The Ultimate Guide to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
If you’re looking up places to visit in Vancouver, chances are the Capilano Suspension Bridge is showing up fairly high on that list. Its definitely one of the most popular things to do in the Vancouver area. Having visited Capilano during my recent trip to the city I can see why – it really is a lot of fun and a great way to spend a few hours in nature without having to travel too far from the heart of the city. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a mere half hour shuttle bus ride from Canada Place and will see you transported deep into emerald green forests along the picturesque Capilano River.
While the park is famous for its centrepiece – one of the longest suspension bridges in the world – there’s much more to see here than just the bridge itself. Expect to spend around 2 hours to get the most out of your visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge park. In this post I’ll be providing you with an overview of what you can expect to do on your visit.
- Want more ideas for things to do in Vancouver? Check out my 2 day itinerary HERE.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Basics:
- Where? 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
- When? 9.00am – 7.00pm daily during summer. Hours change throughout the year.
- How much? Admission is $62.95 CAD for adults ($24.95 CAD for children 6-12; $34.95 CAD for children 13-17).
- How to get there: If you’re staying in Downtown Vancouver, the most convenient way to get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge park is aboard the free shuttle (included with your admission) that departs every half hour from 8.30am from Canada Place. Likewise, shuttles run the return route on the half hour throughout the day.
- Website: https://www.capbridge.com/
A Bit About the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Before we dive into what there is to do at Capilano, lets first get a basic understanding of this place. The first bridge across the mighty Capilano River was constructed by George Grant Mackay all the way back in 1889. Having already built a small cabin overlooking the gorge, legend has it that Mackay built the bridge so as to give his son a means to access the river far below for fishing! At the time, the bridge was made of rope and planks, though its since been upgraded numerous times. The current (and fourth) Capilano Suspension Bridge was completed in 1956 and spans a whopping 137 metres in length. At a height of seventy metres above the river, the cable suspended Capilano Bridge of today is said to be capable of withstanding the weight of 97 elephants!
As for the name, Capilano is an Anglicised adaptation of the Squamish First Nation word “Kia’palano”. Not only was it the name of a great Squamish chief in the 19th century, it also translates to “beautiful river”. Quite the fitting name, don’t you think?
The Suspension Bridge
While there’s lots to do at the park, we should cover the bridge itself first – after all, its the reason you are here. Crossing the bridge is a must when you visit Capilano (especially if you intend to see everything else, given that the attractions span across both sides of the gorge). Chances are its going to be crowded, though if you arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon you may be able to enjoy it with less people interrupting your photos. I visited around 3pm and it wasn’t too bad, but I’ve heard around noon it gets seriously packed.
Being a suspension bridge, it will wobble while you cross (a fair bit more than I expected). If you’re afraid of heights, take your time crossing, and hold onto the railing at all times – you won’t be alone. If heights are no issue, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the river in the canyon gorge below. The old-growth trees date back countless centuries, having never been felled and you’ll be able to breath in the fresh air just downstream from a gorgeous waterfall.
The Cliffwalk
The Cliffwalk is the newest attraction at the Capilano Suspension Bridge park, having opened in June 2011. Its located just beyond the bridge on the side that you enter the park and consists of a series of suspended walkways jutting out of cliff face. Unlike the bridge, its completely solid, though the walkways are quite narrow (and consist of open grates so you can look down beneath you). As you walk along the side of the canyon cliffs, you’ll go deeper into the forest and also get great shots of the waterfall upstream. The other benefit of the Cliffwalk is it offers great photo opportunities of the actual bridge across the river in its entirety.
The Capilano Cliffwalk has been recognised as a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian tourism board and its a must when visiting the park. After completing the walk, you’ll loop back through a tranquil area filled with ponds before getting back to the park’s main gift shop.
The Treetop Adventure
When you cross to the far side of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you should definitely spend some time doing the Treetop Adventure. This canopy walk, constructed in 2004, takes you high into the trees as you cross a series of seven smaller suspension bridges along your journey. The bridges connect observation platforms attached to a number of 250 year old Douglas fir trees. While this may initially raise concerns, you’ll be glad to know that the construction of the Treetop Adventure was carried out in a way that doesn’t harm the trees and encourages their continued growth. Rather than using nails or bolts, its all held together by a unique collar network which adjusts and moves with the trees. Amazing stuff!
The Treetop Adventure takes you some thirty metres above the forest floor as you journey from tree to tree. Take your time soaking up the views and observing the forest from a completely different perspective. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife in the canopy, ranging from various birds to tree squirrels.
Interpretive Stations
In addition to the scenic beauty of the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s surroundings, you’ll also have the chance to learn a bit during your visit, through the series of interpretive stations scattered throughout the park. At the park’s entrance, you’ll pass through the Story Centre, a section dedicated to early life in Vancouver and the construction of the bridge.
Before you reach the bridge however, you’ll come to a series of Totem Poles. This excellent area highlights the indigenous culture of the Skwxwú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh Nation peoples on whose land Kia’palano is located. I highly recommend sticking around for the interpretive talk here as you’ll learn about the some of the stories depicted on the totem poles. The totem poles at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park have been brought here by the local First Nation’s people. Fun fact – its now home to the largest privately owned collection of totem poles in the world.
If you visit Capilano during the summer, you can also check out the Raptors Ridge exhibition on the far side of the park. Here you’ll see a dedicated group of park rangers conducting talks and showing off different species of raptors and owls found in the local area.
Other Things to do at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
In addition to all the above attractions, spend some time just walking around the park, taking in the beauty and peacefulness of the forest. One of the best places to do this is the forest floor trail on the far side of the park (near the entrance to the Treetop Adventure). Its filled with informative signs detailing different aspects of the ecosystem as you wander past tranquil ponds and massive trees. You’ll also find the oldest tree in the park in this area – known as Grandma Capilano, the 76 metre tall tree is thought to be over 1,300 years old, surviving many a weather event throughout history.
When you’ve finished with the trails throughout the park, you can stop by the Trading Post for a huge range of souvenirs for sale. If you’re hungry, there’s numerous dining options around the park as well. The Logger’s Grill is a quick service area where you can order sandwiches and burgers (the salmon is excellent), while those seeking something fancier can dine at the Cliffhouse Restaurant. Other options include the Beary Yoghurt stand and The Cabin for Beaver Balls.
- Looking for something else to combine with the Bridge to fill the day? Check out my post about Grouse Mountain HERE.
So that’s about all you need to know to plan a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. If you’ve visited, let me know what you enjoyed most at the park. If you haven’t been, definitely check it out on your next visit to Vancouver.