Buntzen Lake Trail

• A popular 10 km loop hike that circles the entire perimeter of the Buntzen Lake reservoir.

• The trail includes a scenic suspension bridge crossing and varied terrain through lush forest.

• Features a designated off-leash section for dogs on the east side of the lake loop trail.

• Offers a moderate workout with approximately 110 meters of elevation gain over the full distance.

A loop trail around Buntzen Lake reservoir. The east side is flatter and more accessible; the west side is hillier, longer, and more shaded. Starting at South Beach, the trail passes several lake viewpoints, crosses a suspension bridge, passes North Beach, and returns via either the west trail or Pumphouse Road.

The Route

1. South Beach parking lot km 0.0, elev ~130m

2. Buntzen Creek bridge km 0.3

3. East side lakeshore trail — several viewpoints km 1–4

4. North Beach — picnic area, turnaround option km 4.0

5. Suspension bridge km 4.5

6. West side trail — hillier, shaded forest km 5–9

7. Energy Trail junction km 8.5

8. Return to South Beach km 10.0

Along the Way

• South Beach and North Beach swimming areas with picnic facilities

• Suspension bridge crossing

• Floating bridge (when operational — check current status)

• Mountain views from west side trail

• Old-growth forest sections on west side

• Buntzen Creek bridge at east trailhead

Best Times to Visit

Insider Tips

• 💡

  Hike counter-clockwise to get the steeper east side done first

• 💡

  North Beach is quieter than South Beach for swimming

• 💡

  Parking reservation required May-September — book the morning of at 7 AM

• 💡

  The floating bridge section is a kid favourite

What to Bring

Not Available

Buntzen Lake has served as a BC Hydro hydroelectric reservoir since 1903. The recreation area opened to the public and is one of the most visited outdoor destinations in Metro Vancouver, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Source · bchydro.com