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Lions
Gate Bridge
When you're visiting Vancouver, one of the best places to get an
introduction and feel for Vancouver has to be the Lions Gate Bridge.
Located at the entrance to Vancouver harbour, Lions Gate Bridge
provides access to and from the District
of North Vancouver and West
Vancouver from Stanley Park and the City
of Vancouver.
British
Properties
Originally built, starting in 1937, by the Guinness family who were
developers of the British Properties in West
Vancouver, Lions Gate has to be one of the greatest spots for
viewing and experiencing Vancouver, Burrard Inlet and the vibrant
harbour.
Prospect
Point Lookout
The first place that comes to mind for viewing the bridge or Burrard
Inlet is Prospect Point Lookout in Stanley Park. Prospect Point
Lookout is one of Vancouver's most visited landmarks of people discovering
the city. The view is breathtaking and you will get a chance to
view ships and boats coming and going from the harbour.
Taking
Pictures
If you're taking pictures, the best spot seems to be higher up as
the lower viewpoint is starting to get a little crowded with trees.
If you need food or drinks there is a restaurant, an outdoor eating
area as well as a self-serve kiosk.
Lion
Statues Standing Proud
If you do visit Prospect Point, follow the trails that lead towards
Lions Gate Bridge located by the gift shop building and kiosk area.
The trail eventually goes to the vehicle causeway leading over the
bridge to the North Shore. This is where you can see the two lion
statues standing proudly as they welcome you to the entrance over
the bridge.
Stanley
Park Seawall
Continue on the trail towards the Stanley Park seawall. Take the
seawall towards the bridge and the lighthouse. This makes a great
spot for watching the people fish off the seawall and the marine
traffic in Burrard Inlet.
Maritime
Action
If you have the time, walk along the seawall in either direction.
One way you get to enjoy either the inner harbour or all of the
maritime action. The other way you can relish the panoramic ocean
views or the spectacular sunsets over Vancouver Island.
Walk
Over Lions Gate Bridge
For those people who are in good shape and don't mind a little exercise
a real experience is to walk over the bridge. Since the bridge was
worked on and widened, the sidewalks now are a lot safer on which
to walk.
Panoramic
Views of Vancouver Harbour
There is ample room for cyclists to navigate around pedestrians
with the bridge providing excellent panoramic views of Vancouver
harbour and Burrard Inlet. Allow yourself at least one hour each
way on your journey across Lions Gate Bridge.
Capilano
First Nations
Once you're on the North Shore, the exploring and discovery can
still continue. Take the pedestrian stairway to the lower road that
crosses the Capilano River. Depending on the time of year, the spectacle
of the returning salmon and the Native food fisheries is very interesting.
Watch the Capilano First Nations use the traditional methods of
catching fish near the bridge and trailer park.
Ambleside
Park in West Vancouver
If you continue along to the west side of the Capilano River, it
will lead you to the south end of the Park Royal Shopping Centre.
If you still have energy left, take a short stroll towards the ocean
along the trail to the CN Railway Bridge that crosses the Capilano
River. The trail goes under the bridge and is another entrance to
Ambleside Park in West
Vancouver. Once you're in the park there is another seawall
giving you a different perspective and view of Lions Gate Bridge.
Under
the Bridge
There is one other place that has a great view of Lions Gate Bridge
but you will be required to be with vehicle traffic. After you walk
down from the bridge at the Capilano R.V. Park go opposite from
Park Royal Shopping Centre. You will head under the bridge towards
the harbour. Keep going straight at the stop sign. The road is very
rough and it requires going over some railway tracks near the sewage
treatment plant and old gun emplacement.
Beach
Area
The beach area is located near the east side of the Capilano River.
Once you go through all the hassle of the road, the views and ambiance
of Vancouver harbour and Lions Gate Bridge are just fantastic.
Links
Concerning Lions Gate Bridge
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