Second Narrows and Lions Gate (Road Cycling)

The Second Narrows and Lions Gate road cycling loop in Vancouver is a solid urban ride that links two of the city’s most famous bridges with a tour of the waterfront and downtown. At about 25.9 km with 300 m of gain, it’s rated moderate, more for the traffic and steady climbs than any serious altitude. Expect around five and a half hours if you’re taking your time, stopping for views, and threading through city streets.

The route crosses the Ironworkers Memorial (Second Narrows) Bridge toward North Vancouver, then works its way back over the Lions Gate Bridge into Stanley Park before looping toward the city again. You get classic Vancouver scenery along the Burrard Inlet, harbour and mountain views from both bridges, and that bonus spin through Stanley Park at the end makes the Second Narrows and Lions Gate loop feel like a mini city tour on two wheels. It’s all paved, but there are sections on busy roads, so this suits riders who are already confident in traffic.

Recent riders mention construction detours in eastern North Vancouver, so be ready to improvise a bit on side streets and watch for signage. The climbs up to both the Lions Gate and especially the Ironworkers can feel tedious, so bring low gears, water, and a steady mindset rather than chasing speed. The Second Narrows and Lions Gate route is rideable year-round in Vancouver’s mild climate, but visibility and traffic are better in daylight hours, and shoulder seasons can be wet, so pack lights and a shell and expect some grit on the roads.