Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Experience the surreal beauty of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, famed for its three vibrant turquoise glacier-fed lakes and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the surreal beauty of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, famed for its three vibrant turquoise glacier-fed lakes and stunning mountain vistas.
"The turquoise water is unreal! Photos don't do it justice."
🎟️ Book Day Pass in Advance
Mandatory for summer! Released 2 days prior at 7 AM PST. Act fast!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trail has roots, rocks & stairs. Poles help on inclines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Joffre Lake
Upper Lake
The crown jewel, with impossibly turquoise glacier-fed water and stunning mountain backdrops. Pure magic!
Middle Joffre Lake
Middle Lake
A beautiful stop with incredible views, perfect for a lunch break and soaking in the scenery.
Lower Joffre Lake
Lower Lake
Easily accessible from the parking lot, offering a taste of the park's beauty without a strenuous hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Day Pass Early
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Day Pass in Advance
Mandatory for summer! Released 2 days prior at 7 AM PST. Act fast!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trail has roots, rocks & stairs. Poles help on inclines.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
📸 Photos Don't Do It Justice
The vibrant turquoise water is even more stunning in person!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Day Pass in Advance
Mandatory for summer! Released 2 days prior at 7 AM PST. Act fast!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trail has roots, rocks & stairs. Poles help on inclines.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
📸 Photos Don't Do It Justice
The vibrant turquoise water is even more stunning in person!
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
While popular, carry bear spray for peace of mind.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, calling it one of the most beautiful hikes with surreal, breathtaking turquoise waters. The well-maintained trail and rewarding views are major highlights, though securing a day pass in advance and preparing for crowds are essential. Some mention the challenging sections and the need for proper footwear.
"This place is absolutely surreal and easily one of the most beautiful trails I’ve ever hiked.
We reserved a park pass online 48 hours before our trip, which made planning easy. The trail isn’t overly long, taking us about 4 hours round trip, including plenty of stops and a nice break at the top. We went on a weekday, and it was pretty busy, so I can only imagine how crowded weekends might get. Layers are essential, as are good hiking boots and hiking poles—they made all the difference.
Near the parking lot, there’s a small lake called Lower Lake. The longest part of the hike is the stretch between Lower Lake and Middle Lake, which has some challenging sections. However, as an occasional hiker, I was able to handle it without too much difficulty. Once you reach Middle Lake, it’s a short trek to Upper Lake, and you don’t want to miss it—it’s breathtaking.
Overall, this was such a fun and rewarding hike. The views were spectacular, especially on an overcast day, which added to the moody, picturesque atmosphere. Honestly, no photos could ever do it justice."
Christina Marsh
"Joffre Lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in British Columbia. The stunning turquoise color of the water gives the lake a unique and magical appearance. The surrounding glaciers add to the breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit destination. However, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warm weather, so don’t forget to bring insect repellent.
The hike to the lake is fantastic and well-maintained. The entire round trip takes about 3.5 hours. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the second lake, which is incredibly beautiful. It’s the perfect spot to sit, relax, and enjoy your lunch while taking in the gorgeous views."
Arash Khajehnouri
"Went 2 weeks ago with a friend. Was one of the first days with the snow so definitely slipping coming down. Although it is a very good hike for all different levels. Really beautiful and quiet for such a popular place.
Would recommend to bring some spikes for those who are not avid hikers!"
Helena Rivest
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Joffre Lakes is about a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Vancouver, BC. You'll typically take Highway 1 East and then Highway 99 North (Sea-to-Sky Highway). The park entrance is well-marked.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Public transportation options directly to Joffre Lakes are limited. Most visitors drive. Consider carpooling or looking into private shuttle services if you don't have a vehicle.
The drive is scenic, especially along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Be prepared for winding roads and potential traffic, particularly during peak travel times.
It's always a good idea to check DriveBC.ca for current road conditions and any advisories before you head out, especially during winter months when snow can impact access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a day pass is required for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park during the summer season (typically May 1 to October 9). This is to manage visitor numbers.
Day passes are released online two days in advance at 7 AM PST via the BC Parks reservation system. It's crucial to create a BC Parks account beforehand and log in promptly.
Yes, the day passes for Joffre Lakes Provincial Park are free, but you must secure one in advance during the reservation period.
The reservation system is typically active from May 1st to October 9th each year. Outside of these dates, reservations are generally not required.
If you arrive during the reservation period without a valid day pass, you will likely be turned away. Park staff do check for passes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 6.9 km round trip and leads to three stunning glacier-fed lakes. It's considered moderate with some challenging sections, especially between Lower and Middle Lake.
The hike typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours round trip, including time for breaks and enjoying the views at each lake.
The trail is generally well-maintained, featuring varied surfaces like stairs, roots, bridges, and stones.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the trailhead/parking area. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike.
While the water is incredibly inviting, swimming is generally discouraged due to the extreme cold of the glacier-fed water. Some brave souls do take a quick dip!
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The vibrant turquoise of Upper and Middle Lakes against the mountain backdrop is iconic. Lower Lake also offers beautiful reflections.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the unique color of the lakes is striking throughout the day.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive mountain and lake vistas.
Drones are generally not permitted in BC Provincial Parks to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
Joffre Lakes is ideal for landscape photography, capturing the stunning natural beauty of the turquoise lakes, glaciers, and surrounding peaks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with slightly older children, the hike to Middle Lake is manageable with good footwear and perhaps some encouragement. The stunning views at Middle Lake make the effort worthwhile. Consider packing snacks and drinks, and be prepared for the cold water if your kids are adventurous enough for a quick dip! Remember to secure your day pass well in advance.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own lunch and snacks is highly recommended, as there are no food services within the park. This allows you to enjoy a picnic with an incredible view without extra expense.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light, though the unique color of the lakes is captivating at any time. A wide-angle lens is beneficial for capturing the grand scale of the landscape. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and consider visiting on a weekday for a more serene photographic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Turquoise Waters
This natural wonder makes Joffre Lakes a photographer's paradise. The contrast between the vivid water, the rugged mountains, and the surrounding evergreen forests is breathtaking. Even on overcast days, the moody atmosphere can enhance the picturesque quality of the landscape.
While the color is the main draw, remember that the water is extremely cold, originating from glaciers. While some visitors brave a quick dip for an invigorating experience, it's not for the faint of heart!
Navigating the Joffre Lakes Trail
The most challenging section of the hike is the ascent between Lower and Middle Joffre Lake. This part involves steeper elevation gain, with roots and rocks forming natural steps. Good hiking boots and poles are highly recommended here to maintain stability and reduce strain.
Upon reaching Middle Joffre Lake, the trail becomes a bit easier again as you approach Upper Joffre Lake. The effort is well worth it, as Upper Joffre Lake is often considered the most spectacular of the three, nestled dramatically at the base of towering peaks.
Wildlife and Safety at Joffre Lakes
Redditors often mention that the trail is usually populated enough that encounters are less common, but preparedness is key. Stick to marked trails, make noise as you hike to alert wildlife of your presence, and never feed any animals.
In addition to bears, you might also encounter smaller creatures like chipmunks, which are often seen as cute and entertaining by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit