Buntzen Lake
Encyclopedia
Buntzen Lake is a 4.8 kilometres (3 mi) long lake in Anmore, British Columbia
, Canada
, in the Greater Vancouver
area. It is named after the first general manager of the B.C. Electric Co.
, Johannes Buntzen. There is a smaller lake just to the north named McCombe Lake
.
.
In 1903 the lake was used to power Vancouver's first hydroelectric plant the Buntzen Powerhouse. A tunnel was excavated through Eagle Mountain from Coquitlam Lake
to Buntzen Lake. Coquitlam Lake was dammed, and water flowed 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) through the tunnel to Buntzen Lake, and from there, through an outlet at the north end of the lake to two power generating stations on Indian Arm
. The first, built in 1903, and the second built in 1914. The first plant was decommissioned in 1999; the second has been rebuilt and is still operational.
Buntzen Lake is also used in another power generating plant, Burrard Generating Station
, a gas-powered plant, where water is used to produce steam for the generators.
The area around the lake is managed by BC Hydro
as a recreation site and visitors can swim, fish, hike, and boat on the lake.
There are many trails on or around the Lake. The recreation area has been a very good example of multiple use, allowing Hikers, Mountain Bike
rs 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.
Some trails include:
This is the most popular of the three Halvor Lunden trails. It passes thought ancient mountain forests and has a number of viewpoints from which overlook Vancouver. The trailhead is on Powerhouse Road, near the southeast corner of the South Beach parking area, and takes you up a steep climb of over 700m, passing the Polytrichum Lookout before reaching the "Lake district" which includes several small lakes and the larger Lindsay Lake.
The Swan Falls trailhead starts at the north end of Buntzen lake near North Beach. It is very steep in places and is only recommended for experienced and fit hikers. This trail forks into a number of trails between El Paso Junction and Lindsay Junction. The different trails give hikers the option of seeing the old growth forest of Eagle Ridge or pass by a number of tarns. North of Lindsay Junction is Eagle Peak with views of Mount Baker
, Vancouver Island
, the Fraser Valley
, the Coquitlam watershed, Mount Seymour Provincial Park
, and Indian Arm
. Swan Falls was named for Gordon Swan by Dr. Simon Priest. Both were instrumental in trail building at Buntzen in the late 1970's on behalf of the Simon Fraser University Outdoor Club.
This trail through high mountain forests is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. The trailhead is located north of the Swan Falls trailhead, and takes the hiker further north to the Croker Lookout where there are fine views of the north end of Indian Arm
, before climbing steeply to the top of Eagle Ridge. The trail continues south along the ridge over the 1200m Dill Dally peak before joining the Swan Falls trail.
This loop trail circles Buntzen Lake starting at Buntzen Creek Bridge at the east side of South Beach.
The name of this trail, "ten views" in Spanish, refers to the many views of Vancouver area waterways and mountains visible from this trail.
Portions of this trail are very steep. Equestrians and mountain bike riders should only use this trail if experienced in steep mountain terrain riding. Providing an alternative route along Buntzen Lake's western shore, this trail weaves its way along Pumphouse Road from the main entrance gate, then connects with the transmission line heading north before slipping into the dense forest that enfolds Buntzen Ridge. The trail ends where it joins the Old Buntzen Lake Trail near North Beach.
This trail is opened to equestrians and mountain bike riders, however because sections of the trail are very steep it should only be attempted by experts.
This trail through fern-filled forests is open to equestrians and mountain bike riders.
This trail was used to circumnavigate Buntzen Lake before the suspension bridge was built which the new Buntzen Lake Trail traverses.
The local community has also been used. A very famous Victorian House, a main set for the Daryll Hanna/ Steve Martin movie, Roxanne, is located on Sugar Mountain Way. It was also used in the Valerie Harper/Gerald McRaney movie, "The People Across the Lake."
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, in the Greater Vancouver
Greater Vancouver
Greater Vancouver is the metropolitan area centred on the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, roughly coterminous with the Greater Vancouver Regional District, which is governed by a body known as Metro Vancouver...
area. It is named after the first general manager of the B.C. Electric Co.
British Columbia Electric Railway
The British Columbia Electric Railway was a historic Canadian railway which operated in southwestern British Columbia.Originally the parent company, and later a division, of BC Electric, the BCER operated public transportation in southwestern British Columbia from its establishment in the...
, Johannes Buntzen. There is a smaller lake just to the north named McCombe Lake
McCombe Lake
McCombe Lake is a small lake just to the north of Buntzen Lake in Anmore, British Columbia. It is named after Bob McCombe, foreman of Tunnel Camp, who lived beside the lake with his family from 1911-1929. The lake is the location of two outflows that lead to Buntzen Powerhouses number 1 and 2. The...
.
History
Buntzen lake used to be named Trout Lake, and was also called Lake Beautiful, and was renamed to Buntzen Lake in 1905 at the opening of the tunnel to Coquitlam LakeCoquitlam Lake
Coquitlam Lake is a reservoir located just north of Coquitlam, British Columbia. It is one of the three main water sources for Metro Vancouver, and also a part of BC Hydro's power generation system...
.
In 1903 the lake was used to power Vancouver's first hydroelectric plant the Buntzen Powerhouse. A tunnel was excavated through Eagle Mountain from Coquitlam Lake
Coquitlam Lake
Coquitlam Lake is a reservoir located just north of Coquitlam, British Columbia. It is one of the three main water sources for Metro Vancouver, and also a part of BC Hydro's power generation system...
to Buntzen Lake. Coquitlam Lake was dammed, and water flowed 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) through the tunnel to Buntzen Lake, and from there, through an outlet at the north end of the lake to two power generating stations on Indian Arm
Indian Arm
Indian Arm is a steep-sided glacial fjord adjacent to the city of Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia. Formed during the last Ice Age, it extends due north from Burrard Inlet, between the communities of Belcarra and the District of North Vancouver , then on into mountainous wilderness...
. The first, built in 1903, and the second built in 1914. The first plant was decommissioned in 1999; the second has been rebuilt and is still operational.
Buntzen Lake is also used in another power generating plant, Burrard Generating Station
Burrard Generating Station
Burrard Generating Station is a Natural Gas fired station built by BC Electric, owned by BC Hydro since 1961, located in Belcarra, British Columbia.- Description :...
, a gas-powered plant, where water is used to produce steam for the generators.
The area around the lake is managed by BC Hydro
BC Hydro
The BC Hydro and Power Authority is a Canadian electric utility in the province of British Columbia generally known simply as BC Hydro. It is the main electric distributor, serving 1.8 million customers in most areas, with the exception of the Kootenay region, where FortisBC, a subsidiary of Fortis...
as a recreation site and visitors can swim, fish, hike, and boat on the lake.
Recreation
Mountain bike
A mountain bike or mountain bicycle is a bicycle created for off-road cycling. This activity includes traversing of rocks and washouts, and steep declines,...
rs and Equestrians to use the trails together. Most of the trails extend from the recreation area into Indian Arm Provincial Park
Indian Arm Provincial Park
Indian Arm Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the western and eastern shores of Indian Arm, a glacial fjord extending north from Burrard Inlet near the city of Vancouver. The park also surrounds most of the land near Buntzen Lake, a reservoir managed...
.
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.
Some trails include:
The Halvor Lunden Trail (Eagle Ridge)
The Halvor Lunden Trail is named for a local prolific trail builder and maintainer who built many of the trails around Buntzen Lake. The trail is composed of the Lindsay Lake Loop, Swan Falls Loop and Dilly Dally Loop (described below).Lindsay Lake Loop
Hiking time: 6–8 hours return. Distance: 15 km (9 mi). Elevation gain: 1,020 m (3,350 ft).This is the most popular of the three Halvor Lunden trails. It passes thought ancient mountain forests and has a number of viewpoints from which overlook Vancouver. The trailhead is on Powerhouse Road, near the southeast corner of the South Beach parking area, and takes you up a steep climb of over 700m, passing the Polytrichum Lookout before reaching the "Lake district" which includes several small lakes and the larger Lindsay Lake.
Swan Falls Loop
Hiking time: 8–10 hours return. Distance: 20 km (12 mi). Elevation gain: 1,150 m (3,770 ft).The Swan Falls trailhead starts at the north end of Buntzen lake near North Beach. It is very steep in places and is only recommended for experienced and fit hikers. This trail forks into a number of trails between El Paso Junction and Lindsay Junction. The different trails give hikers the option of seeing the old growth forest of Eagle Ridge or pass by a number of tarns. North of Lindsay Junction is Eagle Peak with views of Mount Baker
Mount Baker
Mount Baker , also known as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, is an active glaciated andesitic stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the North Cascades of Washington State in the United States. It is the second-most active volcano in the range after Mount Saint Helens...
, Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a large island in British Columbia, Canada. It is one of several North American locations named after George Vancouver, the British Royal Navy officer who explored the Pacific Northwest coast of North America between 1791 and 1794...
, the Fraser Valley
Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is the section of the Fraser River basin in southwestern British Columbia downstream of the Fraser Canyon. The term is sometimes used to refer to the Fraser Canyon and stretches upstream from there, but in general British Columbian usage of the term refers to the stretch of the...
, the Coquitlam watershed, Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Mount Seymour Provincial Park is a 35 km² park in Vancouver, British Columbia's North Shore Mountains. It is located approximately 15 km from Downtown Vancouver.-History and Geography:...
, and Indian Arm
Indian Arm
Indian Arm is a steep-sided glacial fjord adjacent to the city of Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia. Formed during the last Ice Age, it extends due north from Burrard Inlet, between the communities of Belcarra and the District of North Vancouver , then on into mountainous wilderness...
. Swan Falls was named for Gordon Swan by Dr. Simon Priest. Both were instrumental in trail building at Buntzen in the late 1970's on behalf of the Simon Fraser University Outdoor Club.
Dilly Dally Loop
Hiking time: 10–12 hours return. Distance: 25 km (16 mi). Elevation gain: 1,150 m (3,770 ft).This trail through high mountain forests is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. The trailhead is located north of the Swan Falls trailhead, and takes the hiker further north to the Croker Lookout where there are fine views of the north end of Indian Arm
Indian Arm
Indian Arm is a steep-sided glacial fjord adjacent to the city of Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia. Formed during the last Ice Age, it extends due north from Burrard Inlet, between the communities of Belcarra and the District of North Vancouver , then on into mountainous wilderness...
, before climbing steeply to the top of Eagle Ridge. The trail continues south along the ridge over the 1200m Dill Dally peak before joining the Swan Falls trail.
Buntzen Lake Trail
Hiking time: 4–5 hours return. Distance: 8 km (5 mi). Elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft).This loop trail circles Buntzen Lake starting at Buntzen Creek Bridge at the east side of South Beach.
Energy Trail
This loop around the wooded knoll southwest of the South Beach boat launch includes views of Buntzen Lake and interpretive displays along the trail..Diez Vistas Trail
Hiking time: 6–8 hours return. Distance: 7 km (4 mi) (one way). Elevation gain: 460 m (1,510 ft).The name of this trail, "ten views" in Spanish, refers to the many views of Vancouver area waterways and mountains visible from this trail.
Bear Claw, Saddle Ridge, Horseshoe Trails
These trails form loops in the cedar and hemlock forests on the steep slopes at the south west slopes of Buntzen Lake, providing access to the Diez Vistas Trail and the trail to Sasamat Lake.Lakeview Trail
Hiking time: 5–6 hours return. Distance: 6 km (4 mi) (one way). Elevation gain: 150 m (490 ft).Portions of this trail are very steep. Equestrians and mountain bike riders should only use this trail if experienced in steep mountain terrain riding. Providing an alternative route along Buntzen Lake's western shore, this trail weaves its way along Pumphouse Road from the main entrance gate, then connects with the transmission line heading north before slipping into the dense forest that enfolds Buntzen Ridge. The trail ends where it joins the Old Buntzen Lake Trail near North Beach.
This trail is opened to equestrians and mountain bike riders, however because sections of the trail are very steep it should only be attempted by experts.
Academy Trail
Hiking time: 2–2.5 hours (one way). Distance: 4 km (2 mi). Elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft).This trail through fern-filled forests is open to equestrians and mountain bike riders.
Old Buntzen Lake Trail
Hiking time: 45 minutes (one way). Distance: 1.5 km (0.9 mi). Elevation gain: 20 m (70 ft).This trail was used to circumnavigate Buntzen Lake before the suspension bridge was built which the new Buntzen Lake Trail traverses.
Eagle Bluff Trail
Leads up from the Academy Trail to Vista Point, a viewpoint overlooking the lake. Confusingly named the same as Eagleridge Bluffs in West Vancouver.White Rock Trail
Leads from El Paso Junction on the Halvor Lunden Trail to the old logging road network on Eagle Ridge. A viewpoint partway along the trail overlooks Coquitlam.Movie Roles
The use of Buntzen Lake in movies has been prolific. Appearances include- Lake PlacidLake Placid (film)Lake Placid is a 1999 American monster movie with elements of comedy, horror, bromance film, and the buddy genre. It was written and produced by David E. Kelley, directed by Steve Miner, and stars Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin Bacon, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Oliver Platt, and...
(1999) - The X-FilesThe X-Files (film)The X-Files is a 1998 American science fiction-thriller film written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, and directed by Rob Bowman. It is the first feature film based on The X-Files series created by Carter that revolves around a fictional FBI paranormal investigation unit called the X-Files...
episode 3x22 Quagmire - Highlander
- Hot RodHot rodHot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or...
- Freddy vs. JasonFreddy vs. JasonFreddy vs. Jason is a 2003 American slasher film directed by Ronny Yu. The film is a crossover between the A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th franchises...
- Devour
The local community has also been used. A very famous Victorian House, a main set for the Daryll Hanna/ Steve Martin movie, Roxanne, is located on Sugar Mountain Way. It was also used in the Valerie Harper/Gerald McRaney movie, "The People Across the Lake."
- RoxanneRoxanne (film)Roxanne is a 1987 comedy film directed by Fred Schepisi. It is a modern retelling of the 1897 verse play Cyrano de Bergerac, written by French author Edmond Rostand, and stars Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah.-Plot summary:...
(1987) - The People Across the Lake (film) (1988)
- Pathfinder
- SmallvilleSmallville (TV series)Smallville is an American television series developed by writers/producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar based on the DC Comics character Superman, originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The television series was initially broadcast by The WB Television Network , premiering on October...
episode 5x04 Aqua - SupernaturalSupernatural (TV series)Supernatural is an American supernatural and horror television series created by Eric Kripke, which debuted on September 13, 2005 on The WB, and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the brothers as they...
episode 1x03 Dead in the Water - Dark AngelDark Angel (TV series)Dark Angel is an American biopunk/cyberpunk science fiction television series created by James Cameron and Charles H. Eglee. The show premiered in the United States on the Fox network on October 3, 2000, and was canceled after two seasons...
- Three O’Clock (2005)Three O’Clock (film)Three O'Clock is a 2005 film written, directed by, and starring Glen Chua, with Alexandra Caldwell, and George Amoako. The special effects in this film were perfected over a course of 4 months...
- It (1990)It (1990 film)It is a 1990 horror television miniseries based on the novel of the same name. The story revolves around an inter-dimensional predatory life-form that is simply referred to as "It", which has the ability to transform itself into its prey's worst fears allowing it to exploit the fears and phobias...
by Stephen KingStephen KingStephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books... - 4400
- EurekaEureka (TV series)Eureka is an American science fiction television series that premiered on Syfy on July 18, 2006. Since then four seasons have aired, and a fifth is currently being filmed. The second half of season 4 began on SyFy on July 11, 2011 and ended on September 19, 2011...
External links
- Buntzen Lake at the Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia
- Buntzen Lake trail maps and directions
- Buntzen Lake Loop Trail pictures, gps and directions