Joffre Lakes Hike: A Glacial Jewel of British Columbia
Plan your Joffre Lakes hike near Pemberton, BC. Learn the history, bookyour permits, and hike responsibly in this alpine paradise of turquoise lakes.
WBN News Sea to Sky
✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Sea To Sky | June 17, 2025 Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.
Hiking season is here on the West Coast and many people want to hike to Joffre Lakes. You need to book ahead to reserve hiking and camping spots.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Nestled just 35 km northeast of Pemberton, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is one of BC’s most awe-inspiring alpine hiking destinations. Famous for its vivid turquoise lakes, towering glacier backdrops, and dramatic elevation gains, the trail offers a true taste of Canada’s rugged mountain beauty.
Hike Overview
The Joffre Lakes Trail is a 10 km round-trip hike (5 km each way) that passes Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes. It takes 3–5 hours depending on pace and breaks, with an elevation gain of 400 meters. The crown jewel is Upper Lake, reflecting the Matier Glacier—perfect for photos, lunch, or just marveling at nature’s raw power. https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/joffre_lakes_trail_map_f5e7b4668f.pdf
Booking & Park Access
Due to popularity, BC Parks requires free day-use passes between May and October, available at Discover Camping (BC Parks) starting 7 days in advance at 7:00 a.m.
- Camping & rules:
- Camping is only permitted at the Upper Lake campground with reservation https://bcparks.ca/joffre-lakes-park/.
- Campfires are permanently banned; you must use a portable stove .
- Dogs have been banned since May 2018 to protect wildlife.
🌿 Ecological Responsibility
Joffre’s beauty has led to overuse. Visitors are urged to follow Leave No Trace principles:
- Stay on trails to protect alpine vegetation
- Pack out all garbage
- No swimming in the glacier lakes
- Dogs are no longer permitted (since 2018) to protect sensitive ecosystems
Trail crews have restored portions of the route with boardwalks and erosion barriers. Your cooperation keeps the park accessible for future generations.
🧭 Tips for Planning
- Fitness: Moderate-to-challenging due to steep sections
- What to Bring:
- Hiking shoes
- Layers (alpine weather shifts fast)
- Water/snacks
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Camera or binoculars
- Best Season: July–September for snow-free trails and clear glacier views
- Wildlife: Sightings of pika, marmots, and mountain goats are possible
Why It’s Special
Beyond the photos, Joffre is a living glacier ecosystem—a rare chance to witness alpine beauty just 3 hours from Vancouver. It’s not just a hike; it’s a rite of passage for BC outdoor lovers.
Karalee Greer - Publisher Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.
Hashtags: #WBN News Sea to Sky #Karalee Greer #Joffre Lakes #BC Hiking #Eco Tourism BC #Pemberton Trails #Leave No Trace
Members Discussion