Joffre Lakes Hike Near Whistler

Joffre Lakes is one of British Columbia’s most beautiful hikes, with a trail that visits 3 beautiful turquoise alpine lakes.

THE STATS

Difficulty – Moderate

Hiking time – 3-4 hours

Roundtrip – 10km

Elevation Gain – 370m

Summit altitude – 1600m

Season – June to September

Camping – Yes, with a permit

From Whistler – 1 hour

From Vancouver – 3 hours

Shuttle Service – Parkbus

Dog Friendly – No

Trail type – Out and back

THE HIKE

The hike is relatively easy, in comparison to other alpine lakes in the area. It’s a very accessible hike, even if you’re not an avid and experienced hiker. However, if you are an avid hiker, this will be an easy hike. There are some stairs on the trail, but not the entire way. The trail is very obvious and well-marked with signs.

Lower Joffre Lake is very close to the start of the trailhead, by the parking lot, but the best lakes are yet to come.

The 3km section of the trail between Lower Joffre Lake and Middle Joffre Lake will take the longest and it’s the most challenging part of the trail, which includes passing over a boulder field. After a little more hiking, you’ll reach Middle Joffre Lake, where you’ll see the Instagram famous log and a line up for photos.

The hike from Middle Joffre Lake to Upper Joffre Lake is relatively short and easy. Upon arrival at Upper Joffre Lake, most people make this their final stop, but if you want to explore some more and escape the crowds, keep hiking along the Upper Joffre Lake trail for another 30-40 minutes towards the camp sites. It’s so worth it!

It took us nearly 3 hours roundtrip of just hiking, but we also spent a lot of time exploring around and enjoying the far end of Upper Joffre Lake.

NEED TO KNOW

The popularity of Joffre Lakes blew up a few years ago, thanks to Instagram and Narcity. And because it’s not only an extremely beautiful hike, but also a very accessible hike, this means it’s an extremely popular so the crowds are INSANE. Tour buses full of tourists come to Joffre Lakes, therefore, I would absolutely NOT attempt this hike on the weekend. However, if a weekend is your only option, you’ll need to arrive extremely early to get parking.

I went on a Monday in late June with moderate weather and there were still quite a lot of people. But, if you go to the far end of Upper Joffre Lake, where the camping spots are, there will be next to no one there.

There are 26 tent sites available at the end of Upper Joffre Lake, but you need to buy a permit in advance. You can make a reservation here.

There are outhouses at the parking lot, Middle Joffre Lake, Upper Joffre Lake and the camping area at the far end of Upper Joffre lake. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you.

There aren’t any garbage facilities, so take your garbage with you.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring layers, even on a hot day. It can be quite cold at Upper Joffre Lake, at around 1600m. And it gets very cold at night, if you are camping.
Wear and bring sunscreen. The sun is stronger at higher elevation.
Water and food.
Bug spray.
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Don’t forget to stretch before and after!

HOW TO GET THERE

Joffre Lakes are near Pemberton, which is about a 1 hour drive (62km) north from Whistler. The trailhead is located off Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway), 21km east of Pemberton on the Duffey Lake Road.

Joffre Lakes are a 3 hour drive (180km) from Vancouver, so it can be done on a day trip if you leave very early.

There is a small parking lot and an overflow parking lot. On weekends and holiday Mondays during the summer, a shuttle service is provided from Duffey Lake Park parking lot to the Joffre Lakes trailhead for $10 per person.

Any vehicle parked alongside the highway will be towed.