1 / 10

Buntzen Lake Vancouver

4.7

·1k reviews·Anmore, Canada

A picturesque reservoir offering serene hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding, just a short drive from Vancouver.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Buntzen Lake Vancouver

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque reservoir offering serene hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding, just a short drive from Vancouver.

4.7

(1k reviews)

"One of the best outdoor spots in the region for a clean, safe, and relaxing summer day."

TIP

🎯 Book Parking Pass Early

Passes sell out fast! Book 2 days in advance at 7 AM sharp on BC Hydro's site.

🥾 Pack for Adventure

Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, and bear spray. Life jackets available free with ID.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 1,052 reviews

Type

Lake

Address

Buntzen Lake, Anmore, BC, Canada

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Buntzen Lake Loop Trail

Full lake circuit

A scenic 2.5-hour hike offering stunning lake and mountain views. Well-maintained and popular for all skill levels.

North Beach Swimming

North end of the lake

Crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim. Quieter than the south beach, with changing facilities.

Picnic and Paddleboarding

Designated picnic areas and lake

Enjoy a relaxing picnic with mountain backdrops or glide across the calm, motorboat-free waters.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Secure Your Spot: The Parking Pass System

Buntzen Lake's popularity means parking passes are essential, especially on weekends and during summer. Book yours online via the BC Hydro site exactly two days in advance, as they sell out within seconds of the 7 AM release. If you miss out, try checking again later in the day as some passes are released sporadically.

Embrace the Outdoors: What to Pack

Beyond your picnic basket, pack swimwear for a refreshing dip, comfortable hiking shoes for the trails, and bear spray as a precaution, even on busy days. Life jackets are available for free with a deposit, and remember that alcohol and charcoal grilling are prohibited.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, easier parking

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoon

Why

More passes released

Crowd

Medium

When

Summer weekends

Why

Lively atmosphere

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Girls love glacier lake dips 🐳 #glacierlake #backcountry #Hiking #canadaswonderland #alpineair #vancouverisland #hikebc

@marniebreed

520K likes • 2.9M views

🎯 Book Parking Pass Early

Passes sell out fast! Book 2 days in advance at 7 AM sharp on BC Hydro's site.

🥾 Pack for Adventure

Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, and bear spray. Life jackets available free with ID.

follow for more tips 😊 #beautifulbc #bccanada #provincialpark #Hiking #mapleridge #vancouver #vancouverbc #canadalife #canadacheck #onlyincanada #bc

@canadiantravelgal

286.5K likes • 2.5M views

Exploring Buntzen Lake in Coquitlam, just 50 minutes from Vancouver, was a perfect weekend escape! 🌲🌊 This hidden gem is ideal for a picnic, with serene views, refreshing swims, and scenic hiking trails that circle the lake. 🏞️🚶‍♂️ Make sure to book your parking spot in advance, but if you’re not driving, buses can get you here too! 🚗🚌 Pack your picnic basket and come experience this Vancouver tr...

vancouver.town

4.1K likes • 208.7K views

🚌 Consider Public Transit

Buses can get you here, bypassing parking hassles.

💧 Swim Safely

Lifeguards on duty 10 AM-6 PM in summer. Stay within safety ropes.

Buntzen Lake 📍🇨🇦 Una tarde mágica en este hermoso lago de Vancouver, marquen en sus mapitas este lago para visitar 🫶 Se encuentra a 45 minutos del centro aproximadamente en auto 🚘 Para estas fechas ya no hay que reservar estacionamiento porque se terminó el verano 🥲 Podes llevar tu kayak para andar, tiene unas mesitas en el parque para almorzar (incluso vimos gente festejando su cumpleaños en ...

che.canada

51 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Parking Pass Early

Passes sell out fast! Book 2 days in advance at 7 AM sharp on BC Hydro's site.

🥾 Pack for Adventure

Bring swimwear, hiking shoes, and bear spray. Life jackets available free with ID.

🚌 Consider Public Transit

Buses can get you here, bypassing parking hassles.

💧 Swim Safely

Lifeguards on duty 10 AM-6 PM in summer. Stay within safety ropes.

🚫 No Alcohol or Grilling

Strict rules enforced. Enjoy the natural beauty responsibly.

🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Friendly

Calm, motorboat-free waters are perfect for water sports.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Buntzen Lake is a highly recommended natural escape near Vancouver, praised for its clean waters, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful atmosphere, especially due to the absence of motorboats. Visitors appreciate the safety measures, including lifeguards and rangers, and the controlled crowd environment facilitated by the parking pass system. However, securing a parking pass can be a significant challenge.

"Buntzen Lake is our go-to spot for picnics and paddle boarding—we visit at least once a month during the summer. It's a beautifully maintained and well-regulated area that offers a peaceful retreat into nature.
The lake is very clean, with flush toilets, designated dog-friendly areas, and no motorboats allowed, which keeps the atmosphere calm and safe for paddleboarding, swimming, and family outings.

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and life jackets are available free of charge—just bring a piece of ID for each jacket you borrow. Rangers are actively present, ensuring the facilities stay clean and that everyone follows safety rules. They even patrol the water to ensure that anyone beyond the safety rope is wearing a life jacket.
Important to note: alcohol, smoking (including weed), and charcoal grilling are strictly prohibited. The rules are enforced—last summer, I saw a group being escorted out by police for smoking hookah.
To enter the park, you’ll need a free day-use pass, which can be hard to get on weekends due to high demand, so it’s best to book in advance.
Whether you’re spending the day on the water, having a picnic, or simply enjoying the mountain views, Buntzen Lake is one of the best outdoor spots in the region. Highly recommended for those looking for a clean, safe, and relaxing place to spend a summer day."

Drishya Subash

"Having grown up in Vancouver, Buntzen lake and the Anmore area in Port Coquitlam is such a great little nature escape from the city. We just got back from 2 years of travelling so we couldn’t wait to head back to our old stomping grounds. Super well kept with a lot of staff doing their thing. Picnic’s , BBQ, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming or whatever that tickles your fancy. Lifeguards on the beach until 5pm. Life jackets are available to rent if you leave your driver license as collateral. Important Book your PARKING PASS 2 days in advance on the BC Hydro site. Website reset at 7am!"

Stanley Yang

"One of the best lakes near Vancouver for hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The area is very clean, with beautiful views, picnic tables, clean restrooms, and great walking trails.

Some might think requiring a parking reservation is a downside — but in my opinion, it’s actually one of Buntzen Lake’s biggest advantages. It helps control the crowd, so the lake doesn’t get overpacked and you can actually enjoy the peace and nature — unlike Sasamat Lake, which often gets too busy and ruins the experience."

Mehdi Rahimi

What People Like

Clean and calm lake

Well-maintained trails

Safe for families

What People Dislike

Difficult parking pass booking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buntzen Lake is about a 45-50 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.+1 You can also take public transit; buses can get you to the lake, which is a great option if you don't want to deal with parking reservations.

Yes, but a parking pass is required, especially during peak season (summer weekends). Passes are free but must be booked online two days in advance at 7 AM via the BC Hydro website. They sell out extremely quickly.

Try checking the BC Hydro booking site again later in the day, as more passes are sometimes released. Alternatively, taking the bus is a reliable way to access the lake without a parking pass. +1

Yes, biking is an option to reach Buntzen Lake, and it bypasses the need for a parking pass.

Yes, buses can take you to Buntzen Lake, making it accessible without a car and avoiding the parking pass system.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You need a free day-use parking pass to enter the park during peak times, especially in summer. Book this in advance online.

Parking passes are released exactly two days in advance of your visit, at 7 AM PST, on the BC Hydro website. They are highly competitive.

Alcohol, smoking (including cannabis), and charcoal grilling are strictly prohibited. The rules are enforced.

The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 AM to 6 PM during the summer season.

Yes, Buntzen Lake has designated dog-friendly areas and trails, making it a great spot for pet owners.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Buntzen Lake Loop Trail is a popular 2.5-hour hike circling the lake. The Diez Vistas trail is another option, offering stunning views.

Yes, Buntzen Lake is considered very safe for solo hikers due to its popularity and frequent presence of other people and BC Hydro staff. Making noise and carrying bear spray is still recommended. +1

Absolutely! Buntzen Lake is known for its clean, refreshing waters, perfect for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during summer.

Yes, Buntzen Lake offers clean restrooms, picnic tables, and designated dog-friendly areas, making it convenient for a day out.

The lake is ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking as it's motorboat-free, offering calm waters and beautiful scenery. +1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Buntzen Lake. It's best to pack your own picnic or snacks for your visit.

Charcoal grilling is strictly prohibited at Buntzen Lake. You can bring a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables.

Given the no-grilling rule, pack ready-to-eat items like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks for a picnic.

📸 📸 Photography

The hiking trails offer numerous scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. The shoreline also provides beautiful shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. +1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with BC Parks or BC Hydro for current rules regarding drone operation in the recreation area to avoid any issues.

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. The reflections on the lake can be stunning during these times.