Summer in Vancouver: New Day Pass System for Buntzen Lake

Last Updated: July 18, 2023

Buntzen Lake in Anmore is about a 40 minute drive from Vancouver and a great place to go for a hike and swim on a hot summer day. The 10 km trail that goes around the lake is shaded and suitable for anyone looking for a moderate hike. The lake is also popular for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming. There is a pet beach and are dogs are allowed on the trail.

Effective June 27, 2022, you need to make a reservation to get access to the park during the peak summer months.

You can make a reservation one day in advance. There are 3 types of passes available:

  • AM: A Morning parking pass is valid between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Morning pass holders must depart before 2 p.m. to ensure space is available for Afternoon pass holders
  • PM: An Afternoon parking pass is valid from 2 p.m. until park close. Afternoon pass holders must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the parking pass period.
  • ALL DAY: An All-day parking pass is valid for arrival at any time of day, from 8 a.m. to park close.

You need to arrive at least 30 mins before the end of your timeslot to gain access to the park.

Buntzen Lake trail
Swimming at Buntzen Lake

Since the first summer of the reservation/pass system, changes have been made. You are encouraged to create an account and download the Yodel Portal app. In order to get the QR code, you also have to enter personal information about yourself as well as details about your car and license plate. Printing or taking a screenshot of the QR code is no longer an option: you need to show a dynamic (moving) QR code to the first checkpoint before proceeding to the next.

“Before you arrive at the gate, use your smartphone to check-in and have the validation screen on your digital pass ready to be scanned.The validation screen has a dynamic (moving) QR Code. Do not print or screenshot the validation screen as it will not be accepted. No smartphone? Bring your reservation confirmation email. Remember, wifi and cell service in the area is limited. Passes can be scanned via offline mode if you have accessed your pass on your mobile device prior to arriving at the gate.”

https://yodelportal.com/buntzen-lake

Unfortunately, our experience was not positive as our cell phone coverage kept dropping and the dynamic QR code is not available offline. Despite having this issue and explaining to the person working the 1st checkpoint, we were forced to turn around and go back. We ended up having to set up a mobile WIFI hotspot to get access to populate the QR code. Once at the 2nd checkpoint, we had to show the QR code again, have it scanned and then we could proceed to parking. The staff at the 2nd checkpoint were much friendlier and explained that yes, you can use the email confirmation for access.

QR Code Issues due to lack of data
Empty Parking Lot at 10:00

Prior to the reservation system implementation, you needed to arrive right at opening at 08:00 to even have a chance at entering the park and finding a parking space. Thankfully, the reservation system has helped to minimize traffic in the area for residents and helps people access the park. It is still common for reservations to be sold out within 5-10 minutes of opening though. We also find the reservation system a little complicated for those who are not tech-savvy: how many kids are making reservations for their less tech-savvy parents and grandparents? We also found the park to be quite empty despite being sold out and wonder if they are limiting how many people can go in total. It did seem sad to have such a beautiful park and trail underutilized despite the reservation and pass system. It will be interesting to see what other changes are implemented for the 2024 summer peak season.

Do you like the concept of a booking system? How have your experiences been?

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