Buntzen Lake, Diez Vista Trail

Buntzen Lake is a beautiful place that is just about forty minutes drive from downtown Vancouver.

The lake itself is not that spectacular, but is a wonderful place to go for a swim in the summer. If you were to go though, I would recommend that you do not swim with all the children and pets at the main beach, but rather walk down to the north end of the lake. There you’ll find a much smaller beach where the sun is brighter, the water is warmer, and of course, the air is quieter.

 

View on the Buntzen Lake from the eastern bank

 If you are ready for a small adventure, the nearby Diez Vista trial has a lot to offer. It might take you 5 to 7 hours to walk the entire circle, but it is certainly worth it. Diez Vista is literally translated as 10 Views, but not all of the view points along the way are spectacular. If you are short on time, keep in mind that it will take about 1.3 to 2 hours to get to the best point on the trail (depends on your climbing speed). After this point [see below], nothing else will provide such breathtaking experience. Unless you just enjoy the forest, like I did, the shorter route would be to turn back.

 

Diez Vista Trail, viewpoint overlooking the Deep Cove

Although there are signs warning you about bears, and Vancouverians would also tell you about cougars, I hear there is really nothing to worry about. Bears are not stupid and don’t go to places where there are lots of people, and there are plenty of people here , at least in the summer. Cougars though need an immense amount of deer population to survive, and I haven’t seen any deer there. If you are worried, however, there are (in the summer) guides walking around who would probably be happy to reassure you in your safety (or not).

Although I personally think this is an easy hike, it looks like some people don’t share my optimism. Below is an extract from the BC Hydro website, talking about this and other trials.

 
Hiking time: 6–8 hours return. Distance: 7 km (one way). Elevation gain: 460 m.

This route is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. Spanish for “ten views”, the Diez Vistas Trail is aptly named. Offering spectacular views of Vancouver’s waterways and mountains, the Diez Vistas Trail commences near the floating bridge. Travelling uphill into the forest, cross the powerline and pipeline and continue along a series of switchbacks until the trail forks. The left trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Indian Arm and the right leads to a view of South Beach and across to Eagle Ridge. After reaching the high point where the trails reunite, you travel along a forest trail that terminates at a BC Hydro service road. Keep right and follow the service road and transmission line (the Old Buntzen Lake Trail) back to the Buntzen Lake Trail, where a left turn will take you to the suspension bridge leading to North Beach. From here, follow either Powerhouse Road or the Buntzen Lake Trail back to South Beach.

For more information about this and other hikes, visit their website