Sendero Diez Vistas hike

The path for the Sendero Diez Vistas hike can be a little tricky to locate. Start at Buntzen Lake South Beach and head west until you pass the small boat dock. From there, the trail heads directly onto the Energy Trail, which you’ll continue on for just over 0.6mi until you reach a junction and signpost.

Follow the path for Westside Trail, this should take you over the scenic floating bridge, where you’ll then find a service road, cross it and follow the trail leading uphill. In approximately 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at a power line clearing, where the road forks in two direction. You’ll continue straight to stay on the Diez Vistas trail.

Prepare for the steepest part of the hike, as you make your way up Buntzen Ridge, which is a steady uphill climb for about an hour. There will also be some switchbacks to make things more interesting. Climb until you reach the first viewpoint, which isn’t one of the ‘official’ ten vistas, but is a beautiful vantage point, nonetheless.

Continue for about 10 minutes until you reach a fork, press straight onwards until you reach the first official Diez Vistas viewpoint overlooking the Indian Arm.

Follow the ridge for easy access to the rest of the viewpoints, you’ve already conquered the hard part! Each viewpoint is marked, offering unique vantage points to the surrounding area. The third viewpoint is considered the most spectacular, showcasing North Vancouver and Deep Cove, the Indian Arm, Burrard Inlet, Burnaby, Vancouver, Vancouver Island and even Sasamat Lake on the far left.

Take a rest here before following down into a saddle on the Diez Vistas Trail, then continue up the north side of the ridge. Things get tricky once more as you head down the steep switchback all the way towards Buntzen Lake. Take your time and carefully make your way downhill, resting when necessary.

Come to the end of the trail at a BC Hydro service road. Take a right on the road to a pump house and then follow the signs for Buntzen Lake Trail. From here, you have two choices. Go left, and you’ll find a trail leading around McCombe Lake. Go right, for a fun walk over a wooden suspension bridge and take in beautiful scenery. Both trails meet up again at North Beach.

From here, follow the Buntzen Lake Trail as it snakes it way along the east side of Buntzen Lake for about 50 minutes before you reach your final destination, the South Beach.