Joffre Lakes Hike Guide: Summer & Winter Trail Tips
Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular hikes near Vancouver. Once you see the turquoise water in person, you’ll understand why. The Joffre Lakes trailhead is located east of Pemberton, just off the Sea to Sky Highway, making it a great day trip from Vancouver.
I’ve hiked Joffre Lakes in both summer and winter, and they feel like two completely different hikes. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your hike: permits, trail conditions, what to pack and which season is right for you.
Overview: Joffre Lakes Hike In Summer or Winter
Before hiking to Joffre Lakes for the first time, I found myself wondering if the water really was as blue as it looked in photos. After seeing it in person, the answer is yes. The colour of Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes is just as striking in real life.
Fun Fact
The vivid turquoise comes from fine glacial silt suspended in the water, which reflects blue and green wavelengths of sunlight.
Where is Joffre Lakes and Getting to the Trailhead
Joffre Lakes is a glacier lake located in British Columbia, about a 3-hour drive from Vancouver. The trailhead (check here) is just off Duffey Lake Road, around 20 minutes past Pemberton on Highway 99.
The best way to get to Joffre Lakes is to drive along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and towards Pemberton. If you’re driving from Vancouver, make sure you leave early in the morning to avoid traffic, especially in summer.
The night before the hike, we decided to camp near Whistler with the goal to be at the trailhead by 8 am. At this time, Joffre Lakes parking lot was still empty but when we got back to our car in the afternoon it was completely full.
How to Get to Joffre Lakes without a Car
If you don’t own a vehicle and are interested in getting to Joffre Lakes without a car, ParkBus usually offers connections between Vancouver and Joffre Lakes. For the 2026 season, they’re still trying to get the permission to operate in the park.
The only other alternative to get to Joffre Lakes without a car is to book with EpicBus or YVR Skylynx to Whistler and then get a taxi to Joffre Lakes trailhead.
But, if you’re looking to meet new people, another great option is checking Facebook and MeetUp Groups.
Why is Joffre Lakes Hike so Popular?
Well, the easy answer is that Joffre Lakes is absolutely breathtaking. The vibrant turquoise color and the glacier-fed water make a trip very worthwhile. Also, all three lakes are framed by the snow-capped mountains and make for a very scenic hike in BC.
Joffre Lakes hike itself is not really difficult compared to others in BC. The trailhead is easy to reach, as it’s just off the Highway and the trail is well marked up to the top.
If you’re hiking Joffre Lakes in summer, I believe that everyone is able to complete the hike. But if you’re considering hiking Joffre Lakes in winter, you may need some preparation in advance.
When is the Best Time for a Joffre Lakes Hike?
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is open year-round for hiking, which makes Joffre Lakes accessible in winter and in summer.
I visited it in both seasons, and although most people visit Joffre Lakes in summer for the glacier blue water colour, in winter the whole area turns into a winter wonderland. If you get the chance, I highly recommend hiking Joffre Lakes in winter and summer. You’ll get to experience the best of both worlds.
This being said, if you want to enjoy the vibrant blue color, the best time to hike Joffre is from July to September.
Joffre Lakes Reservation
Day-Use Hiking
If you’re only visiting for the day, you need to get a free day pass to hike Joffre Lakes. Every year this usually applies for any dates from mid-May and late October. Each person needs to book a separate pass and you can do so starting at 7 am PST, two days before your trip. It is a very competitive booking process and passes run out fast especially on summer weekends.
Save your day-pass as a screenshot on your phone, as the cell service is limited at the trailhead. Remember that parks staff will check for passes at the trailhead. So don’t drive to Joffre Lakes if you didn’t manage to get a pass. They won’t allow you to go ahead on your Joffre Lakes hike.
Upper Joffre Lake Campsite (Backcountry Camping)
If you want to camp at Joffre Lakes, you’ll need a backcountry campground reservation. You can book online up to 4 months before your trip. There are a total of 26 backcountry sites and camping costs $25 per person per night as well as a $6 reservation fee for each tent.
Also, if you have a Joffre Lakes backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day-use pass.
Checklist of Things to Do Before a Joffre Lakes Hike
- Get a day-use pass: don’t drive to Joffre Lakes without a day-use pass. You can book a pass up to 2 days before your hike. Parks Staff usually checks the passes at the trailhead before you start the Joffre Lakes hike.
- Check for closures: throughout the year the park may schedule closures for Indigenous use. You can check the latest updates here.
- Check the weather: make sure you are aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately. Always bring a wind jacket and some warm clothing, as it can get quire cold up in the mountains.
- Wear sturdy shoes: trail running shoes or hiking boots will provide the best grip and ankle support. If you’re hiking in winter, also bring crampons or snowspikes to have grip on slippery surfaces. Consider snowshoes if it has freshly snowed.
- Bring water or water filter: there is nowhere to fill your water bottle on the trail. If you have a water filter, you can use it at any of the three lakes.
- Bring the 10 Essentials: for a good overview check this link.
Hiking to Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes
The distance in the table below refers to a round trip hike from the trailhead.
| Difficulty | Distance (roundtrip) | Elevation Gain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Joffre Lake | Easy | 0.2 km (0.1 mi) | none |
| Middle Joffre Lake | Moderate | 5.5 km (3.4 mi) | 410 m (1,348 ft) |
| Upper Joffre Lake | Moderate | 9.2 km (5.7 mi) | 673 m (2,209 ft) |
Hiking to Lower Joffre Lakes
The Lower Joffre Lakes is located just a few meters away from the parking lot. To enjoy the distinctive turquoise color of the water, you’ll have to hike at least to Middle Joffre Lake. Nevertheless, here you can already get a glimpse of the glaciers and the alpine scenery.
Hiking to Middle Joffre Lakes
The Middle Joffre Lake is the second lake and probably the most scenic of the three. I still prefer the Upper Joffre Lake though!
The hike to Middle Joffre Lake crosses creeks, a forested path to ultimately lead to the famous viewpoint. You won’t miss it both due to the crowds and the line to take a picture at the famous log floating on Middle Joffre Lake. If you haven’t already seen this on social media, this log is a very popular photo location.
Hiking to Upper Joffre Lakes
Continue on the trail along Middle Joffre Lakes to first reach the powerful waterfall that connects the Upper with the Middle Lake.
Then, after a short hill you’ll reach Upper Joffre Lakes. I personally love this lake the most. There are many scenic viewpoints for a perfect picture opportunity, but my favourite is from the campsite at the end of the trail.
Backcountry camping at Upper Joffre Lake is stunning and it feels so peaceful despite the other campers spread around the area. But, I need to admit that the trail leading to the campground is quite rough, with roots and a bit of scrambling over rocks. Nothing too technical though.
Camping in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
The only place you can camp at Joffre Lakes is at the Upper Joffre Lake.
There are a total of 24 campsites, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. But in order to camp here from June to September, you will need to get a backcountry camping permit. It is very competitive to reserve a spot. Therefore, I recommend booking as soon as the reservation becomes available. This is usually 2 months in advance of your arrival date.
The campground has a bear cache where you should store your food overnight. Also, remember to always pack your food and garbage out, so that we can keep this park beautiful for other visitors.
Joffre Lakes Hike in Winter
If you want to enjoy the vibrant blue colors of Joffre Lakes you should visit in summer. But, if you’ve already done so and are looking for a great winter hike near Vancouver, then you should hike Joffre Lakes in winter.
Hiking in winter requires a lot more preparation compared to hiking in summer. You need to have winter tires on your vehicle and in some cases chains as well. Also, weather conditions may change drastically and the trail can be more dangerous compared to summer.
Some sections of the trail get very snowy and icy. The steeper sections, especially, may result more difficult to cross. But with the right equipment it is doable.
Remember though that the trail is in serious avalanche terrain so check the avalanche forecast before your trip.
If you’re planning a Joffre Lakes hike in winter, start very early to allow enough time on the trail. As days are shorter, you should keep this in mind to make sure you get back to the parking lot before it gets dark.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes is one of the best hikes along the Sea to Sky Highway and truly a dream destination for hikers and outdoor lovers. I hope this article has inspired you to visit Joffre Lakes in summer or winter.
FAQ on Joffre Lakes Hike in Summer or Winter
How difficult is the Joffre Lakes Hike?
Overall, the Joffre Lakes hike is rated moderately difficult. It includes some steeper sections up to the Middle and Upper lake but it’s overall well marked. In winter, it becomes more challenging due to snow and ice. So, you need to be well prepared before heading out in the backcountry. I would not recommend this as a winter hike for beginners.
Do I need a permit to hike Joffre Lakes?
Yes, during the summer months, usually between mid-May to mid-October, you need a free day-use pass from BC Parks.
Can I hike Joffre Lakes in winter?
Yes, but since a winter hike involves more preparation it is recommended for experienced hikers only. Alternately, if you’re a beginner, look for a group of people with more hiking experience.
In winter, snowshoes or microspikes are usually required. Also, avalanche risk may be present. So, always check the forecast and conditions before you go.
What should I bring for a summer hike to Joffre Lakes?
If you’re hiking to Joffre Lakes in summer, make sure you carry enough water and snacks, wear hiking shoes with good grip, pack sunscreen and a hat, carry layers for changing weather. Also, check these 10 essentials for hiking.
What should I bring for a winter hike to Joffre Lakes?
Hiking to Joffre Lakes in winter required more preparation. You should check the weather conditions before you go and pack the following items: micro spikes or snowshoes (depending on snow conditions), warm and moisture-wicking layers, waterproof boots, headlamp and map/GPS, as well as avalanche safety gear (if venturing off-trail).
Is camping allowed at Joffre Lakes?
You can go backcountry camping at Upper Joffre Lake, if you have a valid camping permit. Winter camping is allowed but only for prepared and experienced campers.
Can I swim in Joffre Lakes?
Yes, if you’re brave enough. These are alpine lakes with glacier water, so the water is really cold, even in summer.
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