About
A 4.8-kilometre-long BC Hydro reservoir north of Port Moody, this popular recreation area offers hiking on trails like Diez Vistas and boating for small, battery-powered electric motorboats. From May through early September, all vehicles require a free, pre-booked parking pass, which must be reserved the day before your visit and gets claimed quickly.
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South Beachmain recreation hub with picnic tables, restrooms, boat launch
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North Beachquieter, trail-access-only swimming area
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Suspension bridge crossing near North Beach
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10 km lake loop trail through old-growth forest
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Gateway to Diez Vistas, Swan Falls, Eagle Mountain trails
Water & Swimming
Water Type
Lake
Beach Type
Sand Gravel
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🔹Dog Owners
- 🔹Recreational Hikers
- 👨👩👧Families
- 🔹Local Adventurers
The Occasion
- 🔹Lake Swim
- 🔹Family Picnic
- 🔹Daily Nature Walk
Beach Info
Park Type
Recreation Area
Managed By
BC Hydro
Admission
Free
Amenities
Beach Rules
What to Bring & Insider Tips
Insider Tips
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Reserve free parking online for summer weekends — passes open at 7 AM the day before via bchydro.com and sell out quickly.
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Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends — the gate road backs up with long lineups by mid-morning.
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No cell service inside the park — download offline maps before entering.
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Start the lake loop on the east side (flatter) and return via the west side (hillier but shaded) for best pacing.
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North Beach is much quieter than South Beach for swimming and picnicking — trail access only.
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Skip the parking pass after 3:30 PM — passes are not required after 3:30 PM.
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The floating bridge shortcut is often closed when reservoir levels are high — check BC Hydro website before going.
What to Bring
Best Seasons
Location
Getting Here
Buntzen Lake Rd, Anmore, BC V3H 4X9
🚇 Transit
Public transit is an option, but plan ahead. A seasonal bus route connects to the lake from nearby SkyTrain stations during the peak summer season, but service is limited, so always check the latest TransLink schedule before you go.
🚗 Parking
Driving here requires military-style planning, especially in summer. A free online parking reservation is mandatory during peak season and spots get snapped up in minutes, so book in advance or risk being turned away at the gate.