Buntzen Lake parking reservations to be required starting in June

A new parking reservation system is coming to a popular lake in Metro Vancouver this summer.

Buntzen Lake, known for its glassy surface and incredible trails, is often busy with sunbathers in the summers. But moving into the warmest months of the year, drivers will have to save a spot online before arriving.

The new reservation system launches on June 27, allowing drivers to make a free reservation before coming to the recreation site, according to BC Hydro. The utility provider operates the lake and is organizing the new system. It will run until September 5.

According to BC Hydro, the link to book parking spots will go live on the Buntzen Lake page at 12 am one day ahead of your planned visit.

Next month, we’re launching a free online parking reservation system for Buntzen Lake to help reduce traffic congestion in the community. Here’s some more info: https://t.co/rPRT39JbZJ #Anmore #BuntzenLake pic.twitter.com/EhLMB9QsIa

— BC Hydro (@bchydro) May 4, 2022

“Buntzen Lake is an incredible place to visit throughout the year, but we know it’s especially busy during the summer months,” said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, in a statement shared by BC Hydro.

“My hope is that the new online reservation system being piloted by BC Hydro will help reduce frustration around parking so that families and visitors can fully enjoy the incredible outdoor experience that Buntzen Lake offers.”

To get in, you have to score a spot by the day before at the latest. 

Users can book a pass to access the parking lot in either the morning or afternoon. 

People entering by transit or on foot don’t need to book ahead, and BC Hydro isn’t offering all-day passes at this time.

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“BC Hydro’s new registration program for Buntzen Lake is a game changer for our community as we believe this will help to alleviate the excessive traffic back-ups we’ve experienced in our community the last few years,” said John McEwen, mayor of Anmore, in the statement.

“We appreciate the work BC Hydro has done to address our concerns so that we can all enjoy the amazing outdoor recreation area at Buntzen while also mitigating the significant safety concerns we’ve been experiencing due to blocked roads and property access.”

More than 700,000 visitors access the hiking trails and swimming areas at Buntzen Lake each year, the organization says. And last July, nearly 116,000 people used a vehicle to access the lake, up from about 83,000 in July 2019.

For more information on the new parking reservation guidelines, check out the BC Hydro Buntzen Lake page.