Planning to drive to Buntzen Lake? Parking is free, but a seasonal parking reservation system is used during the busiest months of the year. This page explains when reservations are required, how to get a pass, what happens when parking is full, and what to expect before you arrive.
Buntzen Lake Parking at a Glance
- Approximately 600 parking spaces are available in three main parking lots near South Beach.
- The parking lots are located about 2 km beyond the entrance gate.
- Parking reservations are required seasonally during the busiest spring and summer months.
For 2027, parking reservations are scheduled to begin on 14 May and continue through Labour Day. Outside the reservation season, parking is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Buntzen Lake Parking Reservations Work
During the summer reservation period, vehicles must have a valid free parking reservation before arriving at Buntzen Lake. Reservations are made through the online Buntzen Lake parking portal.
In recent seasons, parking passes have been released at 7:00 a.m. for the following day, with morning, afternoon, and full-day options available. Reservations have been linked to the vehicle licence plate and mobile phone number used when booking.
Planning a longer hike?
If you are hiking trails such as Diez Vistas, Lindsay Lake, or Dilly Dally, choose a full-day parking pass when that option is available. Allow enough time to return before both your parking period and the Buntzen Lake gate hours end.
The exact booking procedures can change from year to year. The 2027 reservation season begins 14 May, and this page will be updated when the full 2027 booking details are published.
What if Parking Passes are Not Available?
Parking reservations can disappear quickly on warm summer weekends and holidays. If the reservation system shows no availability, it can be worth checking again later because cancelled reservations may become available again.
Do not drive to Buntzen Lake during the reservation period without a valid reservation in the hope that an empty parking space will be available. Vehicles without a valid reservation may not be permitted through the entrance gate.
Why can the parking lots look partly empty when passes are not available?
No available reservations does not necessarily mean that every parking space will be occupied at all times. Cancellations, no-shows, different reservation periods, and visitors arriving or leaving at different times can result in visible empty spaces even when no additional passes are currently available.
Visitors who cannot use their reservation should cancel it so the pass can be made available to someone else.
Parking Outside the Reservation Season
When reservations are not required, vehicle access is generally first-come, first-served. On busy sunny days, the parking lots can still reach capacity.
If the lots become full, BC Hydro may temporarily close the Buntzen Lake entrance gate to vehicles. The gate does not reopen each time a single vehicle leaves.
BC Hydro previously tested a one-in, one-out system, but long vehicle line-ups developed through Anmore, affecting local residents and emergency access. Staff now monitor parking availability and reopen the entrance after enough spaces have become available to accommodate additional vehicles.
Can I Park in Anmore if Buntzen Lake Is Full?
Do not rely on parking in Anmore as an alternative to the Buntzen Lake parking lots. BC Hydro advises that there is no public overflow parking in Anmore for Buntzen Lake visitors.
If the Buntzen Lake entrance is temporarily closed because the parking lots are full, pedestrian access remains open, but visitors still need a legal way to reach the area.
Getting to Buntzen Lake Without a Car
A parking reservation is not required if you arrive by public transit, bicycle, or on foot.
Bus 182 operates from Port Moody Centre Station to Anmore Grocery. From there, it is approximately a 2 km walk to the main Buntzen Lake parking area and South Beach.
A seasonal Bus 179 has also operated on weekends and holidays during the summer, travelling from Coquitlam Central Station to the main Buntzen Lake parking area. Check current TransLink schedules before travelling.
Buntzen Lake Parking FAQ
Is parking at Buntzen Lake free?
Yes. Parking and seasonal parking reservations are free.
When are parking reservations required?
For 2027, reservations are scheduled to be required from 14 May through Labour Day.
When can I reserve a parking pass?
In recent seasons, passes have been released at 7:00 a.m. for the following day. The full 2027 booking details should be checked when the reservation season approaches.
Do I need a reservation if I arrive by transit, bicycle, or on foot?
No. The parking reservation system applies to vehicles entering the Buntzen Lake parking area.
What should I do if no passes are available?
Check the reservation system again later. Cancelled passes may be returned to the system and become available for booking.
Can I enter if I can see empty parking spaces?
During the reservation season, a valid reservation is still required for vehicle access. Visible empty spaces do not mean that visitors without reservations will be admitted.
Can I park somewhere in Anmore and walk to Buntzen Lake?
Do not plan on using Anmore as overflow parking. BC Hydro advises that there is no public overflow parking available in the community for Buntzen Lake visitors.
What happens if the parking lots fill up when reservations are not required?
The entrance gate may be temporarily closed to vehicles. BC Hydro monitors available spaces and reopens the gate once sufficient parking becomes available. It does not operate on a one-in, one-out basis.
Which parking pass should I choose for a long hike?
Choose a full-day pass when available. Longer routes such as Diez Vistas, Lindsay Lake, and Dilly Dally may require considerably more time than a morning or afternoon parking period allows.
What if I cannot use my reservation?
Cancel it through the reservation system so the pass can be made available to another visitor.
Does a parking reservation override the Buntzen Lake gate hours?
No. Visitors must still comply with the recreation area’s opening and closing times, temporary closures, and emergency access restrictions.
Official Parking Information
Parking and vehicle access at Buntzen Lake are managed by BC Hydro. For official notices, temporary closures, and major access updates, visit the BC Hydro Buntzen Lake recreation page.