Lions Bay, British Columbia, is a small residential community nestled between Vancouver and Squamish on the steep eastern shore of Howe Sound. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Lions Bay is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
In 1889, the distinctive twin peaks in the North Shore mountains were named the Lions by Judge Gray, due to their resemblance to the lion statues around Nelson's Column in London's Trafalgar Square. These peaks are also known as the Transformed Sisters, Ch'ích'iyúy Elxwíkn, in Coast Salish legend. The small bay on Howe Sound, where climbers were dropped off to ascend these peaks, became known as Lions Bay.
The community began to take shape in the 1960s, spurred by the extensions of the CN railway in 1954 and Highway 99 in 1958. Originally a boat-access summer camping destination for Vancouverites, Lions Bay started to be permanently settled and was incorporated as a village municipality in January 1971. In 1999, Lions Bay amalgamated with the neighbouring unincorporated community of Brunswick Beach.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lions Bay had a population of 1,390 living in 506 of its 557 total private dwellings. This represented an increase of 4.2% from its 2016 population of 1,334. With a land area of 2.53 km2 (0.98 sq mi), the population density was 549.4/km2 (1,423.0/sq mi).
Lions Bay offers a variety of amenities for residents and visitors alike. Lions Bay Beach Park features restroom and change facilities, a sandy beach protected by a log boom, and a float. Pay parking is available. The Kelvin Grove Beach and Marine park, located 500 meters south, is a popular scuba destination and dog beach.
The community is served by School District 45's Lions Bay School, which had about 30 K-3 pupils in the 2017–18 school year. After Grade 3, public school students bus to the K-7 Gleneagles Elementary and the Grade 8–12 Rockridge Secondary.
Lions Bay also boasts volunteer-maintained trails, a general store with Rural Liquor Outlet, a café, a real estate office, a 150-boat dry-storage marina, and a marine service centre.
Lions Bay's infrastructure includes modern dual-barrier (UV and chlorine) water treatment plants, a small secondary wastewater treatment plant, and individual onsite wastewater systems. The community is served by the hourly 262 bus route of the regional TransLink public transit network. The provincial Sea-to-Sky Highway and CN Rail run through the community.
Lions Bay is located in a region with a rich geological history, comprising lower-Cretaceous Gambier Group marine sedimentary and volcanic bedrock. The area's geomorphology is a product of recent glaciation and post-glacial erosion.
Lions Bay experiences a maritime climate with a moderate temperature regime and a winter precipitation peak. Annually, approximately 2000 mm of precipitation falls at sea-level, increasing to 4000 mm at the ridge crest 1200 to 1400 m above.
Lions Bay is a self-governing municipality with an elected mayor and four councillors. The village is part of the Metro Vancouver Regional District and the mayor is a member of Mayors' Council, one of Translink's several quasi-governing bodies.
Lions Bay is served by a volunteer fire department and a Search and Rescue team, both renowned for their high level of training and service.
Many of the geographic features around Lions Bay have names steeped in history, from Anvil Island named by Capt. Vancouver in 1792, to Alberta Bay possibly named after a daughter of Queen Victoria.
Discover the charm and beauty of Lions Bay, British Columbia, a community that seamlessly blends history, nature, and modern amenities.
