Coquitlam Lake, lake in British Columbia, Canada
Coquitlam Lake is a large water reservoir nestled among old-growth forests of Western red cedars and Douglas-firs in British Columbia. The lake is managed as part of a water supply system through a dam and a historic intake tower built in 1913 that once drew water for city consumption.
The lake was developed in the early 20th century with the construction of a dam to stabilize water levels and support early power generation. A tunnel built over 100 years ago connects it to Buntzen Lake and carries water to power stations that supply electricity to Vancouver.
Coquitlam Lake sits on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, and its name comes from the word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, meaning Red Fish Up the River. Visitors today experience the reflective mood created by old forests and the water, a setting that invites quiet observation and connection to the land.
The lake is typically accessed through guided watershed tours offered seasonally by the local municipality. Visitors should check local conditions before visiting, especially during winter weather, and come prepared with appropriate hiking gear.
Coquitlam Glacier, the only glacier in the area, sits within the lake's watershed but is shrinking over time. Experts predict it will melt entirely by around 2050, making it a disappearing natural feature worth observing while it remains.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
