The West Lion

The West Lion from Lions Bay in West Vancouver is one of those hikes locals quietly warn you about, then rave about once you’ve done it. It’s a 14–20 km out-and-back grind with about 1,460 m of gain, rated very difficult for good reason, and usually takes most people 7–10 hours round trip. Expect a full-day suffer-fest with huge payoff, not a casual Sea to Sky stroll.

The trail starts on a steep service road and then dives into forest, climbing relentlessly with only a short flatter breather near the waterfall, which is basically your last reliable water source. Above treeline, the route to The West Lion opens up with big views over Howe Sound, Lions Bay, and the Coast Mountains, plus long stretches of rock, boulder fields, and exposed scrambling. Most hikers stop at the saddle or false summit, which already gives you wide-open views; the true summit involves serious exposure, real no-fall zones, and is only for people with solid scrambling and rock-climbing experience who are comfortable on class 3–4 terrain.

Recent reports say the trail is rugged, steep, and slow-going, with loose rock up high and sections that feel slick after heavy rain or when there’s lingering snow on the ridge. Early and late season you may hit a foot or more of snow near the top, so crampons or microspikes and a helmet are smart, and many people turn back short of the summit. Bring lots of water, start early to dodge parking issues and heat, and don’t be afraid to call it at the saddle; on The West Lion in West Vancouver, the line between “hard hike” and “mountaineering objective” comes up fast near the top.