If Burnham Lake is on your Baguio itinerary, here's what you need to know before you plan: the lake is still closed, the rehabilitation is well underway, but there is no firm reopening date yet — and despite earlier hopes, it likely won't be this year.
Where things stand now
According to a June 27, 2026 report in the Manila Times, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the Burnham Lake rehabilitation is "approximately 80-percent complete." That's real progress, but the mayor was careful about the finish line: he expressed optimism that the entire rehabilitation project would be completed "by next year" — that is, in 2027 — and gave no specific reopening date. He also plans another inspection to keep the work on track.
It's worth being straight about the timeline, because it has shifted. When the lake first closed on October 1, 2025 — the first total closure since it was built in 1904 — Phase 1 was expected within about 180 days, or by April 2026. By late February 2026, TIEZA and the city were targeting a May 2026 completion for the lake component. Neither target held. The most current sourced status is the June figure: roughly 80% done, with the full project now eyed for 2027.
What's actually being rebuilt
The rehabilitation is a P400-million, phased program funded by TIEZA in coordination with the Baguio city government.
Phase 1 (the lake) includes:
- New retaining walls
- Four 12-meter boat decks serving nine concessionaires
- A new dock, view deck, and lakeside benches
- A new fountain, with work aimed at restoring the lake's ecological balance and water quality
There's a change coming for the boats, too. The Manila Times reports that once the lake reopens, all boats must be brand-new and properly maintained, with operational standards set by the city government. During the shutdown, the boat concessionaires and their 119 workers received cash assistance.
Phase 2 covers the rose garden, children's park, and skating rink, plus the surrounding areas. Bidding for Phase 2 may begin soon — potentially even before the lake work is fully finished — once the 80% milestone on Phase 1 is reached.
What this means for your visit
Here's the practical takeaway:
- Burnham Lake and boating are closed. There's no partial opening and no confirmed reopening date. The city has advised the public to avoid the active rehabilitation area for safety. Don't plan a swan-boat afternoon on this trip.
- The rest of Burnham Park is still Baguio's green heart. The rehabilitation is focused on the lake and specific amenities — the park's wider paths, lawns, and gardens remain the easy, walkable centerpiece of a weekend visit.