Anmore city guide

Anmore at a glance

Anmore is a small, forested village tucked into the hills north of Port Moody, between Coquitlam’s Eagle Mountain and the shores of Indian Arm. Its roads wind through tall second-growth forest past homes set well back on large, wooded lots, and there are no shopping strips or traffic lights to speak of. Residents chose this semi-rural character deliberately, and it remains the village’s defining feature.

About 2,350 people lived in Anmore at the 2021 Census. Most visitors know it as the gateway to Buntzen Lake, one of the most popular freshwater swimming and hiking spots in Metro Vancouver. For residents, it suits families and nature lovers who want space, quiet and trails at the door, while still being a short drive from SkyTrain and Tri-Cities services.

A short history

Anmore lies within lands long used and cared for by Coast Salish peoples. The village acknowledges the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Kwikwetlem Nations, whose communities are in the region now known as Metro Vancouver.

The area’s settler history began with homesteads. By 1915 a Farmers’ Institute and a Ladies’ Guild had been formed, and from 1917 to 1934 the pioneering newspaper publisher Margaret “Ma” Murray and her husband lived here before she went on to found well-known papers elsewhere in BC. The name Anmore is said to combine the names of the wife and daughter of an early landowner, F. J. Lancaster.

In the late 1970s, a regional plan proposed turning the area into a town of thousands. Residents pushed back and organized to protect its semi-rural feel, and the Village of Anmore was incorporated on 7 December 1987, with Dr. Hal Weinberg as its first mayor. His name lives on in the village’s main gathering place, Dr. Hal Weinberg Spirit Park.

Top things to do in Anmore

Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake is a long, mountain-ringed reservoir managed by BC Hydro as a recreation area. Water from the lake powers two hydroelectric stations on Indian Arm, but for visitors it is all about swimming, paddling and hiking. There are beaches at each end of the lake, a floating bridge and picnic areas near the south beach, and trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to the full loop around the lake and steep climbs to viewpoints over Indian Arm. Canoes and kayaks are a great way to explore the quieter north end.

Buntzen is extremely busy on warm weekends. Parking fills early and the gates close once the lots are full, so arrive early, visit on a weekday, or take the seasonal bus. Pack water, layers and snacks, as services at the lake are limited, and check BC Hydro’s Buntzen Lake updates before you go for closures or trail notices. If you bring a dog, follow the posted rules at each beach and trailhead.

Parks and nearby nature

• Dr. Hal Weinberg Spirit Park: the village green and home of community events, currently being improved and expanded.
• Village trails: a network of local trails links neighbourhoods and green spaces; the village publishes a Parks and Trails Guide.
• Sasamat Lake and təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park: just west of the village, with a warm-water swimming lake, beaches and forest trails.

Food and drink

Anmore is almost entirely residential, so plan to bring a picnic to Buntzen Lake or eat before you arrive. The nearest restaurants, cafés and grocery stores are a short drive south in Port Moody, around Heritage Mountain, Newport Village and Suter Brook, or in Coquitlam’s City Centre. A post-hike meal at one of Port Moody’s Brewers Row tasting rooms is a local favourite.

Where to stay

There are no hotels in Anmore and very little short-term accommodation. Most visitors make it a day trip and stay in Coquitlam’s City Centre, which has the closest hotels, or in Port Moody short-term rentals near Inlet Centre or Moody Centre stations.

Getting around

Anmore has no SkyTrain station. The closest are Inlet Centre and Moody Centre on the Millennium Line in Port Moody, a short drive down the hill. From downtown Vancouver, take the Expo Line to Lougheed Town Centre and transfer to the Millennium Line.

In summer, TransLink runs the 179 Buntzen Lake bus from Inlet Centre Station on weekends and holidays, which saves the stress of finding parking. Regular community shuttle service connects parts of the village with Port Moody; check TransLink’s trip planner for current routes and times.

By car, the main approach is via Ioco Road from Port Moody and then East Road and Sunnyside Road, which leads to the Buntzen Lake entrance. Roads are narrow and winding, with few sidewalks, so drive and cycle with care and watch for pedestrians and wildlife.

Seasons and events

Anmore’s elevation and forest cover make it a little cooler and wetter than the lowlands, and it can see snow when Port Moody gets rain. Summer is peak season at Buntzen Lake; spring and fall are quieter and lovely for hiking.

• Ma Murray Day (September): the village’s signature community celebration in honour of its famous early resident, with live entertainment, market vendors, family activities and food at Spirit Park. In 2026 it was held on 13 September.

Living in Anmore

Housing in Anmore is almost entirely detached homes on generous lots, many surrounded by forest. Homes tend to be large and priced accordingly, and there are few apartments or rentals. Proposals for denser development have been debated in recent years, so it is worth checking the village’s latest community plans if you are thinking of buying.

Anmore Elementary School serves local children, and older students attend middle and secondary schools in School District 43 (Coquitlam). The village hall and council chambers are in the Anmore Community Hub, a newer gathering space. Fire protection is provided by the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department, which also serves Belcarra.

Anmore suits people who prioritise privacy, nature and space over walkability. Practical notes: almost every errand requires a car; bears and other wildlife live here, so wildlife-safe garbage habits are essential; and summer traffic to Buntzen Lake can clog local roads. In return, residents get quiet streets, forest views and one of the region’s favourite lakes on their doorstep.