LOOK: Baguio’s Famous Burnham Lake Has Officially Reopened to Boaters
The iconic boats are back in business.
Published on Sep 7, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Miss the famous swan boats of Burnham Lake? Renting one might not be on every tourist’s to-do list, but those colorful vessels bobbing gently on the water are as quintessential to Baguio as ube jam and the Lion’s Head. For many of us, those swan-shaped boats drifting lazily across the man-made lake have a place in our favorite summer memories.
Now, after nearly a year of renovations, the century-old lake is finally alive again. Burnham Lake officially reopened to boaters on Tuesday, September 1—just in time for Baguio’s 117th Charter Anniversary. Check out what’s new and what has stayed the same at the famous lake.
What to expect at the newly reopened Burnham Lake
In October 2025, the four-hectare man-made lake shut down to make way for a long-overdue rehabilitation. Ten months may seem long, but there are a few features to add to the Burnham Lake experience now in Baguio. A newly installed wooden boardwalk sits by the lake, while the upgraded viewing deck offers a cleaner, more camera-friendly vantage point for photos and relaxation.
The city is also stepping in to make sure that tourists aren’t shelling out unfair prices for a ride. According to a report by the Baguio City Public Information Office, there is a strict status quo on boat rental fees. The only authorized rate is P250 per boat for a 30-minute boat ride, regardless of the vessel's size or capacity.
During a recent meeting, City Environment and Parks Management Office head Rhenan Diwas emphasized that proposed rental fee adjustments are still pending approval from the city council. Furthermore, owners must comply with strict boat-upgrading requirements. Boats that have not yet been upgraded will not be permitted for public use.
Known as the “heart of the city,” Burnham Lake sits within the 33-hectare Burnham Park, which was designed way back in 1903 by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham.
For more information, visit the Baguio City Public Information Office's Facebook page.
Also read:
LOOK: A New Rebel Bakehouse Inside Historic, Picture-Perfect Baguio Landmark
Baguio City Gem Mile-Hi Center Is Back After a 6-Year Closure
Celia Nachura writes to pay for plane tickets, tennis classes, and a pile of books she’ll never have the time to read. She is also the emotional support human to two dogs, Daisy and Nacho.