Pair of hikers looking at a map and compass to make sure they are going the right way
Joffre Lakes Park
26
Backcountry
Facilities
Activities
About
Joffre Lakes Park is famous for its turquoise-blue lakes, jagged peaks, icefields, and cold rushing streams. The park offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking, camping, and climbing. This is an increasingly popular park, so backcountry camping reservations and day-use passes are often required. The Indigenous heritage of this areaThe area between North Joffre Creek and Cayoosh Pass is known as Pipi7íyekw, meaning a camping place where storage houses were, in the St̓atímcets language. Learn how to pronounce Pipi7íyekw from elder Charlie Mack. Ku̓kwpi7 Skalúlmecw Dean Nelson, Political Chief, Líĺwat Nation, speaks about the significance of the area“Joffre Lakes Park lies within the unceded territories of the Líĺwat Nation and N’Quatqua and is integral to who we are as N’Quatqua and Líĺwat7ul (Líĺwat People). The establishment of Joffre Lakes Park has served to protect this unique and beautiful place from impacts of industrial activities. However, it also disrupted our traditional use and access to these lands. Today, Líĺwat Nation and N’Quatqua are working with BC Parks in good faith to address the current challenges we are all facing with the increasing popularity of Joffre Lakes Park. We are striving to build a new relationship with BC Parks based on mutual respect and the recognition of our Aboriginal title and rights." Visiting Joffre Lakes ParkThe waters of Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre lakes draw many visitors to the park. Their striking, saturated blue colour is caused by the ‘rockflour’ (or glacial silt) that is suspended in the water. You can access views of all three lakes via a trail that starts at the parking lot. Camping is allowed only at Upper Joffre Lake Campground, usually from spring to fall. This is an extremely popular camping destination and reservations are required throughout the season. For information on camping at Upper Joffre Lake, see the camping section. The area now known as Joffre Lakes Park has special significance for Indigenous Peoples. It also contains valuable biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. All visitors to this park are expected to follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. For more information, see our backcountry guide.
Location
50.3441, -122.4779