Buntzen Lake hiking near Port Moody

August 3, 2022September 6, 2022 Carl Blanchet 0 Comments Day Hikes, Dog Friendly, Family Friendly, Fishing Allowed, Hiking, Lakes, Mountains, Parking Available, Picnic Area, Swimming, Toilets Available, Viewpoint

Buntzen Lake is located just north of Port Moody, about 30 kilometres (km) from Vancouver, is a beautiful and relaxing yet easy to access destination perfect for the whole family. Buntzen Lake is a BC Hydro reservoir that's 4.8 km long and covers an area of 182 hectares. The park offers adjacent hiking trails, cooling waters perfect for swimming, a large sandy beach, picnic areas, a dog area, water sports, fishing and satisfying scenery. Buntzen Lake Reservoir's amazing features make it a popular destination for people from all over the Greater Vancouver Area, particularly on sunny weekends.

PARKING AVAILABLE IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

Fairly large parking lots are available. From June 27 until September 5, a free parking pass is required to park at Buntzen Lake. Book your parking pass here.

TRANSIT ACCESSIBLE LOCATION: YES

The 182 bus operates from Port Moody Centre Station to Anmore daily. The closest stop to the lake is stop #53245, Southbound Sunnyside Road at Anmore Grocery Store. It is a 2 km walk to the main parking area and South Beach. Follow signs that direct pedestrians to South Beach.

Translink offers the 179 seasonal bus that operates on Weekends and Holidays from Canada Day weekend through to Labour Day. The 179 departs from Coquitlam Central Station hourly and takes riders to the main parking area.

For bus schedules and information, visit the Translink website.

FAMILY FRIENDLY AREA: YES

Picnic tables, a sandy beach, a large grass field, large pathways and many other reasons make this location a perfect destination for the whole family.

HIKING IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

There is a beautiful and easy trail that follows the edge of the lake. Numerous adjacent trails of all difficulties are located around Buntzen Lake such as: Halvor Lunden (Eagle Ridge) Trail, Lindsay Lake Loop (6-8 hours), Swan Falls Loop (8-10 hours), Dilly Dally Loop (10-12 hours), Buntzen Lake Loop Trail (4-5 hours), Energy Trail (30 minutes), and the Diez Vistas Trail (6-8 hours)

CAMPING ALLOWED IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: NO

Overnight camping is prohibited. Vehicles left in the area
overnight may be towed away at the owner’s expense.

VIEWPOINT IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

PICNIC AREA IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

TOILETS AVAILABLE IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

SMOKING FREE ZONE IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

Smoking is not permitted at Buntzen Lake except in designated smoking areas. Designated smoking areas are located in the South Beach Picnic Area and at the North Beach.

NO DOGS ALLOWED IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

No dogs allowed in Buntzen Lake Recreational Area except at the designated dog areas found on this map brochure.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN BUNTZEN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: YES

There are several trails where mountain biking is permitted at Buntzen Lake such as: Bear Claw/Saddle Ridge/Horseshoe Trails, Lakeview Trail, Academy Trail and several other connector trails. Mountain bikers are permitted on access roads, transmission line roads, the short trails linking the two parking areas with the floating bridge and on the trails to Sasamat Lake and Eagle Bluff.

FISHING ALLOWED IN BUNTZEN LAKE: YES

Like many Metro Vancouver lakes, Buntzen Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC in the Spring (March to June) and Fall (September to November). Stocked rainbow trout are typically between 12 and 14 inches and 250 grams.

SWIMMING IN BUNTZEN LAKE: YES

There are typically no lifeguards on duty at Buntzen Lake, although lifeguards from the Lifesaving Society of B.C. are being introduced to patrol the south beach during certain peak times (weather dependent).

CANOEING AND KAYAKING ON BUNTZEN LAKE: YES

Buntzen Lake is a perfect canoeing and kayaking destination. There is even a small dock to launch from. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required. Small battery-powered electric motors are allowed.

PADDLE BOARDING ON BUNTZEN LAKE: YES