Ultimate Guide to Hiking and Backpacking to Joffre Lakes
The Joffre Lakes hike is an insanely popular destination in the Pemberton region of British Columbia. The hike features three stunning turquoise lakes, each more beautiful than the last, surrounded by towering peaks and old-growth forests. The trail is moderate in difficulty and suitable for most fitness levels.
At only 5 miles round trip, the Upper Joffre Lakes hike is a quick jaunt from the trailhead and provides epic views of a blue-green alpine lake and towering mountains behind it.
However, this place fills up fast because of how short the hike is. A sunrise or sunset hike outside regular hiking hours may be the best bet, especially if you enjoy solitude in the mountains.
Complete Guide to Hiking and Backpacking Joffre Lakes
Quick Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Hiking Details:
- Distance: 5.2 miles round trip to the front of the upper lake; if backpacking closer to 6
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (most of the gain is between lakes 1 and 2)
- Beauty: Awesome
- Travel: One hour north of Whistler
- Animals not allowed
Planning your trip to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
How to get to the Joffre Lakes Hike
Drive
Joffre Lakes is about 30 minutes north of Pemberton, an hour north of Whistler, and about 2.5 hours north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. The roads are standard, and the parking lot is off the main road.
However, it is a steep and winding road for the last 15 minutes before you read the trailhead. This is not a great place to be in the winter with freezing conditions, but in the summer months, you’ll be golden.
So, while it would be hard to miss, I’d still download your maps offline and plug in the trailhead details.
Lastly, there is no cell service at the trailhead, so make sure you have everything you need beforehand.
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Bus
There is a shuttle service from Vancouver that you can take if you don’t want to drive to the Joffre Lakes trailhead. The standard rate is $108 per person for a round-trip ticket. Discounted rates for seniors ($97) and children ($54) are available.
The bus aims to arrive at the trailhead at 11:30am and depart back to Vancouver at 5:30pm.
The bus does make one stop on its way up – almost guaranteed to be Whistler – where you can make a quick bathroom stop. Additionally, if you want to ride up from Whistler, this is how you’d do it. (They pick up at Creekside Parking Lot.)
Parking Lot Size at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
The parking lot is medium-sized, but for how popular this trail is, it will be full on weekends and holidays. (Honestly, it’s probably full on weekdays in the summer, too.) The parking lot also has some huge potholes, so keep that in mind.
There is an overflow lot for Joffre Lakes that is before the main parking area. Just be careful pulling onto this road. It’s narrow and has some blind spots.
What to know about Joffre Lakes Day and Overnight Permits
Hiking Joffre Lakes – Day Permits
Day Use passes are required from May 6 to October 9, 2024. If you do not have a permit, you cannot hike here. This limits the number of people on the trails to keep them from being overrun. Rangers are there during business hours to enforce these permits.
As I mentioned above, there is no cell service here. Make sure you screenshot your Joffre Lakes day permits before visiting so your hike isn’t delayed.
Backpacking Joffre Lakes – Overnight Permits
Those looking to do an overnight at the upper lake also need a permit – but this is a different type. Additionally, camping is not allowed from November 15 to April 15 due to avalanche possibilities. Make sure you save your permit to your phone in case you run into a ranger who asks you about it.
For those wishing to overnight camp, there are 26 sites, and the Reservable Dates are June 14 – Nov 12. These are not easy to get, and planning ahead would be smart. While you need to secure the permits in advance, the individual sites are not reservable but first come, first serve.
They’re relatively easy to find, and we landed a spot near the water for a perfect setup!
What it’s Like to Hike and Backpack in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Lower Joffre Lake
You’ll reach the first lake about a quarter mile at most from the parking lot. You’ll wind your way to the right from here, hugging the shoreline as you make your way to the back of Lower Joffre Lake.
This is where the uphill climb begins. Most of it is steps, and you’ll soon find yourself looking down on the tops of the trees that were once amongst.
Most of the elevation gain for the Joffre Lakes hike happens between the first and second lakes. Take it slow, and with how many people are on the trail, be courteous to all hikers.
I believe you gain about 1,000 feet in this span.
Middle Joffre Lakes
Middle Joffre Lake will appear out of nowhere, and if you catch it just right, the water will be a beautiful turquoise color. This lake appears at about the 1.6-mile mark.
This offers one of the most magical views in all of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. You’ll find many people taking their photos on the half-submerged log with the Matier Glacier behind them. There are a couple benches that people can sit on to eat lunch. For some reason, a lot of people make this their final spot. Don’t do that.
Keep pressing on.
Now, the hardest part of the Joffre Lakes hike is behind you. You’ll have less than a mile to the third and final lake.
As you head around the middle of Joffre Lake, you’ll see a lovely cascading waterfall. This is Holloway Falls. Again, this is an excellent place for a quick photo or break.
Upper Joffre Lakes
Another 15 minutes on the Joffre Lakes hike, and you’ll have reached the highest lake. Most hikers will stay on this side with the view of the mountains in front of you. If you want to keep hiking, you can head towards the back of the lake. However, the views are not as grand.
For those backpacking, wrap around the lake counterclockwise. This is where you’ll find campsites. Regardless of where you end up, the views of Upper Joffre Lake will floor you.
What to know if you’re backpacking Joffre Lakes
If you’re backpacking Joffre Lakes, the campground is on the backside of the lake. From the popular viewing spot to the campground is about a half-mile walk. While it’s not flat, it’s nothing difficult – though it is rocky and has some roots to maneuver over. My GPS watch showed about 3.5 miles from the start to the campsite.
Upper Joffre Lakes Campground
Once at the campground, it’s a free-for-all. I’d estimate there are 20-odd spots available. Some are right off the trail; others are scattered throughout the lakeside. A few spots are right next to the water. (Don’t worry, there’s no 100-foot rule here.)
Additionally, there is a bathroom in the area. Please use this instead of digging a cat hole, as it will help preserve the area for future use.
Lastly, remember to bring a water filter for water. While you can scoop it out of the lake, walking a few hundred yards to the waterfall will give you cleaner water with fewer particles in it.
We did this, and it also allowed us the chance to explore some!
Backpacking Gear Recommendations
- 2-3P Tent (we have the Copper Spur)
- Gravity Filter
- Big Anges Sleeping Pad
- 15-30-degree lightweight sleeping bag
- Backpacking Chair
- 55-65L backpack
- Jet Boil
- Dehydrated Meal
What to bring on your Joffre Lakes hike
- Wool base layer to keep you warm: Men’s and Women’s
- Nice comfy fleece as a mid-layer: Men’s and Women’s
- Down Jacket for extra warmth: Men’s and Women’s
- Comfy yet durable pants: Men’s and Women’s
- Rain jacket: Men’s and Women’s
- Beanie
- Sunglasses
- Wool Socks: Men’s and Women’s
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Men’s and Women’s
- Midsized hiking backpack: 20L, 25L, 30L
When is the best time to hike Joffre Lakes?
This is a wonderful summer hike and one you’ll never forget. With extremely long days, you can tackle this at odd hours of the day, trying to beat the crowds, and still get back to Whistler for some fun!
I’ve hiked this in early July and early September and found both to be stunning times. I’m sure August is also an excellent month to visit Joffre Lakes.
As for the time of the day, I would recommend not hiking in the middle of the day, though that is also when the lakes will be their brightest, thanks to the sun shining. But this is also when the crowds will be most fierce.
My first time hiking was a sunrise, and I found the colors to be less vibrant than when I went up on my backpacking trip to Joffre Lakes. I would say that if you started hiking in the mid-afternoon, most people would be trickling down, and you’d get stunning light with fewer people.
Lodging near the Joffre Lakes Hike
The best places to stay would be Whistler or Pemberton.
Budget Lodging: Pan Pacific Whistler
Mid-Tier: Listel Hotel Whistler (I stayed here over Labor Day and loved how walker-friendly it was. We didn’t drive all weekend!
Luxury: Westin Whistler
What fun activities are there to do near Whistler?
- Whistler Zipline
- Peak-to-Peak Gondola
- Whistler Helicopter Tour
- Kayaking Tour
- Whistler Via Ferrata
- Explore Nearby Waterfalls: Brandywine Falls, Alexander Falls, or Rainbow Falls
What else is there to do in the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park area?
- Narin Falls Provincial Park
- Duffey Lake Provincial Park
- Seton Lake Lookout
FAQ: Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Where can you filter water?
For a hike of this length, you likely will be fine with what you carry. That being said, there is a nice spot to get water right on the side of the trail. (Not sure the mileage.) Additionally, Hollaway Falls is a great area as the running water will help remove sediment from the water.
When we backpacked Joffre Lakes, we stayed in the upper lake near our campsite. My fiancee and I had zero issues with the water quality!
How long is the Joffre Lakes hike?
The Joffre Lakes hike is about 5-6 miles, depending on how far you hike around the upper lake. In all, it should take you about 90 minutes to get up to the top lake. But that would be if you keep pushing on. However, the stunning views will likely slow you down as you’ll want to photograph and soak in these mesmerizing sights.
Is Joffre Lakes open?
Yes, it is currently open. However, during the months of September and October, Joffre Lakes might be closed due to the cultural activities of local tribes that own land.
Joffre Lakes Park will remain inaccessible until further notice, as BC Parks and the Province continue discussions with the Lil’wat and N’quatqua to chart out a plan that will provide space and privacy for cultural activities of the Nations while ensuring public access to the park in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Impacted reservation holders have been contacted and fully refunded, and day-use passes will not be available until the park is accessible again. Any further updates will be communicated in advance on this page.
Where is Joffre Lakes located?
Joffre Lakes is about one hour north of Whistler and 30 minutes from Pemberton. The final bit of the drive is on a winding mountain road, which forces you to go slow and be alert. Also, be alert for any wildlife which may dart onto the road.
Can I have a campfire while hiking or backpacking Joffre Lakes?
Due to wildfire risks attributed to a changing climate, campfires are banned in most of British Columbia. This includes Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
Can you swim in Joffre lakes?
Most definitely, but it is cold. Thanks to constant glacial melt, the lakes are always fed, but this keeps them cold. Be ready for a wake-up when you get in. That said, I went in, and it’s amazingly refreshing and a must-do!
Should I be worried about bears?
There is always a bear risk at Joffre Lakes and any natural area in British Columbia. That said, this is a very popular area that bears should not want to visit. That being said, if you leave out trash and do not pick up after yourself, the food and scents can lead bears to visit.
Do your part to keep the area safe and minimize bear activity by packing out what you pack in.
Wrapping Up the Joffre Lakes Backpacking Trip
The Joffre Lakes hike will genuinely blow your mind, and I hope you get out and experience the beauty! I first went in 2018 before the crowds and again in September 2023. It’s wildly more crowded but just as beautiful as ever.
Even with crowds, it’s still totally worth it, and you’ll love the time spent in nature.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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