Joffre Lakes Park is off Highway 99 east of Pemberton on Duffey Lake Road. BC Parks describes turquoise-blue lakes, jagged peaks, icefields, cold streams, hiking, camping, climbing, and winter recreation in a very popular remote mountain park.
The park has special significance for Indigenous Peoples and contains fragile ecosystems and valuable biodiversity.
Joffre Lakes Park is famous for the trail to Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre lakes. The blue colour comes from suspended glacial silt, often called rock flour. Lower Joffre Lake is an easy five-minute walk from the parking lot, while the route to Middle and Upper Joffre lakes climbs through old-growth hemlock and spruce, talus slopes, and subalpine scenery.
Upper Joffre Lake sits below Matier Glacier with views toward Joffre Peak. Camping is allowed only at Upper Joffre Lake Campground, on designated tent pads, and reservations are required during the camping season. Fishing is possible, especially in Lower and Middle lakes, and climbing is mountaineering terrain for experienced parties only.
Winter and spring visits involve severe conditions, avalanche risk, deep snow, ice, and rapidly changing coastal mountain weather.
Plan around day hiking to the three lakes, reserved backcountry camping at Upper Joffre Lake, photography, fishing, mountaineering for experienced climbers, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and careful winter route planning.
Day-use passes are typically required during peak season. Bring drinking water or treat natural water. Campfires are permanently banned, pets are not allowed, cell service is unavailable, and parking is allowed only in designated lots.
