Buntzen Lake Vancouver
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
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Buntzen Lake Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque reservoir offering serene hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding, just a short drive from Vancouver.
"One of the best outdoor spots in the region for a clean, safe, and relaxing summer day."
🎯 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.
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.
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Spot: The Parking Pass System
Embrace the Outdoors: What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buntzen Lake is about a 45-50 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Buntzen Lake Parking System
Tips for securing a pass include being logged in and ready to book the moment the window opens. If you miss out, don't despair entirely; some visitors report success by checking back later in the day, as additional passes may be released. For those without a car, taking the bus is a viable alternative that completely bypasses the parking reservation system.
While the system can be challenging, many appreciate it for controlling crowd numbers and ensuring a more predictable entry, unlike the old method of simply showing up and hoping for the best.
Hiking and Safety at Buntzen Lake
Safety is a common consideration, particularly for solo visitors. Reddit discussions consistently indicate that Buntzen Lake is a very safe area for solo hikers due to its popularity and the presence of other visitors and park staff.
Enjoying the Water: Swimming and Water Sports
Beyond swimming, Buntzen Lake is an ideal spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. The absence of motorboats creates a calm and serene environment, perfect for gliding across the lake and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
+1 Life jackets are available for free use with a deposit, further enhancing water safety for all visitors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit