Buntzen Lake

Description

There are many trails on or around the Lake. The recreation area has been a very good example of multiple use, allowing Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians to use the trails together. Most of the trails extend from the recreation area into Indian Arm Provincial Park.

Dogs on a leash are permitted on all trails at Buntzen Lake. There are also two designated off-leash areas, one of which includes an off-leash beach area, and an off-leash trail.

Game Fish Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Fish Stocked Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat and some non-salmonid species

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.

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.

Cost

Free

Getting There

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.