The Lions (Lion Binkert) Hike Trail Guide from Lion’s Bay, Vancouver, BC

The Lions are the two most familiar peaks seen from the city of Vancouver. The view from the Lions is truly spectacular, offering a panoramic view of Howe Sound and the Capilano Watershed down to the city of Vancouver. The Lions (Binkert) Trail is a 15 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is best used from July until October.

The Lions (Lion Binkert) Hike Summary

• Rating: Hard
• Round trip distance: 15 km
• Elevation Gain: 4700 feet
• Time Needed: 7-8 hours
• Type: Out & back
• Season: July to October

The Lions Hike Trail Guide

Forest Service Road

The initial hike is along the forest service road. The forest service road, also called FSR is a wide graveled trail and is 3 Km in length.

Lions & Brunswick Mountain junction

After 2 Km, you will come to the junction of Lion and Brunswick mountain trail. Take right from here and continue straight. There is also a marker there. After another 500-600 meters, you will come across another fork and continue on the forest service road by taking right.

First waterfall (Alberta Creek)

At 3 Km from the trailhead, you will cross the first waterfall. It’s a small one. This waterfall is also called Alberta creek. It also marks the end of the FSR. Until this point, there is nothing much to see on the trail and the hike is a bit boring. I would say until this point, the waterfall is the only attraction. The trail also gets narrower from there. Also, the trail flattens out a bit for the next one km.

Howe Sound & Lions Trail Junction

At around 4.6 Km from the trailhead, you will reach the junction of Howe sound trail and Lion trail. Take right from there. You will also see markers there. After taking the right, the trail goes down for 100 meters to cross Harvey Creek Bridge

Harvey creek bridge

This bridge is located at a distance of around 4.7 km from the trailhead. Also, the hike gets steeper from here and continues to be steep till the peak. This part of the trail is full of tree roots and rocks. This part of the trail is also the steepest part of the trail.

Lookout

After 5.9 Km from the trailhead, you arrive at a lookout from where you can see the twin lion peaks. Also, the toughest part of the hike is almost over. From here, the peak is only 1.5 Km.

Last Trail Junction

After another 700 meters, You will reach another trail junction. The peak is just 700 meters from there and is full of panoramic view on a clear day.