Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake Recreation Area is a BC Hydro reservoir which is a source of hydroelectric power, as well as, a recreation destination for the community of Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada.

The reservoir is 4.8 kilometres long and includes many services and amenities. South Beach is the main day use destination with a nice beach in the park and also the location of the Warden's Office. The North Beach day use area is smaller and includes less services.

Some of the amenities in the South Beach Day Use Area include picnic tables, picnic shelters, grass lawns, car top boat launch, dock, sandy beach, viewing decks, information signs, staging areas for horseback riders, washrooms, two designated off leash dog areas and a network of recreation trails.

Buntzen Lake is a man made reservoir. On the northern tip of the reservoir is a dam and two powerhouses operated by BC Hydro. The lake, swimming beach and picnic day use areas are the highlights of the recreation area along with the comprehensive trail network.

The recreation area neighbors the Indian Arm Provincial Park on, both, the western and eastern borders. And to the south of Buntzen Lake is the Belcarra Regional Park. All three green space parks interact with each other via a massive trail network which spans across the entire region.

The lake and surrounding trails in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area provide an opportunity to enjoy many activities in the summer months. Some of the popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, sightseeing, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, sunbathing and boating (small electric motors only).

There are many recreation trails in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area. Some are hiking trails only, while others are shared trails with biking and horseback riding.

Most of the longer wilderness recreation trails starting in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area end up in the Indian Arm Provincial Park. However... there are some trails which stay close to the reservoir.

The trails which start in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area and then cross over into the Indian Arm Provincial Park include the Linsay Lake Loop (15 km), Swan Falls Loop (20 km), Dilly Dally Loop (25 km) and the Diez Vista Trail (7 km one-way). Refer to Indian Arm Provincial Park information for trail descriptions.

The hiking trails in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area include the Buntzen Lake Loop Trail and the Energy Trail. The shared trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding include the Academy Trail, Lakeview Trail and the Old Buntzen Lake Trail (2 kms one-way).

Below are a description of the main trails of this Port Moody park.

Buntzen Lake Loop Trail (8 kms) - this trail is the most popular hiking path in the Buntzen Lake Recreation Area. The trail loops around the lake connecting South Beach with North Beach picnic areas. The highlights include the beaches, crossing the suspension and floating bridge and the sightseeing viewpoints. The trail is relatively level, easy-going and should take 4-6 hours to complete depending on the length of your rest stops. Access the trail near South Beach picnic area.

Energy Trail (1 km) - this trail is a short sightseeing path with information signs along the way. The path explores a forest and leads to views of the lake. Access the trail near South Beach picnic area.

Academy Trail (4 kms one-way) - this trail explores a forest, Rogue Creek, a power line right-of-way before it connects to Powerhouse Road. The trail crosses creeks and connects to a staging area for horses. It takes 1-3 hours to complete depending if you are hiking, biking or riding. The trailhead entrances are near the front gates of the park and on Powerhouse Road

Lakeview Trail (6 kms one-way) - this trail is considered challenging, difficult and includes many elevation gains and declines. The route follows section of gravel road, a powerline right-of-way and wilderness trails exploring Buntzen Ridge. The trail is designed for experienced bikers, hikers and horseback riders. It takes 2-6 hours to complete depending if you are hiking, biking or riding. Trailhead entrances near the Burrard Pumphouse and North Beach.

Explore Buntzen Lake Recreation Area in Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada