A Spring Adventure at Buntzen Lake

Waiting for Warmer Days

It's already June, yet we're still waiting for those warm, sunny days to arrive. Normally, a Pro-D day is the perfect excuse for me to take my children on a hike, but the cool weather has certainly made it harder to find the motivation lately.

As I looked outside at the gray skies, I found myself reminiscing about one of our favorite outdoor adventures from last spring—a memorable hike and fishing trip at Buntzen Lake.

Packing for Adventure

Sometime in April last year, I took my two children and one of my son's friends to Buntzen Lake for a day of hiking and fishing. At the time, my kids were eight and six years old, and surprisingly, neither of them complained about hiking all the way to the north beach and back.

The round trip usually takes us about three hours, including plenty of stops for lunch, fishing, and exploring along the way.

We parked at the dog park parking lot, as we almost always bring our dog along on these outings. Armed with three energetic children, a dog, backpacks, snacks, and plenty of water, I felt ready for whatever adventure awaited us.

Each child carried a reasonable amount of their own supplies. My son, however, always insisted on carrying his fishing gear. That's one of the reasons he loves hiking near lakes, rivers, and streams—every walk becomes an opportunity to fish.

A Forest Full of Discoveries

Before starting the hike, we made our usual stop at the washrooms near the dog park.

I encouraged the kids to use the facilities before we hit the trail. The boys, however, were far more interested in watching the dogs run around than taking a bathroom break. My daughter and I wisely took advantage of the opportunity.

Since it was my son's friend's first visit to Buntzen Lake, I reminded my son to look after his buddy and make sure he didn't leave his friend—or his younger sister—too far behind.

Buntzen Lake is well known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities. Visitors come to hike, swim, fish, paddleboard, kayak, and simply enjoy the outdoors.

As we entered the forest, we spotted salmonberries growing along the trail. Some were bright yellow, while others were a deep red. The kids immediately began sampling a few.

"Leave some for the wildlife," I reminded them as they happily snacked.

The crystal-clear water beside the trail revealed schools of fish swimming below the surface. Wild birds moved through the trees while the forest buzzed with life around us.

Suddenly, one of my young explorers shouted, "Eagle!"

Sure enough, a bald eagle was soaring overhead. Watching it glide effortlessly through the sky was breathtaking. The kids quickly pulled out a pair of binoculars—I had completely forgotten that my son's friend had brought them along.

Along the trail, we also encountered a garter snake. It was skinny, quick, and disappeared almost as soon as we spotted it. I may have let out a little scream, which naturally caused the children to burst into laughter.

I have never been a fan of snakes, and my kids thoroughly enjoyed reminding me of that fact.

We also stopped at one of the scenic lookout points. The trail leading to the viewpoint is fairly steep in places, so parents should keep a close eye on younger children who like to run ahead.

Exploring the Hidden Cave

As we approached the north beach, we came across two massive rock formations leaning against one another, creating a small cave-like opening.

Naturally, the kids couldn't resist exploring it.

The cave was cool, dark, and damp. As they ventured inside, my daughter suddenly squealed.

"Ahhh! Spider web!"

This time, it was my turn to laugh. After all, they had spent the entire hike teasing me about being afraid of the snake.

Fishing, Lunch, and Childhood Memories

When we finally arrived at the beach, we were rewarded with peaceful surroundings and very few people. Because it was still early in the season, the area wasn't busy, and we practically had the fishing deck all to ourselves.

The kids eagerly unpacked their lunches while my son immediately got to work setting up his fishing rod.

At just eight years old, he could already tie his line, prepare his tackle, and cast independently. He baited his hook with a pink marshmallow and launched it into the water.

While waiting for a bite, he proudly showed his friend his collection of fishing gear—spinners, artificial worms, bobbers, weights, and hooks of various sizes. He had been fishing since he was four years old, and his passion for it was obvious.

Then it happened.

His bobber suddenly disappeared beneath the water.

"Fish on!"

The excitement was instant.

It was a whitefish, one of many found in the lake. We usually release them or occasionally keep a few for crab bait.

Before long, another fish was caught, followed by a third.

The children's eyes lit up with excitement every time the rod bent. I made sure my son gave his friend the opportunity to reel in some fish as well. Watching the pride and joy on their faces was one of the highlights of the day.

These are the moments I hope my children remember when they grow up—the simple pleasures of nature, friendship, and outdoor adventure.

An Unexpected Performance on the Water

While we enjoyed lunch and fishing from the deck, something completely unexpected happened.

From the middle of the lake, I heard a voice.

A man paddleboarding across the water was singing what sounded like opera. His voice was deep, powerful, and surprisingly beautiful. The sound carried effortlessly across the lake, creating a moment that felt almost magical.

When he eventually came ashore, I made a point of thanking him. I appreciated both his talent and his willingness to share it so openly with everyone around him.

It was one of those unexpected moments that made the day even more memorable.

The Hike Back Home

As the afternoon progressed, the wind began to pick up.

My daughter was the first to point out how cold it was becoming, and I couldn't argue with her.

We packed up our fishing gear, cleaned up our lunch area, and started the hike back.

Fortunately, the walk quickly warmed us up. The trail is relatively easy and family-friendly, making it a great choice for children who enjoy being outdoors.

Buntzen Lake remains one of our favorite destinations. During the summer months, it's often our first choice for swimming, fishing, and spending a day surrounded by nature.

If you're planning a visit during the busy summer season, remember that reservations are typically required from mid-May through early September. Be sure to reserve your spot before heading out.

Even on cooler days, Buntzen Lake never fails to remind us why we love exploring the outdoors together.