Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the trailhead car park on Highway 99, in Joffre Lakes Park (Pipi7íyekw), the path skirts the west end of Lower Joffre Lake and crosses Joffre Creek. It climbs south-east through old forest, steeper and rockier, to Middle Joffre Lake and follows its north-east shore, then climbs beside Holloway Falls to Upper Joffre Lake, facing the Matier Glacier. It runs along the west shore to the bridge at the south end, by the campground. Return the same way.
It is 8.3 km there and back with 369 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate: an easy start, then steeper, rockier ground towards the upper lake.
Every visitor needs a free BC Parks day-use trail pass, every day, until 25 October 2026, released online at 7 am Pacific two days ahead. The park closes for set periods each year so the Líl̓wat Nation and N'Quatqua can harvest, hold ceremonies and rest the land: in 2026, 20 to 27 June and 8 to 30 September. Expect severe winter conditions from November to May. Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
Parking is free in the trailhead and overflow car parks; cars left on the highway shoulders may be towed. Winter tyres or chains are required on Highway 99 from 1 October. There is no public transport.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Pipi7íyekw is the St̓át̓imcets name for the area; the park lies in the territories of the Líl̓wat Nation and N'Quatqua and is managed with them
- The three lakes take their colour from rock flour washed down from the Matier Glacier, below Mount Matier and Joffre Peak
- It became a recreation area in 1988 and a Class A provincial park in 1996
- The trailhead is on Highway 99, the Duffey Lake Road, about 35 km east of Pemberton
Getting there
Start: Joffre Lakes car park, Highway 99. 50.36974, -122.49965
Directions to the start
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.