Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is famous for its series of three bright turquoise glacial lakes, backdropped by rugged mountains. Its a very popular destination and rightly so!

The Joffre Lakes Trail connects all three lakes - 500m one-way to the first lake, 4km to the middle lake, 5km to the upper lake. The terrain is on the low side of moderate, with 370m elevation gain total from the trailhead to the last lake. Allow 4 hours for the full 10km return hike.

The catch? Day-use trail passes are required to explore Joffree Lakes Provincial Park from mid May to the end of October. These can only be secured through the day-use section of the BC Parks website, two days in advance. The free passes are released at 7am.

There is a backcountry campground (hike-in only) at Upper Joffre Lake, featuring 26 tent pads. Reservations required, available via the BC Parks website four months in advance. Campers do not have to have a day-use trail pass.

The park is closed 30th April to 15th May, 14th to 23rd June, 3rd September to 6th October. Expect winter conditions from November to May. There is avalanche terrain beyond the first lake - do not visit off season if you don't have avalanche education.