careful because it is very slippery and if you lose your footing, you’ll be falling into freezing cold water!

The trail to Middle Joffre Lake is the longest section of the hike and will take an hour to an hour and a half depending on your pace. It starts off quite flat but gradually climbs uphill. Some parts are rocky and rooty so watch your footing. You’ll have to climb up some steep steps which will get you huffing and puffing but it isn’t too bad if you take a couple of breaks. If you need to fill up your water, you will pass the river after about 40 minutes of hiking. Make sure you filter the water thoroughly before drinking it.

Shortly afterwards, you’ll have to cross a bit of a boulder field before climbing some switchbacks. You’ll be able to see Lower Joffre Lake through the trees which is a good excuse to stop and catch your breath. It’s not too much longer until you get glimpses of Middle Joffre Lake through the trees. As you round the corner, the lake comes into view and it is such a ‘wow’ moment! The trail goes around the lake so you’ll get amazing views of the glacier in the background.

Hiking to Upper Joffre Lake (1.8 km/ 1 mile)

The trail will lead you back into the forest where you’ll pass a scenic waterfall known as Holloway Falls. After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach a small wooden bridge and get glimpses of Upper Joffre Lake through the trees. You’re not quite there though! You still have a long walk around the lake. The path is quite narrow with roots and rocks so take your time. Eventually, the trail opens up and you get a gorgeous view of the lake and the glacier.

If you’re camping at Joffre Lakes, continue to the backcountry campground which is on the opposite side of the lakeshore (more info in the next section). For day hikers, find a spot to sit on the rocks and enjoy one of the best lunch views in British Columbia!

Hiking back to the parking lot (4.8 km/ 3 miles)

Once you’ve finished soaking in the views, end back down the way you came. You might want to stop at Middle Joffre Lake for a quick dip like we did, or just continue back down to the car park. If you need to use the restroom, there is a pit toilet. Make sure you bring your own toilet paper though!

Camping at Upper Joffre Lake

Camping is only allowed in the designated camping area located at Upper Joffre Lake. There are 24 campsites and each one has stunning views. What’s nice is that they are all quite private as they’re located at different elevations.

Reserving a campsite

The campsites used to be available on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, you now need to book a spot via the BC Parks Camping website. You can make a reservation 4 months out from your booking date. To make a reservation, go to the back-country section, select Joffre Lakes, and choose your desired campground on the map. As of June 2023, it costs $6 CAD per tent pad, per night, and an additional $5 camping fee per person, per night. You’ll need to print off two copies of your permit – one to show the Park Ranger and one to leave attached to your tent in a clear bag.

Facilities

Upper Joffre Lake campground has two toilets – one at the viewpoint and one at the camping area – but you’ll need to bring your own toilet paper. There is a bear-proof food storage unit where you can safely store your food. There are no garbage facilities, so always pack out what you pack in!

Bring layers

It can get incredibly cold at night due to the wind off the glaciers so make sure you pack layers. Campfires are prohibited all year-round so you’ll need to bring a portable camping stove with you for cooking and warm layers for heat.

Where to stay near Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

If you’re planning to do a day hike to Joffre Lakes from Vancouver, you probably don’t want to drive 3 hours there and another 3 hours back! When we did this hike last summer, we opted to stay overnight in Pemberton the night before. That way we only had a 30 minute drive the next morning and could start the hike nice and early. You could also drive up from Vancouver in the morning, do the Joffre Lakes hike, and then stay overnight in Pemberton instead.

Here are a few accommodation options to choose from if you decide to turn your hike into a little getaway:

Sweetwater Lane Farm: Located just outside of Pemberton on a functioning 7-acre homestead farm, the cabin is a unique getaway with a sauna, hot tub and fire pit. It’s the perfect place to stay before or after your hike. Check prices >
Pemberton Valley Lodge: Nestled at the foot of Mount Currie, Pemberton Valley Lodge offers one-bedroom and studio suites with stunning mountain views. They also have an outdoor pool and hot tub where you relax after a busy day exploring. Check prices >
Pemberton Hotel: This no-frills motel is ideal if you want something cheap but convenient. We’ve stayed here a few times and while it is quite basic, the central location makes it ideal for exploring Pemberton and the surrounding area. Check prices >

Hiking and camping at Joffre Lakes: Safety tips

Although the Joffre Lakes hike isn’t as challenging as some BC hikes, it is still a moderately difficult hike. Make sure you are fully prepared and don’t underestimate the distance and elevation. Each year, a number of people get into trouble while hiking due to a lack of preparation. Here are a few things you should do before heading out to hike Joffre Lakes:

Research the trail and know how long it should take, the level of difficulty, and ensure you have enough food and water to sustain you during the hike.
Check BC Parks website for current trail conditions to make sure it is safe and there aren’t any restrictions in place.
Check the weather conditions in Pemberton and pack accordingly. The weather can change quickly in the mountains so make sure you take layers and waterproof clothing just in case.
Bring plenty of drinking water and gear to filter water as there isn’t any drinking water in the park. You can collect water from the river and streams but you will need to filter it first.
Print a physical map of the trail or download an offline map (I use AllTrails)
Tell someone your plans before heading off. This is really important as often you won’t have signal on the trails so you should make sure someone knows where you are going.

Bear Safety

There is an abundance of wildlife in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, including black bears and grizzly bears. Although you likely won’t see any on the trail, you must make sure you’re fully prepared and know what to do if you encounter a bear. Read up on bear safety – especially if you are camping overnight (this article is a great place to start). Here are a few precautions I always take when hiking in bear country:

Always carry bear spray (make sure you know how to carry it and use it safely)
Hike in a group (3 people minimum) and make lots of noise to alert wildlife that you are on the trail
Stay alert and don’t listen to music (avoid wearing headphones or earbuds)
Check the trail reports before you leave as they normally say if wildlife has been spotted in the area
Follow any signage recommendations along the trail and do not go off the trail
Don’t try to get close to wild animals if you encounter them
Wear headlamps when hiking back down in the dark and make lots of noise

What to pack for hiking and camping at Joffre Lakes

I’ve put together a summary of what you should pack for your Joffre Lakes hike. I’ve included links to gear I personally use and love but there are plenty of alternative options. You can use this list as a guide but make sure you check the weather conditions and pack accordingly.

DAY HIKING TRIP

The 10 essentials

Before you head out, make sure you’ve packed the 10 essentials. These include navigation, water, food, rain gear and insulation, fire starter, first aid kit, tools (to repair kit and gear), light sources, sun protection, and shelter. Y

Hiking backpack

Choose a bag with hip and chest straps to reduce the strain on your back and neck. I have an Osprey daypack are rated really highly. Patagonia also has a great selection.

Hiking boots

Hiking boots or trail runners are ideal for the Joffre Lakes hike. I’ve had my Keen Hiking Boots for over 2 years and have been really pleased with them.

Merino wool socks

Merino wool socks are great for preventing blisters and letting your feet breathe. I always opt for Darn Tough, Icebreaker or Smartwool.

Trekking poles

I normally pack poles to take the pressure off my knees if I know there are some steep, downhill sections. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles and Black Diamond Trail Sport 2 Trekking Poles are great options.

Rain protection

Make sure you bring a rain jacket which can be easily packed away. I bought my Patagonia waterproof shell on sale in 2019 and I never go hiking without it. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space in my backpack.

Layers

Avoid cotton and opt for merino wool or poly blends that are quick drying. I usually opt for my Patagonia R1 Fleece as it provides a lot of insulation along with my Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket..

Bug Protection

Mosquitoes and flies can be relentless on some of these Vancouver hikes. It’s a good idea to take some bug spray with you in the summer months. MEC has a great range of bug sprays and repellers.

Sun Protection

Don’t forget to pack a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re hiking on a hot or bright day. I still pack polarized sunglasses in winter as they cut the glare reflecting off lakes and snow.

BACKPACKING TRIP

In addition to the day hiking items, you’ll also need:

Backpacking bag

A 40-50L backpack will be perfect for an overnight backpacking trip. I love the Gregory backpacks.

Tent

You’ll want a lightweight but good quality tent. We bought this two-person tent at MEC in 2019 and it’s been a great backpacking tent. There are lighter options but this was a very affordable option for the quality.

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

Test out a few styles and temperature ratings to see what you prefer. I get quite cold so I have this -10C sleeping bag which keeps me nice and cosy. It is on the bigger side and there are more lightweight options. This is the sleeping pad I have which is padded enough but packs down well.

Thermal top and bottoms

You’ll want a thermal pair of bottoms and a thermal top to change into for sleeping. I also bring spare socks, gloves and a beanie as it can get very cold in the mountains.

Water filter

Water will need to be filtered before drinking. You can use a gravity system like the Katadyn BeFree Microfilter with Hydrapak 1.0L.

Backcountry stove and propane

Opt for something lightweight that is made for backcountry camping like the Jetboil Stash Stove. I got this last year and it’s nice and packable. Don’t forget to bring fuel and a lighter and/ or matches.

Meals & snacks

Bring a couple of meals that are lightweight and won’t spoil.

Cooking utensils

You may want a camp mug, spork, and/or bowl, as well as a knife or multi-tool.

Toiletries

I always pack some face/ body wipes as well.

Joffre Lakes hiking and backpacking guide

Hiking Joffre Lakes: Final thoughts

Joffre Lakes truly is one of the most stunning hikes in British Columbia. Seeing the vibrant turquoise lakes for the first time is a memorable experience. Although it’s a great day hike, it’s also a fantastic overnight hike. If you haven’t done much backpacking before then Joffre Lakes is a lovely way to gain some experience. At 10 km round-trip, it’s not too long and the elevation gain is only 370 metres which is a lot less than other BC backpacking hikes.

I hope this guide helped answer your questions about hiking and camping in Joffre Lakes. If you have any additional questions, just drop them in the comments!

Where to explore next?

If you’re looking for more hiking inspiration in British Columbia, have a look at these guides:

Love from Steph

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