Buntzen Lake Trail

Buntzen Lake Trail sits just north of Coquitlam, in Anmore, and it’s one of those classic Lower Mainland loops that locals keep coming back to. The full Buntzen Lake Trail loop is about 10 km with 272 m of gain, rated easy, and usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours at a steady walking pace. It’s popular with families, runners, and dog walkers who want a solid outing without committing to a full mountain grind.

The loop circles Buntzen Lake with a mix of lakeside sections, short climbs, and shady forest. Expect rolling ups and downs rather than one big climb, with a few steeper bits and loose gravel, especially on the west side. Views come and go through the trees, with better scenery and easier trail from the main parking lot up toward North Beach, plus a suspension bridge, small coves, and a couple of great swim spots if you feel like jumping in.

Right now, conditions around Buntzen Lake Trail are messy: flooding has submerged parts of the west side of the loop, North Beach, and the floating bridge, so you cannot complete the full loop and will be pushed onto detours via the Buntzen Lakeview Trail and out toward the park gate. That adds time and confusion, and signage for the lower loop detours is hit-and-miss, so download a map before you lose reception at the parking lot, start early, and be out well before the 4:30 pm gate closure. Expect mud, standing water, and active bear country, bring proper rain gear and footwear, and remember you now need to reserve a free parking pass in advance if you’re heading up from Coquitlam or anywhere else on a busy day.