Buntzen Lake Lake

Address: Buntzen Lake Regional Park, Anmore, British Columbia, Canada

Website: https://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/buntzen-lake-regional-park

Hours: Open 24/7 (park managed by Metro Vancouver/BC Hydro lands regulations)

Admission: Free day-use; fees for some facilities and seasonal permits may apply

Buntzen Lake is a reservoir and recreational lake in the District of Anmore, British Columbia, east of Vancouver. It has been used for hydroelectric generation and local water supply since the early 20th century.

The site is known for a network of forested walking trails and a continuous lakeside loop used by hikers, runners and cyclists, as well as day-use beaches and non-motorized boating. The open water stretches for a few kilometres and is surrounded by second-growth temperate forest.

Hydroelectric works and intake structures were installed in the early 1900s to power the nearby urban area; the lake and its facilities remain managed for both recreation and utility use. Trails and picnic areas were developed alongside the infrastructure over the 20th century.

Buntzen Lake sits in the Burrard Inlet watershed near the community of Port Moody and the town of Anmore, approximately 30-40 km east of downtown Vancouver.

• Loop trail distance: A popular multi-use trail loop around the lake is commonly cited as roughly 10 kilometres and is used for hiking, trail running and mountain biking.
• Hydroelectric history: The lake has been part of a regional hydroelectric and water-supply scheme since the early 1900s; remnants of the early infrastructure are visible at the powerhouse and intake.

What to See#

• South Beach: A lakeside beach and day-use area on the southern shore that serves swimmers and picnickers during warmer months.
• Buntzen generating works: A historic hydroelectric generating complex and intake structures at the lower end of the lake that were built to supply electricity to the region in the early 20th century.
• Lake trail network: A well-used loop of walking and multi-use trails that circle the lake and connect to forested tracks climbing into adjacent hills.

From Vancouver, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) east to the Lougheed Highway exit and follow local signs toward Anmore and Buntzen Lake (approximately 25-40 minutes by car depending on route). There is limited parking at trailheads and buses from Port Moody on some routes.

• Arrive midweek or early morning to avoid the busiest trails and popular picnic areas
• Use the Buntzen Lake trailhead near Anmore to access the 10-km loop rather than the steeper eastern approaches
• Watch for steep, rocky sections on the Perimeter Trail-good footwear and steady knees help
• Carry a windbreaker-the lake can be surprisingly windy even on sunny days