Are you looking for a place to kick off your shoes, grab a paddle, and hit the water this summer?

Whether you’re stand-up paddleboarding (SUP’ing) at sunrise, or canoeing and kayaking with friends, there is no shortage of awesome lakes to choose from in the Tri-Cities area.

The best part? You don’t need a car to get to them. Transit can take you there and rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available on location.

Checklist before you go:

• Pay your transit fare with a Compass Card or your contactless Interac debit or credit card. Our card readers accept Interact Debit, Amex, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
• Download the Transit app for trip planning
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Snacks and drinks
• Change of clothes
• Dry bags (available for rent)

💡 Life jacket or a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) with an attached sound signalling device (e.g. whistle) is mandatory and must meet Transport Canada standards.

📍 Buntzen Lake

Surrounded by lush forests and beautiful crystal-clear waters, Buntzen Lake is a favourite for paddleboarding, canoeing, or just unwinding by the shore. The calm water and scenic views make it perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

🚌 Transit

The 179 Buntzen Lake route is a seasonal summer service. It runs on the weekends and holidays, dropping riders off at Buntzen Lake’s main parking lot.

The 182 Belcarra route operates  runs from Millennium Line’s Moody Centre Station and drops you off at the Anmore Grocery Store, where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard!

Buntzen Lake is about 2-kilometre walk (about 30 minutes) from the store, so you get a nice warmup before your paddle adventure.

Rental

• 🛶 Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards are available for rent (life jackets included)
• 📍 Buntzen Lake Rentals (also Anmore Grocery Store). 3275 Sunnyside Rd, Anmore, BC
  • Pay for your rental at the store, then pick up your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard near the lake. Staff are onsite to help you out.
• 📞 Call to reserve: 604.469.9928
• 🕛 Open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (non-summer schedule may differ)

📍Burrard Inlet (Rocky Point) at Port Moody

For paddlers who want both a city view, Burrard Inlet at Rocky Point is the perfect middle ground. You’ll often spot seals, eagles, herons and even sea otters if you’re lucky! Burrard Inlet is a nature lover’s dream in the Tri-Cities.

Before you go:

• 💡 Burrard Inlet is tidal, meaning the current and water levels change throughout the day. This can make for a more challenging paddle. Check in with rental staff for information on conditions before heading out.
• 💡 Dressing in quick-drying fabrics and proper footwear will help if you end up in the water, even if you’re not planning on it. The ocean might say otherwise!

🚌 Transit

Hop on the Millenium Line and get off at Moody Centre Station. Rocky Point Park is only a 10-minute walk away.

You can also take the 180 Moody Centre Station bus from Lougheed Town Centre Station which also drops you off at Moody Centre Station.

Or catch the 160 Kootenay Loop from Kootenay Loop or Coquitlam Central Station and get off at Moody Centre Station.

Rental

• 🛶 Kayaks and paddleboards available for rent (life jackets included). Lessons are also available.
• 📍 Rocky Point Kayak (2715 Esplanade Ave, Port Moody)
• ℹ️ Book online
• 🕛 Open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout July and August. More dates.

Enjoy your summer! And stay safe 🤗