To reach the trailhead of Joffre Lakes, take Highway #99 (Sea To Sky Highway) northbound through Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. Continue straight through the lights at Pemberton, along the highway towards the town of Mt. Currie. Turn right at the intersection with the sign towards Lillooet.
Full Answer
How long does it take to hike the Joffre Lakes?
We always recommend giving yourself 5 hours from the parking lot to Upper Joffre Lake and back. A rough estimate of each lake: First lake 5 minutes, second lake 1.75 hours, Joffre waterfall 2 hours, third lake 2.5 hours (1 way). What Should I Bring? comfortable hiking/running shoes - the hike offers a series of steep climbs and quick descents
How to get to Upper Joffre Lake?
The hike has been popularized thanks to the three beautiful glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls. The three lakes are known as Lower Joffre, Middle Joffre and Upper Joffre Lake. In order to make the trip from Lower Joffre Lake to Upper Joffre Lake we recommend being an intermediate hiker or in decent walking shape.
What is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park?
What is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park? Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a popular hiking trail and camping site located just outside of Pemberton, B.C. The hike has been popularized thanks to the three beautiful glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls. The three lakes are known as Lower Joffre, Middle Joffre and Upper Joffre Lake.
What makes the Joffre Lakes so special?
A highlight of the park is the turquoise blue waters of Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre lakes, all three of which are located along the trail, and each more stunning than the last. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by “rockflour” – or glacial silt – that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight.
Where to camp in Joffre Lake?
Camping is permitted only within the designated campground at Upper Joffre Lake, a 5.5 km moderate to challenging hike from the parking lot. There are 26 backcountry tent pads, one urine diversion toilet, and a bear-proof food storage unit. The small gravel tent pads are located on the far (south) end of the lake and accommodate small backcountry tents. The campground fills quickly on weekends so it's best to make reservations ahead of time. Camping and reservation fees are in effect June 1, 2019 and year-round thereafter.
How high is the elevation gain to Upper Joffre Lake?
Elevation gain to Upper Joffre Lake from the parking lot is approximately 400 metres. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.
What is the blue water in Joffre Lakes?
A highlight of the park is the turquoise blue waters of Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre lakes, all three of which are located along the trail, and each more stunning than the last. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by “rockflour” – or glacial silt – that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has opportunities for hiking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Why was the 1989 Joffre Lakes Park Master Plan invalid?
The 1989 Joffre Lakes Park Master Plan was deemed invalid in 2018 because of misalignment between direction in the plan and the significant increase in visitor use at the park beginning in 2012.
What to do in the backcountry in the winter?
Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. The clearing of the parking lot is provided by a highway maintenance contractor and is done so periodically throughout the winter. There may be times when it is not cleared when you arrive. Please do your best to park off of the highway (shoveling may be required), and allow for clearing equipment to access the lot. Thank you, and enjoy the park.
How long should you boil water in the park?
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Water from lakes or streams should be boiled for at least two minutes.
When is winter in Joffre Lake?
Expect winter conditions in Joffre lakes from November until the end of May. Persons travelling into Joffre Lake Provincial Park should be properly equipped and experienced in winter travel .
What to see on the way to Upper Joffre Lake?
On the way to Upper Joffre Lake, you will cross some small bridges and see wooden animal sculptures and a mini-water fall.
How long is the hike to Upper Joffre Lake?
From the middle lake, the hike up to Upper Joffre Lake is approximately another 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles). Unlike the hike up to the middle lake, the trail to the upper lake and the campsite is less developed – more rocks, tree roots, etc. That is, for the most part, there are no straight compact dirt gravel paths.
Where are the views on the chain lakes?
The views are throughout on the Chain Lakes trail as with the Joffre Lakes, where as on the Sea to Summit the views are mostly at the top.
Is Joffre Lake calming?
Very calming Lake ... only managed to get to the 1st Lake and was not able to climb further due to the time it took. The travel to Joffre Lake was time consuming due to the winding roads but a good ride.
Can you walk to the campsite by the 3rd lake?
We didn’t walk to the campsite by the 3rd lake but we did go partway; close enough to have a partial view of the campsite from the trail. This portion of the trail was narrow and rough but manageable to hike.
Do you have to navigate through rocky sections?
You will have to navigate through some rocky sections. You will need lots of care and attention through this section. Also, there are sections that have man-made steps that make the ascent/descent easier.
Is it better to get to the park early or later?
The earlier you can get there the better as the parking and the park fills up pretty quickly. The cell phone reception vanishes before you get to the park so download your park passes.
How long is the hike to Joffre Lake?
The hike takes about 3.5 - 5 hours depending on your pace and rest stops. We always recommend giving yourself 5 hours from the parking lot to Upper Joffre Lake and back. A rough estimate of each lake: First lake 5 minutes, second lake 1.75 hours, Joffre waterfall 2 hours, third lake 2.5 hours (1 way).
What is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park?
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a popular hiking trail and camping site located just outside of Pemberton, B.C. The hike has been popularized thanks to the three beautiful glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls. The three lakes are known as Lower Joffre, Middle Joffre and Upper Joffre Lake. In order to make the trip from Lower Joffre Lake to Upper Joffre Lake we recommend being an intermediate hiker or in decent walking shape. This trail is not suitable for young children. The trail features many hard ascents and steep declines. However, the first lake provides beautiful scenery and is only five minutes from the parking lot.
When is The Best Time To Visit Joffre?
You can catch the blue lake phenomenon from mid-June to late September.
What is the blue color of Joffre Lake?
Fun fact: Joffre Lakes signature blue look comes from fine rock silt released by the grinding movement of the Upper Joffre glacier. This fine silt stays suspended in the lakes and reflects the light of the sun during the summer months to produce a turquoise blue/green. If you are reading this during the winter months visit our Joffre Lake ...
Where to take a right turn in Lillooet?
Take a right-hand turn at the Mount Currie gas station towards the town of Lillooet. After a brief drive along Lillooet Lake Road you will begin to ascend into the mountains. Drive for 15 more minutes until you see the signs and parking lot for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park on the right-hand side.
How Long Does the Hike Take?
The hike takes about 3.5 - 5 hours depending on your pace and rest stops. We always recommend giving yourself 5 hours from the parking lot to Upper Joffre Lake and back. A rough estimate of each lake: First lake 5 minutes, second lake 1.75 hours, Joffre waterfall 2 hours, third lake 2.5 hours (1 way).
Lower Joffre Lake
We were camping overnight at Upper Joffre Lake, so it didn’t matter that we set off late in the day as we were only going one way. We left the car park and hit Lower Joffre Lake about five minutes in. Turns out, the lakes are just as blue as the stories!
Middle Joffre Lake
The hike to Middle Joffre Lake is pretty steep, will get your heart pounding and should take about an hour. The trail after the first lake begins in the trees for about twenty minutes which was nice as we were carrying camping gear on our backs and even though it was about 4:30pm, the sun was still very hot!
Upper Joffre Lake
The final lake is only about fifteen minutes further on from here. Continue following the trail, you’ll cross a couple of bridges and a pretty waterfall.
Camping at Joffre
If you’re camping, you’ll find the campsite on the other side of the lake underneath the glacier so you’ll need to make your way to the right of the lake. We’d recommend coming over this way even if you aren’t camping as it’s a lot quieter and away from the crowds.
Matier Glacier
We went back to the tent and had some breakfast while trying to figure out if we could hike up to the glacier.
To Know Before You Go
The hike is a 10km round trip. If you’re doing the hike in a day, allow for about five hours. Five minutes to the first lake, an hour from here to the second lake and another fifteen minutes to the final lake. Five hours will allow you to spend some time enjoying the scenery.