Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Lions Gate Bridge

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

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia. Officially named the First Narrows Bridge, it opened in 1938 and is a National Historic Site of Canada.

What it is

The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning Burrard Inlet at the First Narrows. It connects Vancouver with the North Shore municipalities of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the District of North Vancouver. The bridge opened in 1938 and was officially opened on 29 May 1939.

Why it matters

The bridge is one of Vancouver’s best-known symbols and a prominent landmark. It provides a critical transportation link between Vancouver and the North Shore, and its designation as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005 reflects its engineering and cultural significance.

Key details

The bridge has a total length of 1,517 metres, including approach spans, and a main span of 473 metres. It was developed privately in the 1930s and remains a major public transportation route. Its historic status underscores its role in the region’s identity.

In short

  • Connects Vancouver to the North Shore across Burrard Inlet.
  • Officially named the First Narrows Bridge.
  • Opened in 1938; designated a National Historic Site in 2005.
  • Total length 1,517 m; main span 473 m.
Canadian angle

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

Quick 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.
Is the Lions Gate Bridge historically protected?
Yes. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005.

Sources

  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.