Buntzen Lake Recreation Area — Attraction in Anmore

Gorgeous spot, great dog area for hanging out. Great views, and nice, lightly rocky beach areas.

BUT - I find a few things that are off-putting:

1. Signs that indicate the park is full, even when it is infact not (neither due to social distancing guidelines or due to parking lot capacity). And while I understand that this can be hard to track in real-time, this can mislead people whom may have made a significant trip to spend time there.

2. Large and overly authoritative signs regarding liquor consumption.. okay, so sure, it's unsafe to get drunk and go swimming especially when one is not a skilled swimmer, and not everyone has a good grasp of common sense, but BC in general has an overly reactive litigious culture, where one poor choice by someone at one point in time can often lead to homogeneous and unilateral bans on activities, and I think this approach is problematic (perhaps a theoretical topic better suited for another time).

3. Heavy patrolling by park staff can get a bit intrusive. I think it's nice to have a ranger or two drop in and check on things but too much of a patrol presence can feel like surveillance and is not relaxing.

4. Some folks wander into the designated dog-friendly area and then are annoyed by the dogs (perhaps they don't see the signs ?). This seems self-explanatory, and yet I see people doing this here and at many city parks as well.

5. The park closes at 8 PM and during summer it is still light out for another hour or two. Most parks that I have been to that are patrolled tend to close their gates at 10 or 11 PM so it's kind of a bummer to leave when you can still feasibly swim and enjoy the beach. *The patrol officers drive around and honk their horns and come kick you off the beach around 'closing time'.

All in all, it's a beautiful park, and worth visiting even though some of the beauty/enjoyment is negated by the...

Buntzen Lake Recreation Area offers a delightful escape into nature. The serene lake, surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain views, creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The well-maintained hiking trails cater to various skill levels, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the area at their own pace. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there's something for everyone.

The highlight of Buntzen Lake is, of course, the lake itself. It's an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. The crystal-clear water is refreshing, and the sandy beach is great for sunbathing or picnicking. The designated swimming area ensures safety and is perfect for families.

The park facilities are clean and well-maintained, including picnic areas with ample seating and barbecue grills for a delightful outdoor meal. The campground offers a peaceful retreat for overnight stays, equipped with necessary amenities. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.

Buntzen Lake Recreation Area is an oasis for nature lovers. Whether you're seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this recreational area delivers. Be prepared to be captivated by the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the myriad of activities available. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of...

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE AND UPSETTING

I had an incredibly disappointing and upsetting experience at this park. My navigation system directed me past the parking lot onto a hydro road beside the beach. Realizing the road was closed, I stopped briefly to check my phone due to repeated calls from when I was driving (which seemed like an emergency) before turning around.

While stopped, a woman ran up to my car 5 seconds later, yelling and accusing me of parking there intentionally. Despite explaining it was an honest mistake and that I was leaving, she continued to rudely call me a liar and treated me with utter disrespect. She had someone in a truck tailgate me, block me in, and take pictures of my car and license plate—all while she claimed she would “decide whether to ticket me.” She had no visible credentials or authority to act this way and was dressed in black pants and a hoodie, not as an officer or park staff.

This experience was deeply upsetting, especially as a teenager with my 11-year-old sister and our dog in the car. The woman said she had been “watching me drive,” which felt invasive and unsettling. I would strongly advise against visiting this park, especially for young people, as this behavior was completely unacceptable. Clearer signage and a more respectful approach would prevent situations like this in the future. I will be filing a complaint as I didn’t get to resolve this issue because the lady ran away after I got to the original...