October 13, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Port Moody, Hiking
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Our good friend and colleague Mark suggested the Diez Vistas when asked for a recommendation on an intermediate hike in the area that would result in good exercise and a spectacular view. The Diez Vistas trail delivered on both and then some!
Leaving our car in the Buntzen Lake parking lot (free!), we headed up the trail on a glorious October Saturday morning. We were ahead of most of the hikers and had the trail to ourselves. Having done the Grouse Grind I was a bit aprehensive that this was going to be another "put your head down, one foot in front until you get to the top" climbs but I was pleasantly surprised that while it was no walk in the park, there were sufficient breaks from the switchbacks to look up and enjoy the trip.
The hike to the first peak (of ten thus the name Diez Vistas) took us just over an hour. The trail is well marked and maintained. There is a sneak peak view about ten minutes before the actual viewpoint so we kept going as the majority of the climb has been completed and the summit at 570 metres has been reached. As with all spectacular sights, we didn't actually see the view until we came around a large boulder and then it hit us. Indian Arm, Deep Cove, the City of Vancouver and as far as Vancouver Island were all within our vision. It was really something special.
We understand there are nine more viewpoints that meander the top of the ridge ending at the far end of Buntzen Lake but we chose to retrace our steps due to time restraints (and because a fellow hiker said that we had just seen the best one). Perhaps we'll get back up there again another day and do them all!
June 01, 2009 | Field Reports >
Port Moody, Hiking
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I hiked the permetre of this lake on the Buntzen Lake trail and loved every minute!
Although this lake is man-made and maintained by BC Hydro, I couldn't tell for a second this beautiful site was crafted by anyone other than Mother Nature, herself.
The four-hour hike starts near South Beach where you're welcomed by a large parking lot and clean bathrooms. Going counter-clockwise around the lake, you travel along a very wide, easy well-beaten path. There are many opportunities to pop off the trail onto a dock you can enjoy all to yourself. In other places, you can right up to the water and even take a dip. The lake is certainly warm enough for it in the summer but keep your eyes open for the signs. BCHydro has signs indicating where it is unsafe to swim and warnings where there is a strong undercurrent.
Part of the hike goes out of the forest and onto a trail for about 10 minutes. Though you're more exposed to the hot sun here, it's also an opportunity to see the vegetation along the side of the mountain.
But before long, you've reached North Beach where there are more washrooms, picnic tables and benches. This was a great picnic spot before heading along the suspension brige and back to South Beach.
The last half of the hike has more up and down and is slightly more demanding. The paths are still very hiker friendly and well taken care of. The private nooks to take a dip are still ample along this side.
Finally, the trail takes you across a floating bridge and back to where you started. Each stage of this hike offers a slightly different terrain - from rainforest to rock face to bog.
It was a great four-hours spent on a beautiful day!