Name: Joffre Lakes, British Columbia, Canada
Elevation: 1600M
Distance: 11k round trip
Joffre Lakes are three turquoise glacial lakes that lie just above the agricultural town of Pemberton just north of Whistler. The lakes are fed by a large majestic glacier that sits high on Mount Matier. The area was first climbed in 1957 by Dick Chambers, Joe Hutton, Cyril Scott, Roy Mason and Paddy Sherman. It took them six days to ascend Joffre Peak, Mt Matier, Vantage Peak & Mt. Howard – the collection of mountains that tower above the upper alpine lake. Now Joffre Lakes is one of the most accessible and beautiful glacial lakes in British Columbia.
With in minutes of starting the four kilometer trail you hit Lower Joffre Lake. Not quite as vivid as its higher up brothers it gives you a sneaky peak of what is to come.
Once you leave the first lake you begin to ascend through the rain forest. In the early 1970’s, after the logging road was built, two climbers bushwacked their way to Upper Joffre Lake to set up a climbing camp.
On your way up you follow and cross Joffre Creek – this stream links the three lakes. In 1996 Joffre Lakes became a provincial park meaning the climbers who had set up camp and were running beginners and intermediate climbing weeks, had to pack up and leave.
After hiking for about 40 minutes to an hour you will come to Middle Joffre Lakes, where crazy people love to come and swim in the glistening, pure and freezing glacial waters. In the distance you can see the glacier that feeds the lakes.
Not long after passing the middle lake you will reach this waterfall. A recently added loop to the trail this waterfall is powerful, spectacular and loud.
As you being to reach your destination you can see the turquoise through the trees.
You have now reached your destination. Set up camp or enjoy your lunch while taking in the spectacular view.
The glacier above Upper Joffery Lake is called Anniversary Glacier it was named so by the first climbers who made it there on their 50th anniversary.
A waterfall cascades from the bare rock that was climbed for the first time in the 195o’s. Joffre Lakes is one of the most stunning hikes in British Columbia. It can get very hot in the Pemberton area. 30 plus degrees centigrade is normal in the summer even at that altitude. Make sure you take plenty of water.
For more information on Joffre Lakes click here and for back country camping at Upper Joffre Lake click here
Tents can be hired from MEC on Broadway in Vancouver.
