Joffre Lakes Provincial ParkJoffre Lakes Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains known for its three striking glacier-fed lakes. The park protects stepped mountain lakes connected by short hiking trails and is a popular destination for day hikes, backcountry access and photography.
The park’s highlights are the Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes, each fed by nearby glaciers and notable for intensely turquoise water caused by glacial rock flour. Trails link the lakes and provide viewpoints, alpine meadows and glacier vistas; many visitors hike to the middle and upper lakes for views and swimming at the lower lake.
The area was set aside to protect the lakes, surrounding forest and alpine environments and has become a heavily used recreational area during the summer months. Park management advises preparedness for changing mountain weather and for trail-use congestion during peak season.
Joffre Lakes sits in the Coast Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, northeast of Pemberton and within regional driving distance from Whistler and Vancouver; access is via a forest service road and a marked trailhead.
- Lake colour and access: The park’s three turquoise, glacier-fed lakes are reached by a hiking trail of a few kilometres; the vivid colour is due to finely ground glacial rock flour suspended in the water.
- Visitor notes: Popular for day hikes and photography; the trail can be busy in summer and the upper lake area can have snow into late spring.
What to See#
- Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes: Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre Lakes are three glacier-fed, stepped lakes connected by a hiking trail and linked visually by waterfalls and streams.
Best Time to Visit Joffre Lakes Provincial Park#
Best from late spring through early fall; summer offers easiest access and the most reliable lake conditions, but expect crowds on weekends.
Weather & Climate near Joffre Lakes Provincial Park#
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1015 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -12° - -4° | -12° | 117 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - -1° | -10° | 84 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -9° - 0° | -9° | 76 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -6° - 3° | -5° | 67 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 8° | 0° | 71 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 12° | 5° | 79 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 16° | 9° | 63 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 17° | 11° | 58 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 13° | 6° | 60 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 7° | -1° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -8° - -1° | -8° | 128 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -12° - -4° | -12° | 117 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park#
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is about 60 km north of Pemberton and roughly 3 hours from Vancouver by car. From Pemberton, follow Highway 99 north toward Mount Currie, then take local logging roads/park signage to the trailhead parking area. In high season, a timed-entry/parking reservation may be required; check BC Parks’ website before traveling.
Tips for Visiting Joffre Lakes Provincial Park#
- Get to the lower and middle lakes early (before 8:30am) in summer to avoid the midday crowds and secure parking.
- Bring cash or a park reservation confirmation - during peak season a day-use reservation and parking ticket may be required.
- On sunny days the lakes' turquoise color intensifies mid-morning; cloudy days mute the blues but highlight waterfalls and mossy tunnel creek.