Information
Landmark: Capilano Suspension BridgeCity: Vancouver
Country: Canada
Continent: North America
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada, North America
Overview
Stretching high above the Capilano River, the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers sweeping forest views and a rush of adrenaline, making it one of Vancouver’s most unforgettable sights.The bridge sits within a sprawling park filled with nature-based activities-wander along shaded trails, climb into the treetops, or explore exhibits that bring the area’s ecology and history to life.If you’re in Vancouver, you can’t miss this spot-it mixes rugged trails, sweeping mountain views, and a rich cultural story all in one place.Located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-just a quick 15‑minute drive from downtown Vancouver, where the mountains meet the sea.The bridge rises 70 meters-about 230 feet-over the Capilano River, with the water glinting far below.The bridge stretches 137 meters, about 450 feet-roughly the distance of a city block lined with trees.The Capilano Suspension Bridge, first built in 1889, has drawn visitors ever since-its swaying planks and rushing river below still make hearts race.You can get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge by car, hop on a bus, or take a tour shuttle from downtown Vancouver, where the streets hum with traffic.Here’s what stands out - the key feature number one.The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the heart of the park, swaying high above the deep river and giving visitors sweeping views of green forest and the water glinting far below.Crossing the bridge sends a rush through you as it rocks lightly under the wind, the cables humming overhead.The bridge is well cared for, built strong and safe, yet stepping onto it with the river’s gorge yawning below sends a quick rush through your chest.From the bridge, you get breathtaking views-fiery red and gold leaves in fall, and in spring, a sweep of fresh, green hills.Two.Treetop Adventure features seven swaying walkways strung high among the branches, giving visitors a bird’s‑eye view of the forest canopy and the rustle of leaves far below.Sturdy platforms link the walkways, letting you wander among towering Douglas firs and cedar trees, their bark rough and dark, some standing for over a thousand years.Suspended 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) above the forest floor, the walkways let you peer straight into tangled vines and catch the flutter of bright wings just beyond your reach.It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone eager to see the forest from a fresh angle-like noticing the glint of sunlight on a spider’s web.Number three.The Cliffwalk is another must-see at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a narrow pathway that twists high along the rock face with the river roaring below.A suspended walkway clings to the side of a granite cliff, where you can look down at the Capilano River winding through the lush rainforest far below.The steel-and-glass walkway hugs the cliffside, curving just enough for visitors to peer straight down into the dizzying void, where wind whistles against the rock.On the glass-floor stretches of the Cliffwalk, you can peer straight down at the river curling through the green forest far below.The Cliffwalk pulls you in with its rush of wind and sweeping views, perfect if you’re craving a touch more adventure on your visit.Number four.The Capilano River winds through the heart of the park, sliding under the suspension bridge and weaving past mossy trees in the surrounding forest.The river teems with life, sheltering salmon, trout, and other fish that flash silver in the current.When salmon return to spawn, visitors can watch them push upstream, silver backs flashing in the current.The river winds past a forest alive with birds calling from the branches, squirrels darting through leaves, and deer moving quietly, all adding to the park’s natural charm.Number five.Nature Trails and Eco-Tours The park’s trails twist through quiet stands of pine, giving visitors a chance to wander and take in the forest at an easy, unhurried pace.The trails lead you deep into the lush temperate rainforest, where ferns brush your boots and birds call overhead, while guides share vivid stories about its ecology and history.The park offers eco-tours led by guides who know the trails by heart, sharing stories about the suspension bridge’s past, pointing out a red-tailed hawk in the treetops, and explaining why this land matters to both Indigenous peoples and settlers.The walking trails stay in great shape, with smooth paths that welcome hikers of any age, from kids chasing leaves to seasoned nature lovers.Six.The Capilano Suspension Bridge stands in the heart of Squamish Nation’s traditional territory, and the park works to share that heritage-through stories, carved cedar poles, and guided walks.Visitors discover the region’s Indigenous history through colorful interpretive panels, hands-on exhibits, and heartfelt stories told by members of the Squamish Nation.In the park, you’ll find vivid artwork and carefully preserved artifacts from Indigenous cultures, each piece helping you see why the land matters and how it’s tied to the people who’ve lived here for generations.Seven.At the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, you can wander into the gift shop and browse nature‑inspired jewelry, colorful local artwork, and keepsakes that capture the region’s cultural heritage; a carved cedar ornament might catch your eye.You’ll also find a café on-site, serving hot coffee and light bites-just the thing to recharge after a stroll past the park’s sunlit paths.From the café’s windows, you can see the forest stretching out in every direction, a breeze carrying the scent of pine, making it the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the scenery.Eight.All year long, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park bursts with seasonal events, filling its walkways with twinkling lights, bright banners, and lively activities.Each winter holiday, the park glows with millions of twinkling lights for the beloved Canyon Lights event, casting a warm sparkle over the paths and drawing visitors from every corner of the globe.In other seasons, the park hosts themed events and hands-on programs on environmental education, conservation, and wildlife, so every visit feels a little different-like spotting a red fox along the trail.The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park stays open all year, with the gates swinging wide for longer hours when summer’s bright evenings or the festive lights of the holidays arrive.Before you plan your visit, hop onto their website and check the latest hours-it’s like glancing at a clock to be sure you’re on time.You’ll need to pay an admission fee to get into the park-think a few crumpled bills at the gate.You can grab tickets at the entrance or order them online, with package options that might get you onto the swaying suspension bridge, the Treetop Adventure, and the glass-bottom Cliffwalk.You can park at the park, though spaces fill fast-especially in summer when the lot hums with idling engines.You can reach the park easily by public transit-hop on a bus or take the SeaBus as it glides across the water.In short, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a place you can’t miss if you want to feel the rush of swaying above a green canyon and soak in the raw beauty of British Columbia’s wild scenery.You can step onto the thrilling suspension bridge, feel it sway under your feet, and follow the narrow treetop walkway high above the ground.
