Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
- As of June 12, 2013, most of the Joffre Lakes Trail was snow free. There is still snow in shaded patches at higher elevations, including a steeper side slope enroute to the campsite at Upper Joffre Lake.
- Trail Improvement Project Underway!
BC Parks is undertaking the second phase in a two year trail improvement project on the main Joffre Lakes Trail (to Upper Joffre Lake) in 2013. There is now a trail crew and machinery working on the first 1.5km of the trail. Work on various sections of the trail will continue, potentially into October of this year. There may also be weekend work activities. There may be an increase in helicopter flights overhead, including the placement of project materials along the trail. - Please follow public safety warning signs and any directions you may receive from the trail crew or park rangers. Expect some noise and short hiking delays when you encounter the project work of the day. Thank you for your patience.
- In 2012, as part of the first phase of the project, a new trail between Middle Joffre Lake and Upper Joffre Lake was constructed. It provides views of a cascading waterfall and a large, glaciated mountain vista across the upper lake. Hikers may discover this will make their day, without having to continue to the often busy backcountry campsite at the far end of the lake.
- Avalanche and glacier hazards exist in Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
For current Avalanche Bulletins check out http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/south-coast
For more information visit http://www.avalanche.ca/
About This Park
Steeply rising from Lower Joffre Lake, the glacier-laden peaks are visible from an easily accessible viewpoint 500 metres from the parking lot. If you carry on, the trail becomes a rough, rocky and steep hike through the Coast Mountain range. Evidence of the park’s glacial history can be found in the U-shaped valleys, glacial silts and lateral moraines. This magnificent area of jagged peaks, icefields, cold rushing streams and turquoise blue lakes was established as a recreation area in 1988 and became a Class A park in 1996. A highlight of the park is the turquoise blue waters of Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre lakes, all three of which are located along the trail, and each more stunning than the last. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by “rockflour” - or glacial silt - that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park has opportunities for hiking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Park Size: 1,460 hectares
Stay Safe:
- Expect winter conditions in Joffre lakes from November until the end of May. Persons travelling into Joffre Lake Provincial Park should be properly equipped and experienced in winter travel. No emergency services are available during the winter season.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Water from lakes or streams should be boiled for at least two minutes.
- Campfires are not permitted at this park.
- The glacial fed lakes are very cold and are not recommended for swimming.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Off Hwy 99 east of Pemberton, BC on the Duffey Lake Road.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Brochure and map - Updated July 7, 2008 [PDF 325KB]
Nature and Culture
- Wildlife - Deer, black bears, grizzly bears and mountain goats reside in the area. Pikas may be spotted at the third lake. Please use the pails and metal food cache at the campsite to store your food. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
Activities Available at this Park
Climbing
All climbing opportunities are mountaineering. Should only be attempted by experienced and equipped people.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Only experienced and well-prepared mountaineers should attempt mountain climbing or venture onto glaciers and snow fields. The trail from the parking lot past three lakes to Middle and Upper Joffre Lake is a rough, rocky and steep 5 km (3 mile) mountain route. Elevation gain to Upper Joffre Lake from the parking lot is approximately 400 metres. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.
From the parking lot, Lower Joffre Lake is just a short 5 minutes, easy walk away and there is a nice viewpoint here. If you carry on, the more challenging trek to Middle and Upper Joffre lakes is well worth the reward: a sweeping view of rugged peaks, icefields and cold, rushing streams beneath the Matier Glacier.
Continuing on from Lower Joffre Lake, the trail winds upward through old growth forests of hemlock and spruce and along talus slopes. After a steep, rooty section, the trail emerges into a sub-alpine forest with views of the Matier Glacier.
At Middle Joffre Lake, you'll want to stop to photograph the scene in front of you: with the lake's pristine turquoise waters fringed by sub-alpine forest and backed by rugged Coast Mountain scenery.
The final stretch of the hike brings you to the largest and perhaps most stunning of the three lakes: Upper Joffre Lake. Here you stand beneath the frozen cascade of Matier Glacier, with a fine vantage of 2,721m. (8,927ft.) Joffre Peak.
Overnight campers can set up their tents on the far (south) end of the lake in the small, but level campsites provided. The campsite, along a section of lakeshore and in the adjacent rock talus slope, is some distance from the toe of the glacier. The campsite may fill up on weekends so it is best to get there early. In the warm afternoon sun you can hear the thunderous crashing of ice as it calves from the glacier. Please keep in mind that because of the instability of glacial terrain, scrambling upslope to get a closer view is not recommended.
Note on this hike: Be sure to take insect repellent, as mosquitoes and blackflies can be pesky.
Etiquette: Pack out what you pack in and take it home with you. There is no garbage pick-up in the park.
From the parking lot, Lower Joffre Lake is just a short 5 minutes, easy walk away and there is a nice viewpoint here. If you carry on, the more challenging trek to Middle and Upper Joffre lakes is well worth the reward: a sweeping view of rugged peaks, icefields and cold, rushing streams beneath the Matier Glacier.
Continuing on from Lower Joffre Lake, the trail winds upward through old growth forests of hemlock and spruce and along talus slopes. After a steep, rooty section, the trail emerges into a sub-alpine forest with views of the Matier Glacier.
At Middle Joffre Lake, you'll want to stop to photograph the scene in front of you: with the lake's pristine turquoise waters fringed by sub-alpine forest and backed by rugged Coast Mountain scenery.
The final stretch of the hike brings you to the largest and perhaps most stunning of the three lakes: Upper Joffre Lake. Here you stand beneath the frozen cascade of Matier Glacier, with a fine vantage of 2,721m. (8,927ft.) Joffre Peak.
Overnight campers can set up their tents on the far (south) end of the lake in the small, but level campsites provided. The campsite, along a section of lakeshore and in the adjacent rock talus slope, is some distance from the toe of the glacier. The campsite may fill up on weekends so it is best to get there early. In the warm afternoon sun you can hear the thunderous crashing of ice as it calves from the glacier. Please keep in mind that because of the instability of glacial terrain, scrambling upslope to get a closer view is not recommended.
Note on this hike: Be sure to take insect repellent, as mosquitoes and blackflies can be pesky.
Etiquette: Pack out what you pack in and take it home with you. There is no garbage pick-up in the park.
Pets on Leash
Pets are required on leash for most of the Joffre Lake Trail. With the current trail improvement project underway, almost 4.0km of the main trail will become an easier grade with less rocks and roots. The trail can be extremely busy during the summer.
Between Lower and Middle Lakes there is a large boulder talus slope mid-way to the middle Joffre Lake that must be negotiated. From the boulder area to the Middle Lake outlet bridge the trail is steep and rough. Pet (dog) owners need to use caution, common sense, discretion and show control of their pets, especially if owners choose to temporarily unleash their pet when hiking through these tough sections.
Popular backcountry areas, such as Joffre Lakes Park, are really not suitable for dogs or other pets due to large numbers of people, wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears (i.e.: a bear chasing a dog back to the dog’s owner). Compared to other backcountry parks in the Sea to Sky Corridor, Joffre Lakes is one of the few where dogs are currently still allowed. If you do choose to bring your pet to this area, please respect the park, its wildlife and other park visitors.
Between Lower and Middle Lakes there is a large boulder talus slope mid-way to the middle Joffre Lake that must be negotiated. From the boulder area to the Middle Lake outlet bridge the trail is steep and rough. Pet (dog) owners need to use caution, common sense, discretion and show control of their pets, especially if owners choose to temporarily unleash their pet when hiking through these tough sections.
Popular backcountry areas, such as Joffre Lakes Park, are really not suitable for dogs or other pets due to large numbers of people, wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears (i.e.: a bear chasing a dog back to the dog’s owner). Compared to other backcountry parks in the Sea to Sky Corridor, Joffre Lakes is one of the few where dogs are currently still allowed. If you do choose to bring your pet to this area, please respect the park, its wildlife and other park visitors.
Winter Recreation
Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist. Be properly equipped
with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing
into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting
visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. The clearing
of the parking lot is provided by a highway maintenance contractor and is
done so periodically throughout the winter. There may be times when it is
not cleared when you arrive. Please do your best to park off of the highway
(shoveling may be required), and allow for clearing equipment to access the
lot. Thank you, and enjoy the park.
Facilities Available at this Park
Pit or Flush Toilets
There are 2 pit toilets located at the parking lot and 1 pit toilet located at the upper lake camping area.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Camping is permitted year round at Upper Joffre Lake, 5.5 kilometres from the parking lot. There are approximately 24 walk-in, backcountry campsites. Overnight campers can set up their tents on the far (south) end of the lake in the small, but level campsites provided. The campsite, along a section of lakeshore and in the adjacent rock talus slope, is some distance from the toe of the glacier. The campsite may fill up on weekends so it is best to get there early. The ice falls of Matier Glacier, Mount Matier and Mount Joffre tower above the turquoise waters of the lake. Pack out what you pack in and take it home with you. There is no garbage pick-up in the park. Campfires are prohibited all year round.
Winter Camping
Be properly equipped, self-sufficient and experienced in winter travel. Caution: Winter camping at the Upper Lake campground is not recommended due to high exposure to avalanche. Choose your campsite carefully to avoid avalanche terrain. Campfires are prohibited all year round.
