Is Joffre Lakes Your Dream Photoshoot Location?
It’s true, British Columbia has no shortage of stunning photoshoot locations for your couples photos or adventure elopement. Old-growth forests sit nestled along rugged mountain ranges littered with alpine lakes all backed up against stretches of misty shorelines – it’s an outdoor lover’s playground. Though oftentimes the most magical spots take plenty of hiking experience or expensive helicopters to reach, there are some natural gems easily accessible for your couples photoshoot. Joffre Lakes is one of them!
Marta and Mehrshad’s Joffre Lakes Couples Session
Every once in a while, I have the chance to pick up my couples and cruise to their photoshoot location together. It is such a treat, but to be honest, sometimes a little intimidating. What if we have nothing to talk about? Luckily, most of my clients reach out because they love nature or adventure or want to express their love somewhere beautiful, something I wholeheartedly relate to.
But conversation with Marta and Mehrshad flowed easily. On our 3 hour drive from Greater Vancouver to Joffre Lakes, we chatted about their story – his upbringing in the Middle East and his experience being non religious, her independent conversion to Islam, the dynamics of their relationship, and my own quite different experiences in how I grew up and my own beliefs. I knew with a hike ahead of us, our conversations wouldn’t stay at surface level, but at the end of that couples photoshoot I was left feeling like I made two new friends. That’s the stuff that makes me forget I’m doing my job as an elopement photographer and not just hanging with cool folks!
It was a seriously stunning day in mid-July, the sun was out to play, and we were ready! Arriving in the late afternoon, we started the hike with a plan to hit all three lakes in the park while also navigating the crowds that were sure to be around every corner. It’s a busy place, but for good reason! Every lake is different, with varying shades of blue and unique views, and if you’re going to Joffre Lakes, you might as well experience all three!
After hiking back out, we stopped in Pemberton on the way back to Vancouver for a quick outfit change and new backdrops for their couples photos before heading home! All in all, a pretty day filled with good conversation and gorgeous scenery. You can’t beat it!
Why choose Joffre Lakes as your photoshoot location?
The main draw of visiting Joffre Lakes for your photoshoot location in BC is its accessibility. Most alpine lakes, the ones with idyllic turquoise waters surrounded by mountain peaks, require an expensive helicopter ride or a strenuous hike.
Joffre Lakes Park lets you get incredible couple photos without breaking your back or the bank. With just a 3-hour beautiful drive from Vancouver and a 10km hike in, you can experience three different alpine lakes. The first lake is just a 5-10 minute walk in, but the reward is high if you stick it out and walk to the next two. Compared to other hikes to alpine lakes, this one is moderate – long, but not too steep.
The photo opportunities are endless in this park so you’ll be sure to love this photoshoot location if big mountain scenes and whimsical lakes are your thing! Plus if you’re visiting Whistler or Squamish, you’re already halfway there!
In conclusion, just go.
Tips for using Joffre Lakes Park as your photoshoot location in BC!
You’ll need a day pass in the summer and fall. This is a popular spot with limited parking options. Rangers will check for this. It’s free and you can find information on it right here.
Go on a weekday. I can’t stress enough how much it makes a difference for you to avoid weekends if possible. This goes for any pretty much photoshoot location in BC, but Joffre Lakes especially. If you must go on a weekend, be mentally prepared for big crowds and slow moving traffic.
Season, time of day and weather dictate the colour of the lake! Weather isn’t always in your control, but it’s worth it to mention that it definitely changes the blues of the lake! Sunny and calm days give you that bright crystal blue you’re looking for. This means shoulder seasons better to beat the crowds, but less pronounced blues in the lake!
Be aware of road conditions. Accidents, traffic, and construction can quite literally shut down the highway. It’s important to check drivebc.ca or their Twitter for updates on road conditions! There’s also a helpful Sea to Sky road conditions Facebook group.
As always, practice Leave No Trace principles. Respecting the land you’re exploring should always be a priority! Pack out your garbage, stay on trail, and don’t be a jerk!
Bonus Adventure Tip: If you want to camp or visit a more secluded area, head to the backside of the third lake. It will require an extra 30-45 minutes of hiking, but it will absolutely be worth it! It’s my personal favourite part of Joffre Lakes Park with less crowds and much more space.
If Marta and Mehrshad’s couple photos are proof that Joffre Lakes is a superior photoshoot location in BC, yeah?!