Planning a visit to Buntzen Lake in Anmore, BC? The recreation area offers swimming beaches, picnic tables, covered shelters, a boat launch, fishing, hiking trails, and other facilities.
South Beach is the main destination for families and day visitors, while North Beach offers a quieter stop for people hiking around the lake.
BC Hydro operates the recreation area and hydroelectric reservoir. Here is an overview of the facilities, with photographs and observations from my visits.
Picnic Areas and Shelters
South Beach is the main picnic area at Buntzen Lake, with numerous picnic tables, grassy play areas, and one large gazebo.
A separate covered picnic shelter with two picnic tables is located inside the fenced dog recreation area at South Beach. This is where most families gather for picnics and a day at the beach.
Tables and shelters are especially popular on sunny summer weekends and holidays, so it’s wise to arrive early if you hope to find a particular spot.
The grassy off-leash dog park near the first asphalt parking lot also has one picnic table.
North Beach has six picnic tables, a pit toilet, and a dock. It is generally reached on foot and is especially convenient for a picnic or rest stop during a hike around the lake.
Can you reserve a picnic shelter? No. BC Hydro advises that picnic shelter use is on a first-come, first-served basis, without formal reservations. There is no fee for using the shelters. South Beach has one gazebo and one additional covered picnic shelter inside the fenced dog recreation area.
Are Barbecues Allowed at Buntzen Lake?
Propane barbecues are permitted only when no applicable fire ban is in effect. Charcoal and briquette barbecues are always prohibited, as are open fires.
Check the current fire restrictions before bringing a barbecue, and take used or empty propane cylinders away for proper recycling.
Beaches and Swimming
South Beach is Buntzen Lake’s main swimming beach. It is close to the parking areas, grassy picnic areas, and other visitor facilities, making it a popular summer destination.
North Beach, at the far end of the lake, is smaller and makes a welcome stop for hikers.
In the summer, the lake is a great place to cool off. I often stop at North Beach when I hike to have a dip. It’s sooooo refreshing!!
Swimming safety: The water can be cold, and BC Hydro warns of sudden underwater drop-offs at both beaches. Water levels can fluctuate because Buntzen Lake is an operating reservoir. Lifeguards may patrol a designated area at South Beach during peak periods, depending on weather and other conditions. Check the posted signs to see whether lifeguards are on duty, and supervise children closely near the water.
For seasonal water-quality monitoring and swimming advisories, see Fraser Health’s beach conditions.
Beach Volleyball
There is also a beach volleyball court in the South Beach recreation area. A permanent net was not evident during my visit, so visitors planning to play should bring their own net and volleyball.
Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Boat Launch
Buntzen Lake is a popular place for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A boat launch is available at South Beach, and wharves are present at both South Beach and North Beach.
Vehicles can approach the South Beach boat launch to unload canoes, kayaks, and related equipment. The driveway is narrow in places and has No Stopping Anytime signs; it opens into a wider area near the water.
I did not observe signs formally identifying that wider space as parking or specifying an unloading time limit. Keep the narrow access and exit routes clear, unload promptly where permitted, and watch carefully for pedestrians, especially children. Move vehicles to an authorized parking space after unloading.
Are motorboats allowed? Conventional power boats are not permitted. BC Hydro allows small battery-powered electric motors.
Follow boating regulations, keep away from hydroelectric structures and marked hazard areas, and carry an approved personal flotation device for everyone aboard.
Off-water time: Boaters and other water users must return to shore 30 minutes before Buntzen Lake’s posted closing time. For example, when the gate closes at 6:00 p.m., the off-water deadline is 5:30 p.m. The actual time changes seasonally, so check the current gate schedule and posted notices before heading onto the lake.
Fishing at Buntzen Lake
Buntzen Lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Stocking records confirm releases in 2026, including an autumn stocking.
See my Fishing at Buntzen Lake page for more information, and consult the official stocking records for updates.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The recreation area has hiking and nature trails, developed viewpoints, and interpretive displays. Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails. Routes range from relatively easy lakeside walks to demanding climbs on Eagle Ridge.
Popular routes include the Buntzen Lake Loop and Diez Vistas.
For trail descriptions, distances, photographs, and maps, see my Buntzen Lake Hiking Guide. Check current trail closures and detours before setting out.
Parking and Accessibility
The main parking areas are near South Beach, approximately 2 km beyond the entrance gate. Parking is free, but vehicle reservations are required during the seasonal reservation period, and gate closing times change throughout the year.
In addition to general parking, several spaces are designated for particular vehicles and accessibility needs. These are located along the northern edge of the westernmost parking lot, nearest South Beach.
These counts are based on my October 2026 observations. The motorcycle spaces are approximately the size of regular vehicle parking stalls. Follow posted signs for permitted use of each space, as parking arrangements can change.
See the Buntzen Lake Parking Guide for reservation information, gate hours, and other parking details.
Dogs at Buntzen Lake
Dogs are welcome in designated areas, but they must not be walked through the main swimming beach. BC Hydro provides two designated off-leash areas and an off-leash trail. Dogs must be leashed elsewhere and must remain under their owners’ control at all times.
Grassy Off-Leash Dog Park
A grassy off-leash dog park is located immediately east of the first asphalt parking lot as you enter the main parking area. The park has one picnic table and is not completely enclosed by fencing.
You can view the grassy dog park’s location on Google Maps.
South Beach Dog Recreation and Swimming Area
The fenced dog recreation area near South Beach provides off-leash space and designated access to the lake for dogs. It also has several picnic tables and a covered picnic shelter with two tables. A dog wash-off station with a faucet and hose is provided nearby.
Dog Parking and Wash-Off Station
Beside the washroom building, outside the fenced dog area, BC Hydro provides a separate Dog Parking enclosure for use while an owner visits the washroom. Its signs specify one dog at a time and a 15-minute maximum. The enclosure is for short-term use, not general dog daycare.
See my Dogs at Buntzen Lake page for more information about the dog areas and rules.
Washrooms and Drinking Water
South Beach has three washroom buildings: one designated for men, one for women, and a third building containing separate men’s and women’s washrooms.
The combined building is located beside the fenced dog recreation area. Two washroom buildings were observed to have accessible facilities.
Seasonal facilities: Not all washroom buildings are necessarily open throughout the year. Some may be closed during quieter periods when fewer visitors are using the recreation area.
North Beach also has a pit toilet.
Public drinking-water taps operate seasonally: BC Hydro shuts off the water system during winter and restores service in spring after temperatures and water-quality testing permit.
A separate outdoor hose and faucet are also available for rinsing off. This is not a shower. The potability of water from the general rinse hose and dog wash-off hose has not been verified, so use designated drinking-water taps for drinking water.
Bicycle Wash Station
A bike wash station with a faucet and hose is located in front of the Warden’s Office near the parking area.
Before You Visit
Smoking Restrictions
BC Hydro prohibits smoking except in designated smoking areas, including those at North Beach and the South Beach picnic area. Follow posted restrictions and any additional fire bans.
Check current conditions: Facilities, access restrictions, and recreation rules can change. For the latest official information about Buntzen Lake, including fire restrictions and safety notices, check BC Hydro’s Buntzen Lake recreation area page before heading out.
