• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Budget!
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists – Fitbit and Garmin
    • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart & Video: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus: Premium vs. Budget!
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets, 2020 – Waterproof and Windproof
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
        • How to Choose the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • 9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women, 2020
      • 7 of the Best Short Sleeved Cycling Jerseys for 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cheap Cycling Jackets Under $100
    • 90 Best Gifts for Cyclists – Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
      • 3 of the best bike lights for commuter cyclists – Light & Motion Urban 350 vs. CatEye Volt 800 vs. NiteRider Lumina 750
    • Bike Saddles
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
    • Headphone Reviews
      • 5 of the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling in 2021
    • Recumbent Trikes
  • Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Cheap
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 7 of the Best Bike Computers, 2020 – from Budget to Premium
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Cycling and Strength
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Study Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
        • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
        • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
        • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
    • Kids biking
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos – 2020
      • 9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • 10 Family-Friendly USA Cycling Trails to Visit with the Kids
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Core Workout for Cyclists
      • 5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
      • Muscle Stretching: The Cyclist’s Secret Skill – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists
      • The 10 Best Stretches for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
    • 7 Top Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • What is a Smart Turbo Indoor Trainer?
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2021
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • How Cycling to Lose Weight Saved Phil’s Life – Heartwarming Video
    • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
    • How to Keep your Bike from being Stolen – Top 10 Tips
      • 7 of the Best Bike Locks to Keep Your Bike Safe, 2021
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • How to Pick the Right Size Bike – Complete Bike Frame Size Guide
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • 9 Useful Tips for Women Bike Commuters
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
        • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Winter Cycling
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Ten Reasons to be a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow!
      • 5 Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 4 Benefits of Separated Bike Lanes
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • How to Use Bike Reflectors to Be More Visible
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Bike Tours and Trails / Cycling in Canada / Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada

July 22, 2018 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

AvatarThis month, we are staying at the Anmore RV Park in British Columbia, Canada. This park is just 45 minutes out of Vancouver. And it is right next door to the beautiful Buntzen Lake. We are enjoying a whole lot of cycling in the pristine wilderness around the park. This post is about some of the cycling you can enjoy near Buntzen Lake. It is just 45 minutes (by car) out of Vancouver, but it is at a high elevation outside the city, where the air is clean. There is an attractive variety of cycling trails.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. You can use your bike to get right to Buntzen Lake, even when the parking is full and the lake is closed to motorized vehicles. This is my Specialized Tricross bike, which I used to go down to the lake one crisp early morning
You can use your bike to get right to Buntzen Lake, even when the parking is full and the lake is closed to motorized vehicles. This is my Specialized Tricross bike, which I used to go down to the lake one crisp early morning

Getting Up Early – Not to Go to Work, but to Have Fun!

Right now, we are having some very hot days – so hot that it is hard to exercise. Plus, the heat draws thousands of people to Buntzen Lake, so it is not much fun to be there over the weekend. However, we found a workaround for this – we get up at the crack of dawn and enjoy cycling in the crisp morning air, with almost no one around. Especially when we venture onto some of the restricted, gravel roads.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Biking in the early morning on restricted roads, we have the world to ourselves!
Cycling in the early morning on restricted roads, we have the world to ourselves!

The only drawback is that we have to do a lot of singing, because there has been a lot of bear activity in the area lately – including a large bear who was chasing people into the lake at White Pine Beach, in Port Moody’s Belcarra Park, so he could steal their food. Luckily, he now seems to have left the area voluntarily. But we are still doing a lot of yelling and singing on our rides, because we do not want to come around a corner and surprise a bear.

Some of the trails prohibit bikes, to protect you and other people. And also, to protect the natural environment. Of course, we always respect these prohibitions.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Some of the trails around Buntzen Lake prohibit bikes
Some of the trails around Buntzen Lake prohibit bikes

Cycling Trails in the Buntzen Lake Area

There are several mixed use trails near Buntzen Lake that are suitable for mountain biking, ranging from really easy to extremely difficult. These cycling trails include Bear Claw, Saddle Ridge, Horseshoe, Lakeview, Academy, Old Buntzen Lake, and Trail Connector trails. You can find a full listing of the trails here. Note that only some of the listed trails on that site are for mixed use, i.e. hiking and cycling. Most are hiking only.

One of the most popular mixed use trails goes from the gates of the park to the main recreational area, South Beach. The trail is about 3 km (1.9 miles) long, one way. This is a map of the trail. We started at the Anmore RV Park, which is just a very short distance up the road from the entrance to Buntzen Lake Park. You can find the beginning of this trail just past the gates to the park, on the right. It is marked “Pedestrian access to Buntzen Lake.” On the weekend it is quite busy, but on weekdays it is very quiet. The surfaces along the way are mixed, ranging from gravel road to single trail.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Map of the trail to Buntzen Lake from the park gates. Note that it crosses a part of the lake at one point. This is where you will find the floating bridge!
Map of the trail to Buntzen Lake from the park gates. Note that it crosses a part of the lake at one point. This is where you will find the floating bridge!

At one point the trail crosses the lake, and here you will a floating bridge that commands splendid views.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. My bike on the floating bridge over Buntzen Lake, on the trail to Buntzen Lake
My bike on the floating bridge over Buntzen Lake, on the trail to Buntzen Lake

Here is a very short video I took to show the view from the floating bridge. It also shows how beautifully quiet it is in this area.

The trail that goes to the beach is easy to cycle, apart from one fairly steep hill (on the way back, not on the way to the lake). And then of course, it has the advantage that it takes you to a beautiful lake!

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Buntzen Lake is a beautiful glacier-fed lake. At the far left side, there is a place for launching kayaks and canoes. But no motorized water vessels, so it remains quiet and pristine!
Buntzen Lake is a beautiful glacier-fed lake. At the far left side, there is a place for launching kayaks and canoes. But no motorized water vessels, so it remains quiet and pristine!

You can also bike directly down Sunnyside Road to Buntzen Lake. It’s only about 2 km (1.2 miles), but it is a little challenging. First, it is not flat. It is pretty much all hills. Heading down towards the lake you have an exhilarating downhill … but as we all know, once you go down a hill on a bike, sooner or later, you are going to be paying for that fun (when you come back)! Also, it is quite a narrow road, so on the weekend, it is only fun before the gates open to admit a seemingly endless procession of cars and trucks. This procession flows from about 8 to 10; then the parking spots full up, and the traffic stops (except for those leaving the park). We try to avoid being on that road during “rush hour,” but I must say, when we have done that ride at that time, all the drivers have been extremely careful to pass us slowly and give us a very wide berth. Because of the long, long hill coming up from the lake, we have started to use only our electric bikes to do this particular ride.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Here are our bikes parked at Buntzen Lake. On this particular day, we used our electric bikes
Here are our bikes parked at Buntzen Lake. On this particular day, we used our electric bikes

Maggie got a new Haibike Sduro Hardseven because her city bike was no longer suitable for our new life – which includes a lot of camping and cycling along off-road trails. This is the cheapest Haibike available – but because it’s a Haibike, it’s still excellent. Maggie is absolutely loving it. We both love our Haibikes. I have put thousands of miles on my Haibike Xduro Trekking (reviewed here), and it does not have so much as a scratch on it. It’ s like Bruce Willis in Unbreakable! We will be posting a review on the Haibike Sduro Hardseven soon, of course. Here’s Maggie zooming along on her new Haibike.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Maggie on her Haibike, zooming along the backroads of Buntzen Lake
Maggie on her Haibike, zooming along the backroads of Buntzen Lake


The Academy Trail

This is one of the cycling trails that will be accessible for many cyclists. I was planning to bike the Academy Trail, but changed my mind after Maggie and I hiked it. Here is a map of the hike we did along this trail. We started at Anmore RV Park. If you are not staying there, you can start it at the entrance to the Buntzen Park, just to the right of Sunnyside Road.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Map of the Academy Trail near Buntzen Lake, as recorded on Strava
Map of the Academy Trail near Buntzen Lake, as recorded on Strava

The reason we decided not to bike the Academy Trail is simply that it is too challenging for our skill level. There are numerous technical challenges – such as loose gravel, loose rocks, and tree roots. If you are a skilled mountain biker, it would be a lot of fun. For the rest of us … it is a beautiful hike. The series of photos below will show you what to expect on this trail.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. You will find the entrance to the Academy Trail just as you come into Buntzen Lake Park, on the right of Sunnyside Road
You will find the entrance to the Academy Trail just as you come into Buntzen Lake Park, on the right of Sunnyside Road
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. There is one spot where the Academy Trail crosses a service road. There is a Stop sign there to warn you
There is one spot where the Academy Trail crosses a service road. There is a Stop sign there to warn you
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Some parts of Academy Trail are especially challenging. You will definitely need a mountain bike
Some parts of Academy Trail are especially challenging. You will definitely need a mountain bike
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Some parts of the Academy Trail are easy going
Some parts of the Academy Trail are easy going
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The Academy Trail is an undulating trail - mostly up and down, rather than flat. However, there are no steep hills
The Academy Trail is an undulating trail – mostly up and down, rather than flat. However, there are no steep hills
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Some parts of the Academy Trail definitely require mountain biking skills
Some parts of the Academy Trail definitely require mountain biking skills
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Some parts require intermediate level mountain biking skills
Some parts require intermediate level mountain biking skills
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. And many parts of the Academy Trail are just beautiful
And many parts of the Academy Trail are just beautiful

Service Access Roads around Buntzen Lake

BC Hydro maintains this area beautifully. And because BC Hydro needs to access all areas around the lake with trucks, they maintain numerous service roads. Most of these are closed off to public vehicles. However, the great thing about bikes is that there are few restrictions that can keep you out. Unlike with a car, you can just pick your bike up and lift it over a fence. Or push it through a turnstile. Or, as we have done a couple of times, slide it under a gate.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. You can access this service road in Buntzen Park by pushing your bike through a turnstile. This is Maggie's bike leaning up against the turnstile
You can access this service road in Buntzen Park by pushing your bike through a turnstile. This is Maggie’s bike leaning up against the turnstile

Here’s Maggie getting her bike through the turnstile that gives access to the service road off Sunnyside Road.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Here's Maggie getting her bike through the turnstile that gives access to the service road off Sunnyside Road.
Here’s Maggie getting her bike through the turnstile that gives access to the service road off Sunnyside Road

The service roads are mainly gravel, can be very steep, and often are very bumpy. However, the great thing about restricted service roads is that there are almost no cars on them! For this reason, cycling along service roads in the early morning has been the most fun we have had at Buntzen Lake. This is a bike ride we did yesterday, all the way from Anmore RV Park to North Beach. We started off on the paved road to Buntzen Lake, and then went onto the service road shown in the photo above.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Map of our bike ride from Anmore RV Park to the North Beach of Buntzen Lake
Map of our bike ride from Anmore RV Park to the North Beach of Buntzen Lake

Part of this route is along the main access road to the lake, but most of it is along a very quiet service road (where we have to sing to scare off the bears!) Here is a video of this ride:

Once you get to North Beach, you are at an absolutely beautiful nature spot. There are a few picnic benches there, and nothing much else. No facilities at all. But a lovely, peaceful spot for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. However, you cannot go there by car, so the only people who can picnic there are those who are willing to hike or bike all the way, or those who arrive by kayak or canoe. So, it is a lovely spot to enjoy a completely quiet and private picnic breakfast – as long as you can get there early enough!

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Here are our bikes parked at North Beach. And Maggie too!
Here are our bikes parked at North Beach. And Maggie too!

If you decide to do this bike ride, bear in mind that there are some very steep hills. The first time we did it we were on regular bikes, and  we had to turn back before we reached North Beach. This time we took electric bikes. It was still a workout, especially the very steep and very long hill that you get to just after you get onto the service road. I was leaning forward onto my handlebars to ensure I did not flip over backwards! But we had a great time, and we made it to North Beach. The view of Buntzen Lake from North Beach in the early morning is awesome, with thousands of trees reflected on the lake. I took this photo from the small floating jetty.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake in British Columbia, Canada. The view of Buntzen Lake from North Beach in the early morning is awesome, with thousands of trees reflected on the lake
The view of Buntzen Lake from North Beach in the early morning is awesome, with thousands of trees reflected on the lake

Strangely, even though the lake is glacier-fed, it was very warm, so we took a swim. The thousands of baby trout were a little too friendly, but other than that, it was a lot of fun!

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Maggie swimming in Buntzen Lake at North Beach
Maggie swimming in Buntzen Lake at North Beach

And here is a very short video of me swimming in the lake, just to prove that I also did it!

We left our bikes parked randomly on the beach. In the early morning, there is no need to worry about anyone stealing your bike. We met a few joggers and hikers, and everyone was friendly.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Our bikes were completely safe on this almost deserted beach
Our bikes were completely safe on this almost deserted beach

Afterwards, we also went to check out the suspension bridge which is just to the right of the beach.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Just past North Beach is this lovely suspension bridge, which gives you great views of Buntzen Lake
Just past North Beach is this lovely suspension bridge, which gives you great views of Buntzen Lake
Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. Here's me admiring the view from the suspension bridge
Here’s me admiring the view from the suspension bridge

Walking across the Suspension Beach is kind of breathtaking in the early morning. It is a very basic bridge, and there is a sign warning that no more than 4 people should be on it at one time. Which did set me to wondering – 4 people weighing how much? If that means 4 people weighing 90 pounds each, we might be in trouble! Luckily, the bridge held just fine. And as it is only a few feet above the lake, we would no doubt have survived if it had collapsed!

Accessing the Cycling Trails in the Buntzen Lake Area

Of course, the easiest way would be to stay at the Anmore RV Park, as we are doing! But camping is not for everyone … so the good news is that there are other ways to get there. The trails are also very accessible from Vancouver. For example, you can drive out and park in the parking lots at Buntzen Lake. However, on hot weekends, you had best get there before about 9.15 a.m. Once the 600 parking spots are taken, they close the gates. (They occasionally re-open in the afternoon.)

Alternatively, a lot of people bike up Sunnyside Road to access the lake. However, that is really only for extremely fit people, or people on ebikes. Sunnyside Road to Buntzen Lake is all uphill, at times reaching 9 to 12% grades. At one point, it briefly hits 15%! So, it is not recommended unless you are an elite athlete, or have a powerful ebike. Also, the road is narrow with no shoulder, no bike lane, and no sidewalk. So you need to be a very skilled and confident cyclist as well. And perhaps lucky as well. Despite it being so challenging, many cyclists do this route in the early mornings. Not so much to go to the lake, but to ride all the way up the hill, ride past the lake (perhaps stopping for a few minutes to admire the view and eat a protein bar), and then ride all the way down again. I admire them, but that ride is harder than Maggie and I like to do.

A group of impressive cyclists who had just cycled all the way up Sunnyside Road to Buntzen Lake. They stopped to enjoy the view and have a small snack, and then set off to do close-to-impossible things on their bikes again
A group of impressive cyclists who had just cycled all the way up Sunnyside Road to Buntzen Lake. They stopped to enjoy the view and have a small snack, and then set off to do close-to-impossible things on their bikes again

Another way to get there is with the no. 182 shuttle bus from Moody Central Skytrain station. This will get you to the gates of Buntzen Lake, from which you can access the trails. These little buses will take a maximum of two bikes. They run every 30 minutes, and are very pleasant to travel in, with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and friendly drivers. There is also a no. 179 shuttle bus that will take you all the way to the lake itself – see Translink for schedules.

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The no. 182 shuttle bus will get you and your bike up to Buntzen Lake
The no. 182 shuttle bus will get you and your bike up to Buntzen Lake

Bottom Line on Cycling in the Buntzen Lake Area

You could easily spend the whole summer exploring the trails in this area on a bike, especially if you are a skilled mountain biker. But even if you are just an average Joe Cyclist, like Maggie and I, you can have tons of fun cycling in the Buntzen Lake area. We highly recommend it!

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared, with Comparative Chart & Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • Zwift makes indoor cycling fun!
    How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Bike Training System on Any Budget
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    Video-packed post - 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2020
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon, 2020 - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1 - Start Getting Fit Now!
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • Garmin Edge 1030 vs 1000
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Fall Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Choose the Right Type of Bike - Beginner's Guide
    Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. For your cycling and athletic shopping needs, we are also affiliated to Competitive Cyclist, REI Co-op, and Backcountry. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:
Amazon USA
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK
Buy from the Online Retailer of Your Choice!

Cycling near Buntzen Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Cycling in Canada Tagged With: Buntzen Lake floating bridge, Buntzen Lake suspension bridge, Vancouver cycling

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shop at Amazon in the USA.

Amazon USAShop at Amazon in Canada.

Amazon CanadaShop at Amazon in the UK.

Amazon UK

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • A Guide for Fat Cyclists. I am not exactly your stereotypical cyclist with the body of a greyhound. However, I don’t let my weight stop me from cycling. This was a 15-mile cross-country ride I did with my wife. We are pushing our bikes here because we were on loose gravel A Guide for Fat Cyclists
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • If you keep asking your body to do more, it will grow stronger and fitter to adapt to your demands. How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • This bike is a little too large, so the rider can only just stand over it. She would need a bike at least once size smaller to be completely comfortable Complete Bike Frame Size Guide – Bike Frame Measurement and Size Chart
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
  • We simply did not evolve to sit in front of a computer all day. No wonder exercise is such a mood lifter, when we actually get out and do it. 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling

​

Special Offer for Average Joe Cyclist Readers – Get 10% off a New Totem Pole Bike Rack!

Transport up to 6 bikes with the revolutionary new Totem Pole Bike Rack! AND get a 10% discount off the price! Just use the discount code AVERAGEJOE

Click here to claim your discount!

9 of the best road bike saddles

How Women Cyclists can prevent saddle soreness and associated issues

World's first folding electric carbon bike

Copyright © 2021 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.