Lakeview Trail is one of my favourite alternatives to the regular Buntzen Lake Loop. I think of it as the Buntzen Lake Trail’s bigger brother: it follows the western side of the lake but adds more climbing, more elevation changes, quieter forest, and a much more rugged feel.
My usual route follows Lakeview Trail north along the west side of Buntzen Lake, crosses near North Beach, and then returns south on the regular Buntzen Lake Trail along the eastern shore.
The route is generally much less busy than the main Buntzen Lake Trail and includes mature forest, small creeks, hydro rights-of-way, and one of the better viewpoints over the north end of the lake.
Trail Stats
These statistics are based on my more recent GPS recording of the full Lakeview Trail loop.
- Distance: approximately 12.4 km loop
- Time: My time is usually around 2.5 hours
- Low point: approximately 90 m
- High point: approximately 251 m
- Net elevation difference: approximately 162 m
- Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 420 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route: Lakeview Trail northbound, returning on the east side of Buntzen Lake
- 📍 Trailhead and parking: Google Maps and navigation
Lakeview Trail vs. Buntzen Lake Trail
Lakeview Trail is noticeably more demanding than the regular Buntzen Lake Trail on the west side. It is longer, hillier, and rougher in places, but usually much quieter.
| West-side route | Approx. distance | Elevation | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Trail | About 1 km longer on the west-side traverse | More ups and downs | Quieter, rougher, more forested |
| Buntzen Lake Trail | Shorter | Less climbing | Easier and generally much busier |
Which route should you choose?
If you want the easier and more popular route, take the regular Buntzen Lake Trail. If you want a little more distance, more climbing, and considerably fewer people, Lakeview Trail is the better choice.
That difference can be dramatic on quieter days. I have completed Lakeview Trail while seeing only one other person on the entire western section.
Interesting Facts
- Alternative west-side route: Lakeview Trail parallels the regular Buntzen Lake Trail for much of the western side of the lake but climbs substantially higher onto the forested slopes.
- Less crowded: Lakeview is generally much quieter than the main Buntzen Lake Trail, especially away from the junctions near South Beach and North Beach.
- Multiple-use trail: Portions of Lakeview Trail have historically been used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
- Mature forest: Several sections pass through impressive coastal forest with large trees, moss-covered ground, and small creeks.
- Northern viewpoint: One of the best viewpoints looks toward North Beach, Swan Falls, Eagle Mountain, and the northern end of Buntzen Lake.
- Hydro infrastructure: Parts of the route cross transmission-line rights-of-way and old access roads associated with BC Hydro infrastructure around the reservoir.
- Biogeoclimatic zone: Lakeview Trail lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, with western hemlock, western redcedar, Douglas-fir, mosses, ferns, and other moisture-loving coastal forest vegetation.
The Route
The interactive map below shows my actual GPS recording of the Lakeview Trail loop. The route travels north on the higher Lakeview Trail along the west side of Buntzen Lake before returning south on the eastern side.
Use the layer control in the upper-right corner to switch between the regular map and satellite imagery.
Starting the Lakeview Trail
Lakeview Trail begins near the Pumphouse Road area on the southwest side of Buntzen Lake. Instead of staying on the lower Buntzen Lake Trail, the route climbs away from the shoreline and begins traversing the western slopes.
The difference is noticeable fairly quickly. Lakeview has more short climbs and descents, a rougher surface, and a quieter feel than the main lakeside trail.
Through the Forest
Much of Lakeview Trail passes through mature forest. Compared with the main Buntzen Lake Trail, there are fewer open shoreline sections and considerably less foot traffic.
Creeks and Large Trees
Small creeks drain down the western slopes toward Buntzen Lake, and several sections of trail pass beside flowing water.
The forest also contains some very large trees and downed logs.
Hydro Right-of-Way
One section leaves the forest and crosses a hydro right-of-way before entering the trees again. The open terrain provides a very different feel from the shaded forest sections.
Lakeview Trail Viewpoints
There are signs for two viewpoints along the route. The more southerly viewpoint has become increasingly screened by trees, while the northern viewpoint provides the better view.
From the northern viewpoint, you can look toward North Beach, the northern end of Buntzen Lake, Swan Falls, and Eagle Mountain.
Historic Trail Sign
Older Lakeview Trail signs can still be found along the route and are part of the trail’s character.
Where the Trails Come Close
At one point, Lakeview Trail passes very close to the regular Buntzen Lake Trail even though the two routes have very different characters.
Returning on the East Side
My preferred way to complete the hike is to continue to the north end of Buntzen Lake and return along the regular trail on the eastern shore. This creates a varied loop rather than simply retracing Lakeview Trail.
The eastern side is generally easier and faster, making it a good return route after the more undulating Lakeview section.
What to Bring
Lakeview Trail is longer and rougher than the regular Buntzen Lake Loop, but it is still a relatively accessible day hike. Carry water, suitable footwear, a basic first-aid kit, navigation, and a headlamp if there is any chance of returning late.
Download an offline map before starting and carry a fully charged phone with backup power if needed. Conditions can become muddy or slippery after rain, and fallen trees occasionally affect the route.
Leave No Trace
Please follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the hike. Stay on established trails, pack out everything you bring in, avoid widening muddy sections, and leave plants, wildlife, and old trail infrastructure undisturbed.
Before You Go
Check current BC Hydro Buntzen Lake trail information before heading out. Also confirm current gate hours, parking requirements, trail conditions, and any temporary closures before travelling.
