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Lions Gate Bridge

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Landmark
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Lions Gate Bridge (Canada)

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The Lions Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is an iconic suspension bridge crossing the Burrard Inlet in British Columbia. Completed in 1938, it connects the City of Vancouver to the North Shore municipalities of North Vancouver and West Vancouver. With a total length of 1,823 meters, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the British Empire at the time of its opening. Its name is derived from 'The Lions', two prominent peaks in the North Shore Mountains that are clearly visible from the bridge. The project was originally funded by the Guinness family to provide access to their real estate developments in West Vancouver. The bridge features three lanes, with the middle lane being reversible to accommodate peak traffic flow in either direction. As a National Historic Site of Canada, it is a beloved landmark offering panoramic views of Stanley Park and the Vancouver skyline.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm32316525314596845061122233348295

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Yes, visitors can walk or cycle across the bridge on the sidewalk. Vehicular traffic is permitted, but pedestrians can enjoy panoramic views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. The bridge is a major transport link and features a unique vantage point over Vancouver Harbour.
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Typical hours
The bridge is typically open to vehicles 24 hours a day. Pedestrian access is generally unrestricted, though maintenance work occasionally causes lane closures. There are no set opening hours for the structure itself; it is a public roadway.
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Photography
Photography is allowed from the pedestrian walkway and from viewpoints at both ends. For the best shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full span and the mountain backdrop. Tripods are generally fine, but be mindful of traffic and other pedestrians.
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Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes to walk across the bridge one way. If you stop for photos, plan for 45 minutes to an hour for a round trip. Cycling takes roughly 10 minutes each way. The bridge is 1.5 km long, so take your time at a leisurely pace.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride around Stanley Park, which is adjacent to the bridge's south end. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain are also nearby attractions. You can also visit the Vancouver Aquarium or the Totem Poles in Stanley Park.
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Getting there
The bridge is easily accessible by car via Highway 1 or by public transit (bus routes serving the North Shore). Parking is limited at the south end near Stanley Park; consider using park-and-ride facilities. Cyclists and pedestrians can approach from the seawall or the Lions Gate Bridge pathway.
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Insider tip
For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning before rush hour traffic builds up. The sunset view from the middle of the bridge is spectacular, but be prepared for strong winds. Bring a windbreaker and a camera with a strap.

Geography

Coordinates
49.31390, -123.14440

Facts

  • Officially opened to traffic on November 14, 1938.
  • Total length of the bridge is 1,823 meters.
  • The main suspension span is 472 meters long.
  • Originally funded by the Guinness family for $5.8 million.
  • Handles approximately 60,000 vehicles per day.
  • Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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VancouverVancouver3 km · NEExplore →
Vancouver Grain TerminalsVancouver Grain Terminals5 km · NExplore →
Science World (Vancouver)Science World (Vancouver)6 km · NEExplore →
Fraser RiverFraser River8 km · SEExplore →
North Vancouver (City)North Vancouver (City)8 km · NExplore →
RichmondRichmond9 km · EExplore →
Gulf of Georgia CanneryGulf of Georgia Cannery12 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lions Gate Bridge (20)

Grouse Mountain Skyride Base📍 landmark

Base station of the Skyride gondola ascending Grouse Mountain.

🕒 Su-Sa 08:45-22:00; Dec 24 08:30-18:00; Dec 25 08:30-20:00♿

Hollow Tree📍 landmark

The Hollow Tree is a historic giant hollow tree once located in Stanley Park.

Cleveland Dam📍 landmark

Cleveland Dam is a concrete dam that forms Capilano Lake, a major water source for Vancouver.

Grouse Mountain🌿 nature

Grouse Mountain is a popular mountain peak known for skiing, hiking, and the skyride.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park🌿 nature

Suspension bridge over the Capilano River in old-growth rainforest.

🕒 Jan 09-Mar 10 09:00-17:00; Mar 11-Apr 21 09:00-18:00; Apr 22💶

Lighthouse Park🌳 park

Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver features Point Atkinson Lighthouse and old-growth forest.

Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts🎭 culture

Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts is an arts centre hosting a variety of shows and events.

♿

Grouse Mountain Regional Park🌿 nature

Grouse Mountain Regional Park is a regional park with hiking trails and wildlife, near Vancouver.

Cleveland Park🌳 park

A park in the Gate Bridge neighborhood with a playground and picnic tables.

Capilano River Regional Park🌳 park

A regional park along the Capilano River in Gate Bridge.

Third Beach🎡 recreation

A sandy beach in the Gate Bridge area with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Spanish Banks Beach🎡 recreation

A beach in Gate Bridge known for its wide sandy shore.

Ferry Building Gallery🏛 museum

Ferry Building Gallery in the historic Ferry Building in Gate Bridge showcases local artists.

🕒 Mo off

BLAH🏛 museum

BLAH is a contemporary art space with rotating exhibitions in Gate Bridge.

🕒 Tu-Su 13:00-18:00

West Vancouver Art Museum🏛 museum

The West Vancouver Art Museum is a gallery in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area.

🕒 We-Sa 12:00-16:00; Su-Tu off; PH off

The Fairy Bridge🏺 historical

The Fairy Bridge is a monument in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area, known for its photogenic setting.

Abandoned Truck🏺 historical

The Abandoned Truck is a ruin in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area.

Cable Railway Loading Site🏺 historical

The Cable Railway Loading Site is a ruin in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area, from a former cable railway.

Ampitheater🎭 culture

The Ampitheater is a theatre in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area, an outdoor venue for performances.

Silk Purse🎭 culture

The Silk Purse is an arts centre in the Lions Gate Bridge landmarks area, hosting cultural events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What places does the Lions Gate Bridge connect?
It connects downtown Vancouver to the North Shore communities.
Is there a toll on the bridge?
No, crossing the bridge has been toll-free since 1963.
Why is it named 'Lions Gate'?
The name refers to 'The Lions', two prominent mountain peaks to the north.
Can you walk across the bridge?
Yes, there are sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists on both sides.
Where is the best view of the bridge?
Prospect Point in Stanley Park gives an excellent view of the bridge.
Lions Gate Bridge: where is it located?
Lions Gate Bridge is located in Canada.
Lions Gate Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grouse Mountain Skyride Base, Hollow Tree, Cleveland Dam.
Lions Gate Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lions Gate Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Lions Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is an iconic suspension bridge crossing the Burrard Inlet in British Columbia.
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