Joffre Lakes Trail
Squamish-Lillooet C, British Columbia
Details
Distance
5.67 miles
Elevation Gain
1266 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Emily Haggar
Easy access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Coast Mountains. 10km round trip to Upper Joffre Lake, 400m elevation gain (1200' gain). A great hike in summer, and a fun snowshoe in winter. Three beautiful turquoise lakes, a blue glacier, waterfalls and old growth forest. Duration: just a few minutes walk to the first lake, or a half day/full day to explore the whole area.
Joffre Lakes is a well loved destination, and for good reason: it is absolutely stunning. Not only is it located on one of the most scenic drives you could ever hope to find (Duffy Lake Road) , but it's possible to enjoy this area no matter how much time you have, or how much hiking you want to do.
There are three bright turquoise lakes in the Joffre chain, the first being just a few minutes from the parking area. From Lower Joffre Lake, the views are stunning, and as you continue up the trail, it just gets better and better. The Parks Service is working on trail upgrades, and now a new section of the upper trail takes you past a gorgeous waterfall just under Upper Joffre Lake. The trail is steep in places and requires proper footwear and intermediate hiking ability.
From the top of the trail, you can continue on to the camping area (24 sites/$5 a person) and another huge waterfall, plus you'll get a closer look at the blue icefalls of the Matier Glacier directly above you. On a sunny day these lakes sparkle with little diamonds, below clear deep blue skies. On cloudy days, the lakes turn a brighter turquoise. Upper Joffre Lake has some epic camping spots, and serves as a good access point to the surrounding mountains for ski touring and mountaineering.
With easy access and beautiful scenery, this area gets very busy. To have some alone time with Joffre Lakes, you'll need to go very early in the morning or late in the day in summer months. To reach the parking area, head north on HWY 99 from Whistler or Pemberton, and follow the Duffy Lake Rd until you see the well marked Park signs on your right. There's a large parking area here (plowed only intermittently in winter!) that sill manages to spill over onto the highway on summer weekends.
Unfortunately, dogs are no longer allowed at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
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Joffre Lakes Trail Reviews
This trail is very popular for a reason. Thankfully at least some of the traffic ends at the insta-log (don't be surprised to see a decent line). I swam in the upper lake and it was cold and refreshing, definitely recommended for those brave enough to try!
5.0
Went around 6:30am and it was absolutely incredible - only saw 3 people on the way up
5.0
One of my favorite hikes - and my first alpine glacial lake hike with my dog, I have done twice when in Whistler. Sadly, was looking forward to coming back this year and learned that dogs are no longer allowed. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/joffre-lakes-hike-dogs-1.4646944
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Backcountry Camp Upper Joffre Lake
Snowshoe Joffre Lakes
Hike to Slalok Mountain
Hike to Mt Rohr
Scramble Mt Joffre
Overnight at Keith's Hut
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