Take a Hike to Joffre Lake
Many BC Provincial Parks now require Day-Use Passes including Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Please visit the BC Parks website for more details!
Joffre Lake was recently rated as the #1 thing to do when you visit Pemberton by TripAdvisor. And for good reason this amazing hike brings you deep into the BC wilderness and offers spectacular views of the three glacier fed lakes and the picturesque Joffre Glacier.
The Hike
In order to get to Joffre Lake, you must drive about 35 minutes outside of Pemberton. Once you arrive at the Joffre Lake turn off there will be a large parking lot where you start your hike. The hike itself takes about 2.5 hours to complete one way. This means in total it will take about 5 hours to get there and back.
During the hike, there are three glacier-fed lakes that act as both rest spots and stages. These lakes have become the calling card of Joffre. All three are glacier fed and run an amazing turquoise blue. As you can see in the pictures these are great places to grab some photos and explore around.
The hiking trail is generally easy going for the first hour or so, however once get closer to upper Joffre Lakes you will have to navigate a number of rocky switchbacks. Make sure to wear a good pair of hikers or runners in order to deal with the terrain.
The real showstopper of the trail is the rest area at the last Joffre Lake. This area is also a great spot to camp overnight or rest. The last lake is also the best place to see the amazing Joffre Glacier. The Glacier looms ominously over the final lake and is connected to the lake by a lovely river. This picturesque area is the real reason you hike Joffre. The combination of the lake, river and glacier put an exclamation point on an amazing hike.
Additional Information
Camping
Camping is available at Joffre Lake Provincial Park. There are 24 campsites available on a first come first serve basis at Upper Joffre Lake (the last lake on the trail). Remember to follow pack-in-pack-out rules and leave nothing behind but footprints. Campfires, unfortunately, are banned year-round.
Dogs at Joffre
Dogs are allowed at Joffre Lake. Please keep dogs on a leash however and remember to pick up after them.
Fishing
Joffre lake provides great lake fishing. Several species of trout can be found in the lakes. If you are planning to fish in Joffre remember to bring your fishing license with you.
Photo Credit: elehmden & Spring McClurg
Posted: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
