Location: From the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, travel east on the Barnett Highway towards the town of Port Moody. Turn north and travel to the community of Ioco. Buntzen Lake is located 4 km. (2.5 mi.) north of Ioco on paved and good gravel road. Although this popular day use lake is part of the local reservoir system for BC Hydro, it is still located amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Fraser Valley.

 Buntzen Lake's amazing setting, adjacent hiking trails and cooling waters make it a popular destination year round. Particularly on hot weekends, get there early to ensure you get a parking spot and a nice spot on the beach.

NOTICE: 2010 high water levels may cause beach, trail and dock closures

Hiking and mountain biking at Buntzen offers everything from short strolls to more adventurous hikes into the surrounding mountains. For safety reasons and to limit damage, some trails are closed to mountain bikes. Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails.

Please plan to be back at the parking lot 45 minutes before the recreation area closes.

Resorts & Campsites: Buntzen Lake has 3 resorts and 2 BCFS campsites where cartop boats can be launched.

Fishing Report: Cutthroat usually reach to 2 lbs (some 4 lb. Cutthroat have also been taken) while Rainbow are found from 1/2-1 lb. Because the Buntzen Lake drops off very steeply - going to 70 m. (230 ft.) within 200 m. (656 ft.) of shore - there is very little shoal area, but there are still many excellent fishing areas.

Be sure to visit Fishbc.com for angling information!

Viewscape: The forested hills surrounding the lake are mainly coniferous with some deciduous on the eastern shores. The distant mountains are breathtakingly beautiful, offering an abrupt contrast with the often stark rocky shoreline.

Shoreline: Often rocky with abrupt drop off areas most of the way around the lake. Marshes are found on the flatter south arm. Some stumps below the water at the north end of the lake.

Buntzen Lake Reservoir Recreation Area
Located along Sunnyside Road just north-east of Belcarra in neighbouring Anmore, Buntzen Lake sits among the forested slopes of the Coast Mountains. Created from a dam reservoir which provided Vancouver's first hydroelectric power, this picturesque 4.8km/3mi long reservoir is also a popular recreation area.

Activities at Buntzen Lake
Buntzen Lake offers a small boat and canoe launch (rentals are available), hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and nature trails. The summer crowds can be a bit daunting; be sure to arrive before 10am to secure a parking spot or the walk can be a long one, especially for youngsters.

The Buntzen powerhouse on Indian Arm is undergoing a turbine replacement and will remain out of service until approximately late November, 2010.

Currently, Buntzen Lake Recreation Area is open; however, with the powerhouse out of service, higher than average reservoir levels will result in the following conditions and closures throughout the summer and fall:

• The South Beach will be reduced to a small strip of sand;
• The North Beach and grass area may be closed;
• The boat launch, access road, and turn-around may be closed;
• Sections of the Buntzen Lake Trail may be closed;
• Some docks may be closed.

Buntzen Lake

Linda and I. 

Group photo .cope from Linda's website. 

Buntzen Lake ~

 2010.08.19 Port moodly