Rice Lake | Photo: Flickr
BC boasts a bounty of beautiful lakes, attracting tourists from around the world to swim, boat and enjoy a quiet lakeside getaway, but there are some lesser-known watering holes located right in the Metro Vancouver area that are equally as enchanting.
All less than an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver, these 4 lakes are worth the short trek, even if some are not suitable for swimming. Stroll, bike, bird watch, picnic or play in one of these sweet little sanctuaries, without having to leave the comforts of the city.
Trout Lake | Photo: Flickr
Trout Lake
Location: Vancouver BC
Highlights: Walking trails, cycling, picnic areas, off-leash dog areas, and swimming spots
Driving Distance (from downtown Vancouver): Approximately 15 minutes
Trout Lake is known by locals for its farmer’s markets and community-focused events, but it’s also a great spot for a swim in the lake and a picnic lunch on the sand. Visitors can pack a snack of their own, or purchase some goodies from the concession stand while enjoying a full day of outdoor play.
Deer Lake | Photo: Flickr
Deer Lake
Location: Burnaby BC
Highlights: Hiking trails, cycling, picnic areas, and a playground (no swimming)
Driving Distance (from downtown Vancouver): Approximately 20 minutes
Deer Lake is most well-known by locals for its outdoor concert series featuring live performances by top musicians in an intimate setting on a festival lawn surrounded by trees. But the lake also features leisurely walking trails, scenic picnic spots, and a playground perfect for a quiet afternoon with family.
Rice Lake | Photo: Flickr
Rice Lake
Location: North Vancouver BC
Highlights: Hiking trails, cycling, on and off leash dog areas, fishing docks (no swimming)
Driving Distance (from downtown Vancouver): Approximately 30 minutes
North Vancouver is rich with hiking trails featuring terrain for treks at any level, but Rice Lake has more to offer than a trodden tree-lined path. There are several viewpoints around the lake, as well as historical points of interest. Visitors can stroll along the wooden docks, and even enjoy trout fishing for kids in the Summer months.
Buntzen Lake | Photo: Flickr
Buntzen Lake
Location: Coquitlam BC
Highlights: Hiking trails, cycling, picnic areas, on and off leash dog areas, boat launch, and swimming spots
Driving Distance (from downtown Vancouver): Approximately 40 minutes
Nature lovers flock to this lakeside paradise, which features over 8 kilometers of hiking trails suitable for all levels, boating (non-motorized), swimming, and picnic areas. Buntzen Lake is the perfect spot for bird watching and trail walking – a serene escape located less than an hour away from Vancouver’s downtown core.
