The Two Lions Hike Summit Adventure from Lions Bay

Eight hours of forest, ridge, and rock to stand among giants

The Two Lions Hike is a guided summit adventure in British Columbia that climbs through Douglas fir forests and scrambles to the ridge of The Lions, Vancouver's most dramatic peaks. You ascend through shaded woodland, cross creeks and wooden bridges, then reach the alpine saddle with views stretching from Vancouver to Mount Baker and Garibaldi. A live guide ensures safe pacing through exposed terrain while you pause for lunch on rock slabs overlooking the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to The Lions summit

• Forest ascent through Douglas fir and cedar
• Scramble to the ridge below The Lions
• Optional scramble to West Lion summit
• Lunch with views of Vancouver and surroundings

The experience

Eight hours means you leave early and return by late afternoon: time enough to hike without rushing, but the day still fits inside a single outing. The climb starts in dense forest where Douglas fir and cedar shade the trail and creeks run alongside wooden bridges, then opens into scrambling terrain as you gain elevation. Unlike the Grouse Grind or Capilano, this route stays raw: no gondolas, no fences, no crowds waiting at a trailhead. The guide sets the pace and watches for safety on the exposed sections, especially where the ridge narrows and drops fall away on both sides.

The Lions themselves are massive volcanic peaks that rise above the saddle like sentinels. You reach the ridge below them and can choose to scramble to the West Lion summit if you want the full exposure: that part is optional and unguided, left to your own nerve. From the saddle, the views spread in every direction: Vancouver and Bowen Island to the south, Garibaldi and Mount Baker to the north, with alpine flowers and crags filling the ridgeline. Ravens, mountain goats, and eagles circle the peaks. Lunch happens on rock slabs with wind sweeping across the high country, the kind of moment that justifies the effort.

Private transportation picks you up and returns you at the end, so you don't navigate to Lions Bay or manage parking. The guide speaks English and knows the route's hazards and rhythms. A moderate level of fitness is necessary (this is not a casual walk), and the minimum age is 14.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from Lions Bay.
• live guide in English.
• access to the forest ascent, ridge scramble, and alpine saddle with views of Vancouver, Bowen Island, Garibaldi, and Mount Baker.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (14 to 88 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vincent

Is this one for you?The eight-hour commitment rules out a casual half-day outing but leaves the rest of your day free if you start early. Choose this hike if you have the fitness for sustained climbing and exposure, and if you want to stand on the peaks themselves rather than admire them from a distance or from a gondola.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is The Lions and why is it harder than other hikes near Vancouver?

The Lions are two volcanic peaks that rise above a high ridge overlooking the city. Unlike crowded trails with maintained switchbacks and infrastructure, this route climbs through raw alpine terrain with exposed scrambling, no railings, and sections where the ridge narrows with sheer drops on both sides. The reward is standing at the saddle with unobstructed views and the feeling of having earned your place among the peaks rather than following a marked path.

How much of the eight hours is actual hiking versus rest and lunch?

The itinerary does not break down the exact split, but the day includes the forest ascent, the scramble to the ridge, and a lunch pause on rock slabs at the top. The guide controls the pace to match the group's fitness and the terrain's demands, so the rhythm changes as you move from shaded forest to open scrambling to the summit views.

Can I skip the scramble to the West Lion summit if I reach the saddle?

Yes. The scramble to the West Lion is optional and not guided. It is left to your own choice and comfort level. Many hikers stop at the Lions' saddle, which already offers the iconic views and the sense of standing among the peaks, and skip the final exposed push to the summit.

What wildlife might I see on the ridge?

Ravens, mountain goats, and eagles are known to circle the ridgelines and peaks. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the high alpine environment and the exposed terrain make these species more likely to appear than on lower, forested trails.