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Geological · Canada

Joffre Lakes

Three glacier-fed turquoise lakes stacked beneath a hanging glacier in British Columbia's Coast Mountains — arguably Canada's most photogenic day hike.

When
Jun — Oct, peak Jul — Sep
Best viewing
A moderate out-and-back hike through forest to three vivid turquoise lakes, culminating at the base of the Matier Glacier. Expect significant crowds on weekends in summer.
Category
Geological
Status
Returns Jul 2026

About this spectacle

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia offers a stunning glacially-fed lake system where vivid turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks and hanging glaciers. Visitors hike through old-growth forest past three progressively more spectacular lakes — Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre — each coloured by glacial flour suspended in meltwater. The upper lake sits directly beneath the Matier Glacier, whose ice calves periodically into the water. The trail rewards hikers with close views of cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the dramatic cirque headwall. Snow-capped mountains frame every view, and on calm days the mirror-like reflections on the upper lake create scenes of extraordinary photographic beauty.

When to go

Jun — Oct, peak Jul — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: YVR. Nearest city: Whistler.

Booking options

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