Adopted 7 December 1937 on 92G/6, as labelled on British Admiralty Chart #922, published in 1886 from surveys by Capt. Richards 1859-60, and as labelled on BC Lands' map 5B, 1929, etc. Descriptive.

Source: BC place name cards, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.

This narrow entrance into Burrard Inlet and the narrowing 5 miles eastward, were named First Narrows and Second Narrows by Captain Richards, RN, when surveying these waters for the British Admiralty 1859-60. The popular name "Lion's Gate" was suggested by Judge Gray in 1889 because of juxtaposition with The Lions (peaks). The popular name is perpetuated by The Lions Gate Bridge across First Narrows, which was opened to traffic 12 November 1938.

Source: Provincial Archives' Place Names File ("the Harvey File") compiled 1945-1950 by A.G. Harvey from various sources, with subsequent additions