I’m happy to say that this Summer, I found myself hiking Joffre Lakes for the very first time.
And, I don’t know why it took me so long to write about it.
Elbert and I have been talking about going on the popular hike in Pemberton and we finally did!
I actually briefly mentioned the hike in my Vancouver Travel post. But here is a more detailed run through of my experience.
The Drive
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in Pemberton takes close to a 2 ½ hour drive from Coquitlam.
I recommend that you start your day bright and early. We decided to depart Coquitlam at about 5:30 am!
Prior to the trip, you got to have music prepared. Jamming to 90s music- throw in some Spice Girls, Jack Johnson and Eminem makes a great mix for the long drive.
Because it was so early in the morning, Elbert and I decided to tag team the drive. I didn’t get too much sleep the night before and could feel myself dozing off a couple times on the wheel. Thankfully for our tag team system because it gave us time to take a nap in between.
PS: The drive to Joffre Lakes can get windy at times, so if you don’t have someone to go with, be sure to get coffee and pay attention on the wheel!
There are many stores and restaurants along the way. We drove by a McDonalds and yes, perfect Breakfast food!
The Hike
Arriving at the parkade at the start of the hike, I felt really lucky because the lot was close to empty! At first, I thought it was because it was the long weekend and everyone was away.
I was wrong.
At the end of our hike when we returned, the lot was FULL. More incentive for you to start your day earlier.
The hike itself is a good 4 -5 hours depending on your pace. This is taking into account us stopping at every lake to take photos and have a bite to eat!
The first half of the hike to the Lower Joffre Lake is a breeze. You get there almost instantly after some walking and it’s a beautiful view. But I mean, you want to at least get to the Middle Lake.
Now THAT was a hike
I would say that the majority of the hike is from the Lower Joffre to the Middle Joffre Lake. I am not the most seasoned hiker and though the hike is generally pretty easy, I was struggling a bit.
Imagine seeing a long flight of stairs uphill, and then imagine it never ending.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great and I definitely got a great workout. That said, I found myself stopping every few steps to catch a breath. And um, Elbert had to fireman/piggy back carry me for parts of the way haha. What a trooper
When we finally did reach the Middle Joffre Lake, the view was beautiful. I find that a lot of people reach the Middle Lake and take a bunch of photos and have lunch. Why? Because it was PACKED.
If you get to the Middle Lake (I know you will), don’t stop there! Keep going all the way to the Upper Joffre Lake because that view is MAGIC. I thought the Middle Lake was great but it wasn’t until the Upper Lake where you realized that the whole hike up is totally worth it.
It’s like something out of a Bob Ross painting. Clear, crystal turquoise waters, and mountains for days!
Definitely Mother Nature’s best work.
The hike down Joffre Lakes is WAY easier than the hike up. That’s also because of gravity, but watch your knees!
The Views
I don’t hike as much as I’d like to but the views are always what gets me. That, and the sense of accomplishment that comes when you are a changed person from before and after a hike. I hope you enjoy it as well! Let me know if you do the hike, would love to hear the experience!
Till next time,
Xoxo Sam
