Parking reservations are returning to a popular Metro Vancouver lake, and you’ll be able to make your reservation as early as May 13.
Reservations for Buntzen Lake, a BC Hydro reservoir and a popular attraction in the Village of Anmore, come just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
The first date you’ll be able to reserve for is May 14, the day after the reservation system goes live.
According to BC Hydro, last year, over 125,000 reservations were booked.
“The system has proven to be an effective way to reduce congestion during peak season, support emergency access and help people enjoy one of the most beautiful destinations in the Lower Mainland,” says BC Hydro’s Senior Vice-President of Safety, Matt Wilson.
The 4.8 km reservoir covers 182 hectares. Buntzen Lake is just north of Port Moody, about 30 km from Vancouver, or around an hour-long drive.
If you’re interested in reserving your spot starting May 13, you can do so via the BC Hydro website or through the Yodel app. Reserving is free, and passes are released daily at 7 a.m. for the following day.
Options include morning, afternoon, or full-day visits.
“Parking reservations are free but mandatory for vehicle access during the reservation period,” BC Hydro states.
BC Hydro is also encouraging visitors to cancel their bookings if they’re unable to fulfill them so that spots can be freed up for other visitors. Reservations are linked to a specific mobile number and vehicle licence plate, and so they’re non-transferable.
BC Hydro calls Buntzen Lake a “favourite summer destination” for people from around Metro Vancouver and B.C.
The reservation system was initially introduced in 2022 and uses dynamic pass management. That means that additional passes might become available throughout the day if cancellations occur.
BC Hydro says that if you’re arriving at the Metro Vancouver lake via bike or public transit, you don’t need to make a reservation.
“The online reservation system opens May 13. Parking reservations will be required for vehicle access to the Buntzen Lake parking lot from May 14 through September 7,” BC Hydro adds.