Hiking Joffre Lakes, BC

Joffre Lakes has a reputation of being an overrun, over-hyped hike. While it’s true that this is probably one of the most popular hikes in BC, it’s a wonderful trail that provides a good mix of challenge and reward especially for a newer hiker. It’s around a 10km round-trip to the third lake with an elevation change of ~400m.

We were heading up for a weekend trip to Lilloet and hit up Joffres on the way. The hike can be made more challenging by continuing past the third lake to the Matier glacier, which adds significantly more elevation. We weren’t able to fit that in this trip, but are hoping to the next time we head north in the summer.

The trail itself is varied, starting off well-groomed at the first lake and becoming increasingly more technical as you ascend. The grindiest section is before the second lake, where you gain the most elevation clamouring over stairs. Past the second, some of the trail will be over boulders though they are slowly adding boardwalk improvements each time I go.

Don’t miss the waterfall as you head up. See the volume of glacial melt flowing past and pounding in your ears.

If you’ve brought enough layers, enjoy a lunch on the rocks by the third lake. It’s always been chilly up here, as the wind is cooled as it flows over the ice above. There always seems to be someone braving the ice-cold water up here for a celebratory swim.