If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and stopped and stared at a beautiful mountain backdrop and gorgeous lake, there’s a good chance you were looking at Joffre Lakes. Located in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park near Pemberton, BC, this is easily one of the most spectacular hikes in all of British Columbia. And the best part? The payoff is enormous for the effort required. Is it easy? It’s honestly not that bad. Is it worth it? 100 times yes!
This complete trail guide covers everything you need to know: how to get a day pass, where to park, what the trail is actually like, what to bring, and when to go to make the most of your trip. I will admit though, if you are properly prepared, this hike is amazing anytime. Let’s get into the details you need to know:
Joffre Lakes Hike: At a Glance
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (round trip to Upper Lake)
- Elevation Gain: 370 m / 1,213 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep in sections)
- Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Day Pass Required: Yes — May 17 to October 26 (2025)
- Dogs Allowed: No
- Cell Service: None at the trailhead or on trail
- From Vancouver: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours drive ( depends on traffic and it you have a lead foot 🙂 )
How to Get to Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is located about 180 km north of Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). From downtown Vancouver, take Hwy 1 west to Horseshoe Bay, then merge onto Hwy 99 north through Squamish and Whistler. Continue through Pemberton, then follow signs to Lillooet via Mt. Currie. The park entrance and parking lot are about 21 km past the Mt. Currie intersection.
Driving times from key points:
- Vancouver: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (traffic dependent)
- Whistler: approximately 1 hour
- Pemberton: approximately 30 minutes
Pro tip: The drive itself is one of the most scenic in North America. Consider stopping in Squamish or Whistler on the way to break up the journey, or stay overnight in Pemberton to get an early start and beat the weekend crowds. This is a popular hike. Also, the sea to sky is such a great drive. It can get bottlenecked and slow during peak traffic times…buuuut it is a gorgeous drive!
Parking at Joffre Lakes
Parking is free at the Joffre Lakes trailhead. There is a main lot at the trailhead and an overflow lot just before it on the highway. Both fill up very early on summer weekends — arriving before 7 or 8 AM is strongly recommended if you want a spot. Anyone who parks on the Duffey Lake Road shoulder will be towed, so don’t risk it. Plus, it’s super annoying and dangerous for highway drivers when this happens. Don’t do it.
If you don’t have a car, guided tours with transportation from Vancouver are available and may be worth considering given the parking headaches.
Joffre Lakes Day Pass: What You Need to Know
This is the most important part of planning your visit. Due to the trail’s massive popularity, BC Parks requires a free day-use pass from mid-May through late October (May 17 to October 26 in 2025). Without one, rangers will turn you away at the trailhead. Better to be safe than sorry.
How to get your pass:
- Passes are released on the BC Parks website at 7:00 AM, exactly two days before your planned visit.
- Each person in your group needs their own individual pass.
- Passes are free but go fast on summer weekends — set an alarm.
- Download or screenshot your pass before you leave home. There is zero cell service at the park.
- Rangers check passes at the trailhead and sometimes on the trail itself.
In winter (outside permit season), no pass is required but avalanche risks increase significantly, and you’ll need proper equipment including crampons. Having some experience is probably a good idea before heading out in the snow.
The Joffre Lakes Trail: What to Expect
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It passes all three lakes, the Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre, before reaching the backcountry campsite at the base of Matier Glacier. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at each stage:
Lower Joffre Lake (5 minutes from the parking lot)
The first lake is just a short downhill stroll from the trailhead and is accessible for all fitness levels. Even from here, you can see the glacier high above. It’s a great teaser of what’s to come and a good turning point if you have young kids or limited mobility.
Lower Lake to Middle Joffre Lake (the hardest section)
This stretch is where the real climbing happens. The trail gains most of its elevation here — steep, rocky, and sustained. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and the effort is absolutely worth it. About halfway up, you’ll pass Holloway Falls, a wide crashing waterfall on a short spur trail to the right, don’t skip it.
Middle Joffre Lake (approx. 1.6 miles / 2.5 km in)
Middle Joffre Lake is where most people stop for photos — and you’ll see why. The turquoise water, the glacier backdrop, the famous half-submerged log stretching into the lake. It’s one of the most iconic views in BC. But don’t make this your endpoint. Keep going. So so gorgeous! This is picture and eye heaven.
Middle Lake to Upper Joffre Lake (the reward)
From Middle Lake, the trail eases up and Upper Joffre Lake is only about 15–20 minutes further. Upper Lake is larger, wilder, and even more dramatic, with Matier Glacier looming above. Far fewer people make it this far, so you’ll have more space to breathe and take it all in. This is the destination so don’t turn back before you get here.
Best Time to Visit Joffre Lakes
The lakes are open year-round but the experience varies dramatically by season:
- June to September: Peak season. The water is at its most vivid turquoise colour — caused by glacial silt (called rockflour) suspended in the water. Warm enough to swim at the upper lake. Day passes required.
- October: Fall colours make this a stunning and quieter time to visit. The first snowfalls can appear late in the month. Day passes still required through October 26.
- November to April: No day passes required, but the trail can be icy and avalanche risk is real. Crampons are highly recommended. Not suitable for beginners.
- May: Snow is melting, trail can be muddy. Great for experienced hikers who want to beat crowds. Day passes kick in mid-May.
What to Bring on the Joffre Lakes Hike
There is no drinking water available at the park (you cannot drink the lake water without treating it first), and no cell service, so come fully prepared:
- Water: bring at least 2L per person, or a filter/purification tablets
- Food and snacks — there is nowhere to buy anything once you leave Pemberton
- Hiking boots or trail runners with good grip (the trail is steep and rocky)
- Rain jacket and warm layers — mountain weather changes fast
- Bear spray — you are in grizzly country
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Your day pass screenshot — saved offline before you lose service
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful on the descent)
- Bug spray (especially near the upper lake in summer)
- Headlamp if you’re starting early or finishing late
- Check out THIS for some ideas on the basics
Camping at Joffre Lakes
The only designated camping area is at Upper Joffre Lake Campground, near the far end of the upper lake. There are roughly 20 tent pads and an outhouse. Sites are first-come, first-served once you have a camping permit, which must be booked through the BC Parks reservation system (reservations open 4 months in advance on a rolling basis).
Note: There is a permanent campfire ban in Joffre Lakes Park. Camping is prohibited from November 15 to April 15 due to avalanche risk.
Respecting the Land
Joffre Lakes is jointly managed by BC Parks and the Lílʼwat Nation and N’Quatqua, who have lived in and stewarded this area since time immemorial. The area between North Joffre Creek and Cayoosh Pass is known as Pipi7íyekw in the St̓atímcets language, meaning a camping place where storage houses were. Visitors are encouraged to hike with respect, follow Leave No Trace principles, and take only photos.
Final Tips for a Great Visit
- Get your day pass the moment they’re released at 7 AM — summer weekend passes sell out within minutes.
- Arrive at the trailhead by 7–8 AM on weekends to secure parking.
- Don’t stop at Middle Lake — Upper Lake is the real destination and far less crowded.
- Hike on a weekday if your schedule allows. The difference in crowd levels is significant.
- Check trail conditions on AllTrails or Instagram before going, especially in spring and fall.
- Screenshot your pass and download an offline map before you lose cell service past Pemberton.
- Joffre Lakes is not dog-friendly. Leave your furry friends at home.
Joffre Lakes is one of those hikes that genuinely lives up to the hype. Whether you’re a seasoned trail-runner or a first-time hiker, the combination of a scenic Sea to Sky drive, three jaw-dropping turquoise lakes, and a glacier draped across the mountains makes for a day that’s hard to beat anywhere in BC. Plan ahead, grab your pass early, and get out there. Let’s goooo…..
Have you done the Joffre Lakes hike? Drop your tips and experience in the comments below!
