A Mountainous Park In Canada Boasts Three Glacial Lakes With Mesmerizing, Blue Water

Looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian wilderness? Joffre Lakes is one of the top reasons why British Columbia (BC) should be on your travel bucket list. Hidden in the Coast Mountains of BC, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a beautiful escape renowned for its three striking glacial lakes, set against a backdrop of glacial peaks and alpine forests. 

Glacial lakes are the end products of various glacial activities. When the glaciers recede, meltwater accumulates in the depressions they leave behind. The meltwater movement can form different types of glacial lakes, including moraine-dammed lakes, ice-dammed lakes, or subglacial lakes.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is about 19 miles from Pemberton or 39 miles from Whistler. If you are flying in, the nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From Vancouver, drive (or rent a car) to Joffre Lakes, which is about 121 miles north of the airport. Joffre Lakes became a provincial park in 1988, and the area is preserved to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem, including wildlife habitats, subalpine forests, and glaciers. The best time to visit this provincial park is between June and September, when its vivid blue hue is at its most vibrant.

The main attraction at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is the three glacial lakes (Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes), with their dazzling blue color, tucked along the 5.8-mile (round-trip) Joffre Lakes Trail. Categorized as moderate, the well-marked trail passes through alpine forests with stunning views of cascading streams, snow-capped mountain peaks, and icefields. Your adventure begins at Lower Joffre Lake, which is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. You can relax at the lake's shoreline and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without doing a full-on hike.

As you make your way to Middle Joffre Lake, which is about 1.8 miles from the parking lot, the route becomes steeper. When you reach the lake, there are wooden boardwalks and rocky shoreline viewpoints. Stop here for a picnic and to take photos of the landscape. It is also a fishing lake where anglers can try their luck. The Upper Joffre Lake is a breathtaking alpine basin with up-close views of the towering Matier Glacier, making it one of the most beautiful places in Canada to visit. This is the only place you can camp at the park, with 26 campsites. 

When you book a campsite and get a camping permit, you have a free day-use pass for the park. Overnight campers should prepare for bad weather, as mountain weather can be unpredictable year-round. If you aren't camping at the park, you will need a day-use pass to explore Joffre Lakes.

After spending the day at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, you can head to Pemberton, a charming town that gives you a taste of the local delicacies. Grab a bite at Mile One Eating House, known for delicious gourmet burgers made with locally sourced ingredients and comforting mac-and-cheese skillets. For coffee enthusiasts, Blackbird Bakery has the best pastries and fresh brew in town.

If you still need some green time, just 5 minutes from Pemberton is Nairn Falls Provincial Park. You can get to the falls via a 1.8-mile round-trip trail that follows the Green River through lush forest. The sound of the rushing water becomes louder as you get closer to the falls. You can marvel at the double waterfall from the viewing platforms. The striking scenery elevates this gem to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the province. 

For some snow sports, head further south to Whistler, an internationally renowned resort town, about 1 hour from Joffre Lakes. During winter, this is the best spot for snowboarding and skiing.