A trilogy of turquoise in the Coast Mountains

The Joffre Lakes are a series of three stunning, glacier-fed lakes near Pemberton. Famous for their incredible color and dramatic mountain backdrops, they are among the most photographed lakes in BC. The lakes offer a unique environment for high-altitude paddling.

The environment at Joffre Lakes is classic subalpine. The water is strikingly clear and extremely cold, reflecting the hanging glaciers. Paddlers who carry their gear to the middle or upper lakes are rewarded with a visually stunning experience.

Geographically, the lakes are part of a steep mountain valley. The weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for cool temperatures. Because of the high volume of visitors, it is important to respect the fragile environment and follow park regulations.

  • Waterway AreaPemberton area
  • Geographic SizeSubalpine lake chain
  • Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
  • Type of PaddlingPaddleboard
  • SeasonSummer
  • Waterway AccessJoffre Lakes trailhead
  • Waterway FeaturesGlacial peaks and turquoise basins
  • Known HazardsExtremely cold and high crowds
  • Waterway AccessJoffre Lakes trailhead
  • Waterway FeaturesGlacial peaks and turquoise basins
  • Known HazardsExtremely cold and high crowds
  • Waterway AreaPemberton area
  • Geographic SizeSubalpine lake chain
  • Difficulty LevelClass I (Easy)
  • Type of PaddlingPaddleboard
  • SeasonSummer

Joffre Lakes

Lower Joffre Lake Hand Launch

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Paddle BC gratefully acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the 203 First Nations in British Columbia.

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