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Lions Gate Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Lions Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia. Opened in 1938, it spans Burrard Inlet and connects Vancouver with the North Shore municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. It is a National Historic Site of Canada and a prominent Vancouver landmark.

History

The bridge was constructed in the 1930s and opened in 1938, with an official opening in 1939. It was developed privately and later became a major public transportation link for the Vancouver area.

Design and structure

Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the First Narrows of Burrard Inlet. It has a main span of 473 metres and a total length of 1,517 metres including approach spans.

Heritage status

The bridge was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005. Its historic recognition reflects both its engineering significance and its role as a Vancouver landmark.

Cultural significance

The bridge is one of Vancouver’s best-known symbols and is closely associated with the city’s skyline and access to the North Shore. It is widely recognized as an iconic landmark in the region.

Key facts

  • The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge.
  • It opened in 1938 and was officially opened on 29 May 1939.
  • The bridge connects Vancouver with the North Shore municipalities across Burrard Inlet.
  • Its total length is 1,517 metres, with a main span of 473 metres.
  • It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005.
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Canadian context

A major landmark in Vancouver, the bridge is part of British Columbia’s transportation network and a National Historic Site of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Lions Gate Bridge?
It is a suspension bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, officially called the First Narrows Bridge.
When did the Lions Gate Bridge open?
It opened in 1938 and was officially opened on 29 May 1939.
Where does the bridge connect?
It connects Vancouver with the North Shore municipalities of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the District of North Vancouver.
How long is the bridge?
Its total length is 1,517 metres, and its main span is 473 metres.
Is the Lions Gate Bridge historically protected?
Yes. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Gate_Bridge
    Supports: Bridge type, official name, location, opening year, and connection across Burrard Inlet.
  2. Parks Canada — https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=11273
    Supports: National Historic Site designation and bridge dimensions including total length.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lions-gate-bridge
    Supports: Official opening date, span across Burrard Inlet, main span length, and landmark status.
  4. Canadian Society for Civil Engineering — https://legacy.csce.ca/en/historic-site/lions-gate-bridge/
    Supports: Construction date, designer attribution, dimensions, and historic significance.