Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada

4Bottomshelfhockey 5:00 PM Jul 18, 2020

Buntzen Lake Trail: Good Hike – 3.75 out of 5 rating
It’s been 4 years, July 2016, since my spouse and I hiked the Buntzen Lake trail with friends. Like last time, we chose the easier 10 kilometre (6.2 mile) route around the lake on this sunny July Tuesday. We arrived after 10:30 on the weekday and the first lot was full but we had no trouble finding a spot in the adjacent 2nd lot. On weekends, I would recommend getting there first thing when the park opens up. Four years ago we got there around 8:30 and were able to find parking but after 3 hours all the lots were mostly full. Due to the pandemic, you can only go one way – counterclockwise. The trailhead starts past the fenced dog park and the wooden bridge. Approximately 3.5 kilometers into the hike, just pass the water aqueduct that connects the Coquitlam and Buntzen Reservoir is a good place to stop for a snack, take a photo or just enjoy the view. From here you can look towards the south end of the lake. There are some picnic tables here and maybe 1 or 2 park benches. Near the last 2 kilometers of the hike, there is a hydro substation and the trail converts to a short wide open service road before the floating bridge back to the parking lot. During the hike you will encounter numerous short trestle bridges (more so during the first 1/2 of the hike). I lost track of the number of short trestles we crossed as we made our way around the lake but there must have been at least 10 wooden trestles plus 1 suspension bridge and a floating bridge. At the 3.5 kilometer mark, there is a sign that says you can turn back because the last 6.5 kilometers is more difficult. BUT the new policy is ONE WAY only. You can expect to encounter compact dirt and gravel, exposed and loose rocks on different sections of the trail. Some parts of the trails are undulating and there are a few short ascents. The trails for the most part are a few meters wide or wider. In my opinion this is an easy hike that I would rate as 2 or 3 out of 10 with 10 being the most difficult. The only reason I would not rate it as 1 is because some of the descents had uneven rocky terrain and the length of the trail. It took us less than 3 hours to complete the hike at a leisurely pace. I would rate the overall hiking experience as “good” - 3.75 out of 5. Notes &Tips: • There are numerous trails leading from the lake but the Buntzen Lake trail is probably the easiest. • Lots of families on the beach. There were also a few canoers and paddleboarders on the lake. If so inclined, bring a towel and swimming trunks. • During the hike there weren’t more than 20-30 people on the trail that we passed or passed us. • Bring your food and snacks • Washrooms available at the entrance and north end of the lake • Hiking poles are optional and we were the only using them. Poles are great for support when descending some of the relatively short rocky descents. • If you have dogs, they must be leashed on the trail • Be bear aware as this is bear country. • Buntzen Lake is popular with people of all ages including young families with children, boaters and hikers. On weekends, arrive early as the parking spots are limited (maximum 600?) and once filled the park is closed. Check BC Hydro website for additional information. • The parking lots are approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) pass the park entrance. Parking lot closes at 8:00 PM during the summer. • Check the Translink website for public transit info. In prior years, the C26 bus operated from Coquitlam Centre to Buntzen Lake daily. • Sandals and flip flops are not recommended for the hike. • The trails are well marked. Look for the trail signs on the wooden posts. • No restaurant facilities at the lake. • Bicycles are not allowed. • Little or no cell phone service. See my reviews on the following hikes: • Sea to Summit trail hike (Squamish) • Grouse Grind (Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver) • Joffre Lakes hike (North of Pemberton) • Mount Seymour Provincial Park hike • Lost Lake trails in Whistler • Ancient Cedars trail north of Whistler • Crater Rim, Farside and Riverside trails near Function Junction

5Stephanie V 5:00 PM Sep 9, 2016

Beautiful Lake
In the summer this place can get pretty busy as may locals tend to frequent the area. It has a stunning beauty that makes you forget you are in the city. There are easy hiking trails that go all the way around the lake (approx 3.5 hrs) thru the old growth rain forest. It is a large sandy beach, with swimming and canoe rentals. Part of the beach is fenced off for off leash dogs. If you walk to the other side of the lake, you will find another sandy beach, but this one with a dock.