Boat Launch in Vancouver, British Columbia
Buntzen Lake South Beach Boat Launch
Buntzen Lake South Beach has BC Hydro's listed boat launch for non-motorized craft and small battery-electric motors, but the current low-water notice changes the planning. Check BC Hydro before going: trailered launching is not permitted while the notice is active, parking gates can close at capacity, and the reservoir's cold water and operating areas require conservative decisions.
Buntzen Lake South Beach Boat Launch
Plan your visit
What to know before you go.
BC Hydro lists the launch for motorized and non-motorized vessels.
Low water notice asks visitors to keep back from shoreline areas.
BC Hydro labels the rule as no power boats.
Closing time varies from 4:30 pm to 8 pm by date.
No public parking in Anmore; vehicle gate can close when lots fill.
BC Hydro lists the reservoir at 182 hectares.
BC Hydro says a PFD is required for each person on any boat or canoe.
BC Hydro links swimmers to Fraser Health beach status.
Best For
Good To Know
BC Hydro's active notice says no trailered boat launching is permitted, so treat the launch as hand-carry-only until the official notice changes.
The 2026 table lists 8:00 am openings and changing close times; BC Hydro also tells boaters to be back on shore 30 minutes before posted closing.
When lots reach capacity, BC Hydro may close the vehicle gate without one-in, one-out access, and there is no public parking in Anmore.
Launch Layout
- South Beach launch
- BC Hydro lists a boat launch at South Beach for motorized and non-motorized vessels.
- Low-water status
- The current area notice says Buntzen Reservoir is at extremely low levels and no trailered boat launching is permitted at this time.
- Motor rule
- Small battery-powered electric motors are allowed, but BC Hydro's boat-restriction section says no power boats.
Parking And Access
- Drive-in access
- BC Hydro says the parking lots are about two kilometres past the entrance gate and asks visitors not to arrive before opening because there is no parking in Anmore.
- Capacity closures
- When lots reach capacity, BC Hydro may temporarily close vehicle access and reopen only when enough spaces have opened for waiting traffic.
- Transit option
- BC Hydro lists the 182 bus to Anmore with a 2 km walk to South Beach, plus the seasonal 179 bus from Coquitlam Central on weekends and holidays from Canada Day weekend through Labour Day.
Water Safety
- Cold water
- BC Hydro warns that Buntzen Lake is cold enough to threaten survival and that wearing a PFD increases survival time.
- Operating areas
- BC Hydro says sudden water-flow changes can occur without warning near intake structures and the Coquitlam Lake tunnel outfall, making swimming or boating there extremely dangerous.
- Weather
- BC Hydro tells visitors to check the forecast and watch for wave, wind, and cloud changes that signal bad weather.
Fishing And Swimming Context
- Fishing
- GoFishBC describes Buntzen as a stocked reservoir with kokanee, cutthroat trout, stocked rainbow trout, shore access, a dock or floating bridge, and non-gas-powered vessel options.
- Lifeguards
- BC Hydro says Lifesaving Society lifeguards patrol South Beach during peak times when weather permits, and visitors should use posted signage to confirm when lifeguards are on duty.
- Water quality
- BC Hydro directs visitors to Fraser Health for Buntzen Lake water-quality status, and Fraser Health explains that beach results are snapshots rather than real-time guarantees. Open Fraser Health status
Official Info
- BC Hydro page
- Use the BC Hydro page for area notices, low-water updates, gate hours, parking guidance, boat restrictions, fire rules, dog rules, and water-safety guidance. Open Buntzen Lake page
- Fishing regulations
- Use the B.C. freshwater regulation page and licence page before fishing from the lake, dock, or a non-gas-powered vessel. Open B.C. regulations
Questions People Ask
Can I launch a trailered boat at Buntzen Lake right now?
No under the current BC Hydro notice. The page says the reservoir is at extremely low levels and no trailered boat launching is permitted at this time.
Are power boats allowed on Buntzen Lake?
No power boats are allowed. BC Hydro says small battery-powered electric motors are allowed, so plan for non-motorized or small electric craft only.
What are the 2026 gate hours?
BC Hydro says gates typically open at 8:00 am. The 2026 closing table ranges from 4:30 pm in winter to 8:00 pm from April 13 to August 23.
What happens if the parking lots fill?
BC Hydro may temporarily close vehicle access when parking lots reach capacity and does not operate on a one-in, one-out basis. Pedestrian access remains open, but there is no public parking in Anmore.
What safety gear should I bring?
BC Hydro says an approved PFD is required by law for each person on board any boat or canoe, including inflatables, and a sound signalling device such as a whistle is also required.
Can I fish from Buntzen Lake?
Yes, with the correct B.C. freshwater licence and current Region 2 rules. GoFishBC lists shore options, a dock or floating bridge, non-gas-powered vessel use, and stocked rainbow trout at Buntzen.
SourcesShow source links
Page facts are backed by official, operator, map, or supporting source links. Internal social research signals are not shown here.
Official And Operator
- BC HydroOfficial page
- Fraser Health AuthorityOfficial page
- Freshwater Fisheries Society of BCOfficial page
- Freshwater Fisheries Society of BCData file
- Province of British ColumbiaOfficial page
- Province of British ColumbiaOfficial page