Hiking Joffre Lakes near Pemberton
Contents
Joffre Lakes Hike Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7.40Km
Elevation Gain: 491m
Highest Elevation: 1,572m
Average Gradient: 13.27%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: No
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Joffre Lakes Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 50°22’10.3″N 122°29’55.3″W
Joffre Lakes Overview
Joffre Lakes are a trio of glacier-fed lakes situated in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park near Pemberton. Thanks to its ease of access and relatively simple trail, Joffre Lakes has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in British Columbia, drawing in crowds of hikers, tourists and campers every day throughout the summer.
With the jaw-dropping, glaciated peak of Slalok Mountain as a backdrop, the turquoise lakes derive their colour from the enormous glaciers that cascade from the summit, with each lake spilling into the next. While all of the lakes are scenic, the middle and upper lakes are by far the most popular, with crowds of people lingering around their shores throughout the day.
Access to Joffre Lakes is from a large parking lot at the trailhead, and is thus accessible to all vehicles. Due to the elevation of the lakes (the lowest one is at 1,220m and the highest is at 1,570m), they typically remain snow covered until the early summer.
All sorts of abilities complete this hike, from young children to seniors. While the trail initially starts off as a well groomed gravel track, as you move towards the second lake it quickly turns into your typical PNW hike on loose rocks and dirt. Most parties will stop hiking once they reach the northern shores of the upper lake, however it is possible to continue beyond the lake and up to the toe of the Matier Glacier, providing an aerial view of all three lakes. Other options for further exploration could be to Tszil Mountain, Mount Taylor or Slalok Mountain, though the latter requires exposed Class 4 scrambling. All of these additional routes are off trail and require self-navigation in the backcountry, so only prepared parties should attempt them.
The season for Joffre Lakes is mostly year-round thanks to being so easily accessible. In the winter this region becomes a popular destination with ski tourers, though of course the lakes will be covered in snow. Many snowshoers also venture out, though avalanche safety training is a must if you plan to visit in winter. The prime season is definitely the summer, with July to October the peak season for visiting as the trails should be free of snow and the lakes fully thawed.
Camping is possible in Joffre Lakes in the summer and can be booked through BC Parks. Dogs are not welcome in the park so leave the pup at home.
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Is Joffre Lakes worthwhile?
Joffre Lakes has rapidly become one of the most popular hikes in BC, with crowds of people showing up every single day in the summer. Thanks to the relatively short trail, all abilities can complete this hike, though it certainly does have some steep sections that might catch some off guard.
While Joffre Lakes is undoubtedly beautiful, it suffers from over tourism, with many hikers avoiding this trail as they look for more peaceful escapes away from the crowds.
How difficult is the hike to Joffre Lakes?
As noted, Joffre Lakes attracts visitors of all abilities thanks to its short stats. Even children and seniors can complete this hike at a slow pace, and you will regularly see both along the trail throughout the summer. Still, while much of the hike is straightforward, there is a short, steep stretch between the lower and middle lake that will challenge even the fittest of parties. Over less than a kilometer you will climb around 200m, with an average gradient above 20%. Other than that section the remainder of the trail isn’t too steep, though.
Technically speaking this hike is straightforward, following a maintained trail the entire time. That being said, don’t expect a smooth gravel trail the whole way, as most of the hike is technical underfoot beyond the lower lake, with lots of loose rock to navigate. Given many people here are not used to this kind of terrain, prepare to go slowly and be patient with other parties that may be doing the same.
Joffre Lakes Route Information
Parking for Joffre Lakes is on the side of Duffey Lake Road, with a large main parking lot and a smaller overflow parking lot a few hundred meters prior. The main lot typically fills up quickly, however the overflow lot should usually have space if so.
From the main parking lot you’ll descend down into the forest, and after just a couple of hundred meters of walking you’ll reach a junction. Going straight will lead to the lower lake and turning right will continue along the trail to the middle and upper lake. Most parties will make a quick stop at the lower lake, however this is nowhere near as nice as the other lakes, so most won’t hang around long.
After returning to the junction and taking the trail towards the middle lake, you’ll now follow the trail as it wraps around the lower lake, sadly not really offering many viewing opportunities as you do. There is a short climb once you reach the southern shores of the lower lake, followed by another stretch of relatively flat terrain.
After hiking for a total of around 2km you’ll reach the most challenging part of the trail, the steep climb up to the middle lake. Here the trail will shift from its flat, mellow walk to a series of stairs and rocks that abruptly climbs for around 220m, with little respite. Many parties will take breaks along this stretch of trail, but just keep in mind that once you reach the top, the remainder of the hike is much easier.
Shortly before reaching the middle lake you’ll actually descend slightly, and just ahead you’ll reach the northern shores of the lake, with its ethereal turquoise colour and the glaciated Slalok Mountain towering behind. There are a number of places to stop at the middle lake, with one particular viewpoint that has a log protruding into the lake that many parties attempt to walk across without falling in. Some people will go for a swim here too, though it’s obviously very, very cold.
Continuing beyond the middle lake, the trail soon reaches Holloway Falls, the outflow from the upper lake to the middle. This is a nice place for a quick stop, but most people soon continue on the hike. From the falls, the trail once again starts to climb up a steep section of stairs and rocks, but this time it’s much shorter, gaining around 50m. In short order you will be crossing a wooden bridge over the creek flowing out of the upper lake, and just ahead you will reach the shores. The trail takes a turn to the left along the bouldery shore of the upper lake, with plenty of space for the crowds to spread out on the rocks. The upper lake is by far the largest lake and offers the most panoramic views of the mountains beyond. Most parties will stop here for photos and some food while soaking in the majestic views.
The trail does continue around the lake to the campsites on the other side, though if you are only planning to hike to the lakes, most parties stop here. If you did want to hike to the toe of the Matier Glacier, or summit one of the mountains beyond, you’d follow the trail around the lake towards the campsites then continue your adventure from there.
Once you’ve finished at Upper Joffre Lake you can simply hike back down the way you came. Patience might be needed on the descent as the loose, rocky terrain makes many people go slowly.
When should I hike Joffre Lakes?
The peak season for Joffre Lakes is between July and October when the lakes are thawed and the trail is free of snow. While technically open year-round, the fall and spring are likely the quietest time of year as the trails and lakes will be snow covered, yet the ski season will be over. In the midst of winter Joffre Lakes is popular with ski tourers and snowshoers looking for easy access into the alpine, however the lakes will obviously be buried deeply in snow.
Top Tip
As with all hikes that are this popular, an early start is strongly recommended in order to secure parking and to experience quieter trails.
Joffre Lakes is very popular with less experienced hikers, or even tourists that really don’t know anything about hiking. Please practice Leave No Trace principles, take all garbage out with you, don’t feed the wildlife and let others pass if you are moving slower than they are.
