Joffre Lakes

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

About an hour north of Whistler, along the Sea to Sky Highway, Joffre Lakes is a magnificent area of jagged peaks, ice fields, cold rushing streams, and turquoise blue lakes.

From the parking lot, the trail leads through some dense coastal rainforest that's typical for this area. Within minutes, you'll reach lower Joffre Lake. Take in the views before continuing up the trail. Eventually, further up the valley, the trail begins climbing more steeply through boulder fields, crossing the creek multiple times on small bridges.

After about 1.7 miles, the trail descends slightly to middle Joffre Lake before climbing steeply to the final–and most stunning–lake.

Upper Joffre Lake proves to be a great place to enjoy a bite to eat before retreating with its emerald blue water and epic views of the Matier Glacier nestled into the peaks above.

As you run back down the trail, be ready for a completely different experience. The view of glaciers and peaks across the valley is absolutely stunning.