2 Day Trip to Vancouver and Joffre Lakes

So… it’s been more than a year since my last post but now that we’re traveling less I’ve decided to “relive” my past trips. I’ll be starting with one of the greatest areas to explore the outdoors – Canada. So here it goes!

I flew out to Seattle for a week and knew I had to cross the border into Vancouver B.C. I spent 2-days in Vancouver and Joffre Lakes which is not enough time. I’m a fast traveler since I desire to see as much as I can but do recommend that you plan for at least a week to visit British Columbia if you’re planning to explore the outdoors and not just the city. Note, I actually came back the following year, so look forward the that post.

Day 1

Driving Distance: 220 Miles Maps

First Stop: Stanley Park at Vancouver BC

I crossed the border to Vancouver B.C. on the morning of day-1 and was most excited to bike the Seawall around Stanley Park. I parked my car near the area, grabbed c breakfast at an awesome Breaking Bad inspired café and then headed out to pick up my bike. There are several bike shops in the area.

Now, the last time I rode a bike was over 10-yrs ago so I was nervous about being able to stay in the bike lane, but not nervous enough to not give it a shot. After about 10-mins of riding I felt pretty comfortable but will admit I couldn’t ride in a straight line. Every time I heard “to your left” I crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t crash into the passing biker.

What I enjoyed most about this biking trail was the ability to stop anywhere I wanted to relax or grab a bite to eat or drink. If you’re an experienced bike rider I recommend that you explore the rest of the city on a bike, like I was hoping to do but quickly realized was a bad idea for my skill level. If you don’t know how to or don’t want to ride a bike, this trail is also doable on foot!

Second Stop: Go Fish

After a few hours of bike riding it was time for lunch. One of my favorite travel podcasts recommended trying the fish and chips from Go Fish. I love finding small local shops when I travel and this is one of those gems. The fish is fresh and seating is in an outside patio near the marina. I was a fan of the atmosphere.

Third Stop: Granville Island

To burn the amazing lunch, next I headed off to Granville Island. This island has cute shops and markets. I grabbed bread, cheese and fruits which are a great treat for hiking trips.

Since I’m not an early bird I decided to drive into Whistler after this to spend the night. Whistler is a good halfway mark between Vancouver and Joffre Lakes.

Fourth Stop: Whistler

I stayed at the Whistler Lodge Hostel and recommend it — it was clean and comfortable!

If you plan to stay in Vancouver I’ll list some recommendations below for the entire weekend.

Day 2

Driving Distance: 150 Miles Maps

First Stop: Joffre Lakes Trailhead

There are so many amazing trails in this area that it was hard to pick just one. I woke up early to drive 1.5-hrs up to Joffre Lakes trailhead. I recommend getting here early to find a decent parking spot.

Joffre Lakes Trail

Difficulty: Moderately
Distance: 10km or 6.2 mi (2-3hrs)
- Lower Joffre Lake: 10 mins from the parking lot
- Middle Joffre Lake: Takes about 1-hr
- Joffre Falls: About 15-mins from Middle Joffre Lake
- Upper Joffre Lake: About 15-mins from the waterfall
Elevation Gain: 400m or 1,300 ft
Out and back

You’ll arrive to the first lake a few minutes after jumping on trail. It’s a good teaser since it’ll be some time before arriving to the second lake. It is a climb to get to the second lake, so take as many breaks as you need. After about an hour you’ll be greeted by the deep blue color you’ve traveled all this way to see.

I hung around the second lake for a few to enjoy the scenery. Continuing onward to the third lake you’ll come across Joffre Falls. You’ll soon arrive at the third lake and with some easy rock scrambling you’ll find a place to hang out and have lunch.

Joffre Middle Lake

To get to the Middle Lake it’s approximately 1-hour from the parking lot.

Joffre Upper Lake

Second Stop: Coast Mountain Brewing

After I made it back to the trailhead it was time for me to head back to Vancouver. To break up the drive I stopped by the Coast Mountain Brewing and must say I fell in love with their hazy IPA. I’m a lightweight so one drink was more than enough for me, especially when driving down a mountain road.

Third Stop: Vancouver BC

I initially planned to explore the nightlife downtown but I didn’t know that uber/lyft was not a service provided in Canada. I plan to have either taxi service, accessibility to public transportation, or being within walking when enjoying evening drinks when I travel. I didn’t want to stress about parking so I ended up resting at the airbnb I was staying. I was headed out to Olympic National Park (ONP) the following day so resting was also a good alternative.

Additional Recommendations:

Accommodations: If traveling for the weekend, I would opt for accommodations near downtown to be within walking distance most activities and have access to public transportation. I wouldn’t recommend renting a car if you plan to just explore the city. The public transportation is accessible from the airport and easy to use in the city. Additionally finding parking can be stressful. If you plan to leave the city, you can opt to rent a car for only that portion of the trip.
Vancouver B.C.:
- Breweries: 33 Acres Brewing, Main Street Brewing, Granville Island Brewing
- Restaurants: The Flying Pig, Tacofino Taco Bar, Go Fish
- Sweets: Rain or Shine Ice Cream, Cartem Donuts
- Outdoor activities: Stanley Park, Jericho Beach, Queen Elizabeth Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
Sea to Sky Highway (Route 99) Scenic Stops:
- Porteau Cove
- Shannon Falls – BC’s third highest waterfall, 335m or 1,165 ft high
- Sea to Sky Gondola
- Squamish
  - Four Lakes Trail
  - Stawamus Chief routes
- Alice Lake
- Garibaldi Lake, Cheakamus Lake
- Brandywine Falls
- Whistler
- Trainwreck Trail
- Joffre Lakes

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of what British Columbia has to offer. I’ve traveled to this area 2-years in a row and there’s so much left for me to explore.