What a dramatic way to enter lovely Vancouver!! As you cross the bridge heading toward the city, the sweeping vistas of the North Shore mountains open up just as the cables of this suspension bridge fade past - it's breathtaking! Upon entering the bridge, you're greeted by two giant lions standing guard and then boom!! Here come the views as it carries you across the Burrard Inlet! You can also get a great glimpse of it from across the water at Stanley Park. The bridge opened in 1938 with a grand ceremony that even included King George VI and Queen Elizabeth! The Lionsgate film company took their name from this bridge - and it was featured in Final Destination 5 as well as Mario Kart Tour game lol! It's a wide bridge with numerous lanes of traffic - but you can also walk or bike on the paths to each side. Definitely a lovely site to see when visiting Vancouver and I highly recommend entering the city via this route - especially if it's your first visit! read more

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Opened in 1938, this suspension bridge carries Highway 1A and Highway 99 across the Burrard Inlet and joins Vancouver with North Vancouver. When it opened, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were there. Easy to cross with a clearance of 200 feet above the Inlet, it has a total length of 5981 feet. On the bridge, not much opportunity to sightsee while driving but check it out from below in Stanley Park. It's an impressive structure and that's why it is a National Historic Site. There is no toll to cross the bridge. [Review 20870 overall - 47 in British Columbia - 1854 of 2023.] read more

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This bridge is very cool to ride over. It has 3 lanes, including walk way for pedestrians and a pathway for cycling. It connects Vancouver to the Northern Districts of North Vancouver. The official name, First Narrows Bridge, of the Burrand Inlet, the mouth of the Harbor. The Un-Official name, Lions Gate, comes from the Northshore's pointed mountain peaks on the Vancouver British Columbia side. The namesake movie studio production company was named after the twin sister mountain peaks. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - First Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I love a good bridge, I guess if you read enough of my reviews, you will soon figure that out. The Lions Gate Bridge is pretty much Vancouver's answer to San Francisco's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge. They look similar, they both have pedestrian walkways (if you thought I passed on walking this beauty, think again), and they both have been used excessively in films. The best part is that there is no toll if you plan on driving over this bridge! That really is not the best part. The best part is the bridge as whole. It is beautiful. It really is, looking at it from both sides, and walking across it is even cooler. It will give you a great workout, and something productive to do on most days. How does it get its name? Well, it is not because of the two lions at the entrance of the downtown Vancouver side, it is because of the Lions Gate mountains, which are said to look like the ears of lions when you look at them. Pretty neat! There is more I could say about this bridge, but I will leave it up to you to visit and find out more about it on your own, this bridge at least deserves some modesty! read more

While in Vancouver, don't forget to stop by the Lions Gate Bridge...not just drive through...no tolls. A bit of good education as well. Built in 1938 to connect to West Vancouver. Restored in 1998. There are lion sculptures at each side of the bridge... there is a pedestrian/bike pathway as well. Didn't have time to a walk over to and fro...maybe next time there. View from a top and watch the flow of traffic...and view of the mountains thought it was pretty cool. Head over to Lowden's Lookout to get a better view from a far... read more

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Cool bridge that connect the city of Vancouver to North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Why is it called Lions Gate Bridge? There are a pair of concrete Lion sculptures on either side of the south approach to the bridge. It also refers to "The Lions" which are a pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver. Traffic can be a headache especially during the peak hours. They have a special traffic lane control. X for Red means you cannot be in a certain lane. Green Arrow means it is fine. Anyways, I try to avoid those peak hours. The Lions Gate Bridge is a pretty sight. When I am cruising, it is an awesome sight to go under this pretty green suspension bridge. read more

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It is a must visit bridge / landmark. You are able to walk from one side to another. It is basically Vancouver's answer to George Washington Bridge in New York Metro area. It is a must visit spot to see the river and get nice wind. read more

We only did a drive through on this bridge with our tour group. The color of the bridge itself is stunning and really stands out. There wasn't any traffic on the bridge. There is pedestrian walk way for walkers and bikers. It would have been nice to walk across the bridge but driving over it was still nice. I really love that beautiful blue shade. It's not a typical color you see. read more

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Often referred to as the most beautiful bridge north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge I really can't argue the point. This is a beautiful bridge in its own right but the Lion's Gate Bridge gets a lot of criticism for having only three lanes of traffic, well considering it was 1938 and the automobile age was just getting going, traffic jams were futuristic and not something many engineers factored in, it was financed by the Guinness brewing company so it is what it is, for all we know the design could have been finalized in a bar after a day of drinking and considering this it could have ended up with only one lane so consider it's uniqueness as something special. If you have to commute across it daily we're just hoping two of the three lanes go in your favor. For those of you who feel anxiety while crossing this massive structure relax, the seismic upgrades completed in 2008 ensures this bridge can flex and roll in the event of an earthquake I don't think they attach an earthquake rating to these upgrades this is usually determined after a significant event. If you happened to be stuck in traffic on this structure during a quake don't panic most earthquakes last only a few seconds and part of the upgrades have a time and intensity matrix scale factored in. After the 7.0 earthquake in 1946 one writer, George Finley, stated that the Lions' Gate Bridge "swayed like a leaf", coinciding with a "low, rumbling sound, like a deep growl. I'm sure these issues were addressed in the upgrade. No matter the the controversy, the issues, the concerns and aggravation this is a magnificent structure that exceeded all expectations from the moment of its inception and its existence can be traced back to one man and that's Fred Taylor, next to nothing has been written about Taylor and his accomplishments, and I suspect that's the way he would have liked it. He was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy whose satisfaction lay in getting the job done, rather than in being praised for it. Nor was he one to complain. In his speech at the official opening of the bridge on May 26, 1939, he, too, left out a few details when he told the crowds: "In a lifetime of contracting experience, I have never known a major enterprise like the Lions Gate Bridge that was so free from natural and human problems during construction." He never spoke publicly of the great many difficulties he had, in fact, surmounted... read more

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There are bridges and then there's the Lions Gate Bridge. I have to admit that I dont know exactly makes this a wow for me but the first time I went on it, it was a moment of pause to take in what I was seeing. Imagine a dark and dense emerald forest that is so tall that it blocks out sun. It's winding path to get out is slow because of distance but then a rounding of a corner and then you see the stream of golden light. As you finally make your way to the light, you realize you're going upwards into the sky and the trees give way to this teal arch that seemingly goes into the clouds. The tree line frames the backdrop of snow capped mountains, the large coastline and bay, and this sharp dramatic dark line that cuts though it all... the Lion Gate Bridge. So that's what went through my head as I first drove on it... somehow I didnt careen off the edge. Small miracles. Anyhow, whether you drive it, bike it, or walk it, I definitely recommending coming from the south side (West End Vancouver) and go towards North Van. You'll get that view that is incredible. Positive note... there is a dedicated and SAFE bike and walking path. You dont have to fear for your life with the cars. For those who love photography.... the Vancouver seawall is incredible from the above view. Be on the west side of the bridge and you can capture the incredible curve of the coastal edge and a sunset! read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Lions Gate is a clean green beautiful bridge. I planned my route to drive thru Stanley Park and go through Lions on my way to Capilano Bridge. Early morning the drive was easy and smooth. No traffic. Just get to cruise and stare and soak in its construction and view. There is a walking path if you do not want to drive thru. There is no toll to drive thru it. read more

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Reminds me of the Golden Gate Bridge just blue it looks just the same a tad smaller I think but a great stop under the bridge in Stanley Park for photo ops of the lion statues that guard the entrance to the gate, also when you cross out of the park on the Stanley park exit there is a great view with smaller lions. This spot is also on the hop on off bus tour. read more

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Visiting Vancouver and had to see the Lions Gate Bridge. And if you going to see it might as well drive over it. However choose the wrong time. Came during peek traffic hours and it took longer than expected. Beautiful views on both sides of the bridge. No regrets, it was worth it.. read more

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Lions Gate Bridge is a beautiful site from afar and close up. We encounter the bridge on several occasions while visiting. We took a boat cruise in the harbor and saw the awesome site from afar and later we traveled over to North Vancouver. The traffic was pretty steady and not many walkers or bike riders. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Lions Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Lions Gate Bridge is a place to experience, not just a passageway from one landmass to another. The Lions Gate has wonderful bike-ways it great fun to stop on the top of the Bridge and enjoy the wonderful landscapes Returning from Whistler one night I saw a very Amateur Stuntman jump off he Bridge with a Bungee Cord attached to his back. He missed his target a Cruise Ship. His friends with a camcorder filming the stunt wondering what his next move would be. His next move was to have his Bungee cord cut and to be arrested by a police on a boat. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Undeveloped Wet Land in Front of LionsGate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This reminds me of the Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, WA except it's not tolled and the lanes seem smaller. It is nice that it leads you right in to Stanley Park and looks cool when it's lit up at night. Architecturally it's a modern marvel. This bridge is really huge and supremely high above the water. I didn't experience any traffic whilst crossing it the few times I had to while in Vancouver but it was slightly irritating when people weave in and out and speed past you and merge in without signaling. Maybe I've become accustomed to the slower pace... the much slower pace of Washington drivers, but being from the east coast I can always put my east coast driving face on and weave like the rest of them. Otherwise it had great views of the surrounding area. I kind of wanted to walk across it to see how windy it is, but chances are I'd get too scared. read more

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Definitely one of the landmarks of the city. Built during the Great Depression, fell apart over the years, decks redone and repainted in 2000. Whenever it's a clear sky, there are tons of great photo opportunities. Dare I say it, this bridge looks better than the Golden Gate. Though it's obviously not as long. The reason why I can't give it 5 stars is that the traffic totally sucks on this thing during rush hour. Why they spent so much money to not even add any capacity totally blows my mind. At least the interchange on the North Vancouver side isn't as congested anymore. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Road at night~ - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The Lions Gate Bridge is a beautiful work of architecture with stunning views in every direction of Vancouver. Park somewhere over in Stanley Park and walk onto the bridge for a really great photo op. You can also ride your bike across. Sometimes the traffic is nutty and you'll be parked in your car on the bridge longer than it would be to walk across. read more

The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects Vancouver (at Stanley Park) to the various North Shore municipalities. The term "Lions Gate" reflects the Lions, a pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver. The Lions Gate Bridge first came to my attention back in 2001, when UBC student engineers hung a Beetle painted with a red maple leaf from the Golden Gate Bridge. That stunt caused a huge commuter tie-up and halted ship traffic under the span for hours. The authorities wer angry and threatened prosecution. But you couldn't help but be impressed with not only the planning and the engineering, but that fact that they worked quickly (at 3:40 AM), and were safety back across the 49th before they could be apprehended. In the past, UBC engineering students have also successfully hung Beetles from the Lions Gate Bridge, placed one atop the Lost Lagoon Fountain, and on the PNE's roller-coaster. And in certain years, they have also been caught. So when I was previously in Vancouver, I made is a special point to walk under the Lion's Gate Bridge at Stanley Park and drive across it, as my small way of honouring my engineering heroes. read more

Growing up in Vancouver, I have had some incredible memories with the Lions Gate Bridge: -Standing under the bridge on school field trips and learning about the bridge history -Whipping over it on the way to countless trips to Whistler or heading to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry -Being coerced into following a group of VW's heading into Stanley Park for a car show (oh, how cute boys can have a way of changing a gal's plans!) -Waiting in traffic and passing the time catching up via phone with dear friends -Getting pulled over by a West Van PD at the start of the bridge deck...turns out they were wrong, I wasn't drinking, but my tail light was out -And my all time fave: screaming at the top of my lungs with the windows rolled down, wind blowing, sun setting, cruise ship sailing on underneath the bridge... right after signing the paperwork when I bought my West End apartment a few years ago! On a sunny day I can't help but open all the windows in my car, crank a summertime tune and breathe in the air, soak in the view and smile like a kid who has just sunk his face into a big ol piece of chocolate cake. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver, BC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/spine) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I'm from San Francisco and this bridge kind of reminded me of the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course, the GGB definitely trumps Lions Gate Bridge, haha. When we rented bikes and circumvented Stanley Park, my boyfriend and I were able to go under this bridge and take a couple of pictures. It was very quiet and peaceful which made our visit awesome! However, we encountered traffic going through the bridge and it was probably the worst traffic I've been on in Canada. What they do here to change lanes is that they have overhead signal lights. You can drive on the lane if it's green (obviously) but watch out for oncoming traffic if its' red! FUN FACT: Did you know this was the bridge that collapsed in Final Destination 5?! read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I had wanted to go to Park Royal so we decided to go there around 11am. I knew I was going into Van after rush hour (from Richmond) and that we'd be going into Van after noon so traffic wouldn't be a concern. Traffic in Vancouver is already messed up to begin with. If you can do anything such as go where ever you have to go during non peak hours is probably the best idea to avoid the hordes of cars trying to negotiate the streets of this city that is severely lacking surface road options. With bridges and other bottlenecks I am bewildered as to why the highway and road infrastructure has not been planned better for this dense city. To get back on topic, this bridge is beautiful and yes you have to drive through a park to get to it. A 3 lane, single layer bridge with a middle lane that can be switched for direction will help traffic depending on the flow requirement. I can see how it is outdated as far as why it is so busy because of growth but it doesn't take away from what the bridge is and the beauty of the area. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - going to West Van - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This was a beautiful bridge with stunning architecture. Traffic was congested on it, though. read more

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Connector point between North Van and Vancouver Downtown. The bridge has a nice view on both sides (water and mountain view). It is a three lane bridge and depending on time of day the middle lane switches traffic direction. This bridge can be hectic at times and is always backed up in the morning when everyone is rushing to work trying to get downtown and or returning to North Van after work hours. around 5pm. read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

An absolutely stunning bridge with beautiful views of the ocean, city and mountains. It's a classic and legendary bridge that is very special to me. One of my biggest fears is bridges, so my goal has always been to walk across a large bridge. I decided that the Lions Gate Bridge would be the one I would walk across and I did so twice! What a great idea that was. I was scared. I wanted to turn around several times, but the beautiful scenery helped me get through it. It's also beautiful to drive across, especially at night. A serious bonus is that the gorgeous Stanley Park is on one side of the bridge. read more

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Three lanes on a bridge isn't adequate. The traffic is hell trying to get into Vancouver. It didn't help that there was a jumper that closed off a whole lane. I don't live in Vancouver but if I did and I had to cross this bridge regularly it would drive me insane. Two stars for being a pretty bridge. read more

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A beautiful bridge, both architecturally and historically relevant, the Lions Gate Bridge brings to mind The Golden Gate Bridge-- however, it isn't orange. Viewed from Stanley Park, the mountain rises beyond North Vancouver provide a calming backdrop for this manmade wonder. At only three lanes, it doesn't appear as though the Bridge has the capacity to handle traffic in the 21st Century, so I'm happy that I wasn't attempting to cross it. read more

Nice bridge to drive on. Has 2 giant stone lion's on the bridge as you enter it. The history is more impressive knowing the Guinness brewing family from Ireland paid for the construction of the bridge. Very nice of them. read more

A beautiful and major bridge that helps me get from point A to point B - A being Vancouver and B mainly being Cypress, Whistler or Grouse. This bridge is known for being a pain during rush hour but just sit back and enjoy the scenery.. nothing else you can do, right? In the end, my favourite part in driving or biking through this bridge is the surprise of what the two giant stone lions (located at the Vancouver to north Vancouver entrance of the bridge) are wearing. They have proudly donned a Canucks jersey, daffodil for cancer research, white sashes for the Whitecaps team, red mittens for Olympics, reflective jackets for road safety, held the Stanley Cup, and more. It's always fun to see what they'll be dressed in next! read more

A landscape picture of the Lion's Gate Bridge with Stanley Park, the ocean, and West Vancouver screams VANCOUVER! If you're ever visiting Vancouver for the first time, the Lions Gate Bridge is a must visit. Go to Stanley Park and get your picture taken with the Lions Gate Bridge in the background. It just shows that you've visited Vancouver and everyone will know it right away. read more

This bridge is one of the beautiful landmarks in the city and it's an awesome drive to downtown or the North Shore. This bridge is picturesque in the day and at night. Did you know the lions do get dressed up from time to time? It's a cute surprise! Sometimes I feel like I am taking risk when I take the Lions Gate to work. Sometimes it's clear and sometimes there is an accident. When there is an accident, you can be stuck there for AGES. Some tips for traveling on this bridge: - Avoid this bridge on the weekend, the traffic is heavier during the weekend than the weekdays. If you need to get to the other side, take Second Narrows. - This bridge is clear after 10pm everyday. You get a leisurely and scenic drive both ways. read more

Gorgeous bridge! You need to cross it to make your way to North Vancouver. Not many traffic jams, and beautiful views on both sides! read more

Lions Gate Bridge - Close up! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Based on the functionality alone, I'm gonna be a bit tougher; how this can be a 3-lane in today's traffic is beyond comprehension. Alternating the lanes depending on traffic patterns, it's about driving on the 'outside' lane, who wants to drive in the middle as you never knows... No doubt the view is nice in either direction when admiring the Burrard Inlet, but especially heading north, where the mountains come into play; not sure if one can actually see the peaks of the Lion mountains, hence the name. Esp. with the newer renos recently, the capilano road exits are much wider & smoother in terms of merging traffic heading eastwards from Marine Drive. Interesting that there used to be a 25 cent toll back in the 30s. read more

Very cool bridge to watch, highly recommend checking it out from the walk/drive around stanley park.

What is with those people who think being a lane cheater is cool and goes un-noticed. Yeah you know who you are and many of you seem to drive by the Lions Gate Bridge. Stop this madness! Stay in your lane and wait your turn. Do you really want the other driver behind you to be thinking of a million swear words as you cheat & cut in front, while being too embarrassed to make eye contact? If you are this ashamed, why do it? The bridge has an amazing view- if only the above mentioned drivers would let you enjoy it! read more

This bridge has the nicest views of all the bridges in Vancouver. The Lions Gate Bridge, opened in 1938, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the North Shore municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. The term "Lions Gate" refers to The Lions, a pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver. Northbound traffic on the bridge heads in their general direction. A pair of cast concrete lions, designed by sculptor Charles Marega, were placed on either side of the south approach to the bridge in January, 1939. The total length of the bridge including the north viaduct is 1,823 metres (5,890 feet). The length including approach spans is 1,517.3 m (4,978 ft), the main span alone is 473 m (1,550 ft), the tower height is 111 m (364 ft), and it has a ship's clearance of 61 m (200 ft). Prospect Point in Stanley Park offered a good high south end to the bridge, but the low flat delta land to the north required construction of the extensive North Viaduct. The bridge has three reversible lanes, the use of which is indicated by signals. The centre lane changes direction to accommodate for traffic patterns. The traffic volume on the bridge is 60,000 - 70,000 vehicles per day. Trucks exceeding 13 tonnes (14.3 tons) are prohibited, as are vehicles using studded tires. The bridge forms part of Highways 99 and 1A. On March 24, 2005, the Lions Gate Bridge was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. In 1986 the Guinness family, as a gift to Vancouver, purchased decorative lights that make it a distinctive nighttime landmark. In July 2009, the bridge's lighting system was updated with new LED lights to replace this existing system of 100-watt mercury vapour bulbs. The switch to LEDs is expected to reduce power consumption on the bridge by 90 per cent and save the Province about $30,000 a year in energy and maintenance costs. The approximate cost to of this project was $150,000, paid for by the ministry and B.C. Hydro. "The average replacement time of one of the traditional light bulbs was about 72 hours," said the ministry's Jeff Knight. With the new LED bulbs, which are designed to last 12 years, it could be a decade before any work crew is called out to do a replacement. read more

A Haiku Review The Lions Gate Bridge Traffic doesn't roar across Slow, but pretty views! read more

Great bridge with awesome views and pedestrian paths on both sides. Keep to the edge and watch for speeding bicycles!

really pretty bridge, i usually only drive over it when i'm going to and from whistler. going to whistler over this bridge is amazing - it makes me so stoked to be on the mountain, especially on a nice day, because the view you get of the city/mountains/water on this bridge is phenomenal. driving back over this bridge is another story however. if you hit delays/rush hour... you could be spending a lot of time on this bridge in the dark... and you can't even enjoy the scenic views because it's dark. the highway back though usually has a sign that says how long the delays are going to be (if there are any) so it's totally up to you whether you want to wait in traffic or try your luck at the other bridge. read more

When the hell are they going to build a bridge that is built for a city of 2 million people. This bridge is always congested and it is the sole reason why I do not live in north van or west van. It may have been a great bridge in the 1930s but now in the 21st century it simply does not work anymore. read more