Capilano Suspension Bridge
Experience an electrifying moment walking 230ft off the surface on Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The bridge is 460ft long and gives you an awesome aerial view of both the rainforest and Capilano River. Enjoy the 19th-century experience of crossing a bridge at this location.
Capilano Suspension Bridge consists of two load-bearing cables tied at either gorge edge. It is constructed with cedar woods, cable wires, and steel mesh rails.
Who built the Bridge?
George Grant Mackay, a Scot civil engineer, bought a large portion of land around the Capilano River in 1888. He built a cabin at the gorge’s edge, by the riverside. George realized the need for a bridge to access the other part of the gorge.
In 1889, he started the construction. He used hemp ropes for rails and cedar logs to anchor the bridge’s two ends to the gorge. In 1903, the hemp ropes were removed and cable wires installed.
The bridge was fully renovated in 1956. Aside from the Capilano Bridge, other attractions have been developed to heighten tourists’ viewing experience. They include the Treetops Adventures (2004) and Canyon Cliffwalk (2011).
The tourist area has passed through several ownerships from G.G. Mackay to Edward Mahon (1910), MacEachran (1935), Henri Aubeneau (1945), and Nancy Stibbard (1983).
Capilano Suspension Bridge today
Currently in its fourth version, the bridge sways as you walk on it. Grip the rails for a steady movement. The rails are 3-4ft high to prevent people from falling off by accident.
This is a sturdy bridge, firmly secured with concrete and steel wires. Only pedestrians can walk on it; tourists in wheelchairs are not allowed.
Treetops Adventure
Get a bird’s-eye perspective of the rainforest as you hike a trail on treetops. The tourist hotspot is a row of seven suspension bridges fastened to eight 30-ton, 250-year-old Douglas firs. Some of the bridges are 110ft elevated and give you a magnificent perspective of the trees.
The Cliffwalk
Take a dare at life and walk through the daunting Cliffwalk. This recent highlight is arc-shaped and built with galvanized steel, suspended 50 metres up the Capilano River.
The landscape is both spectacular and overwhelming.
Totem Poles
Like many Vancouver tourist sites, Capilano Suspension Bridge has totem poles and other art pieces of the First Nations. Some totems are original pieces dating from the 1960s. These totem carvings represent spirits and animals.
History and Nature Excursions
Join either the history or nature excursion to learn more about the area. The outings are free, and the duration is 25 minutes. They run every 1 hour in the day, except in summer when they run every 30 minutes.
The history expedition starts close to the bridge’s main entrance with an overview of the bridge’s history, the contribution of past and present owners, and First Nations.
The nature trip begins at the gorge’s west, near the suspension bridge’s end. You’ll learn about the area’s rainforest, animals, trees, and climate.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Gift Shop
Buy a souvenir for yourself and your family at the affordable gift shop. There’s a range of catchy items to choose from – including toys, postcards, Capilano-printed clothes, and smoked salmon.
Capilano Trading Post
In this facility, you can buy totem poles, jewelry, art crafts, and other mementoes from Indian traders.
Dining Options
Refuel the energy spent on your adventure at one of the available cafes in this park.
What events are held at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
Christmas Canyon Lights
Experience a magical Christmas with your loved ones at Capilano Suspension Bridge. With over 500,000 sparkling lights glowing at night, this is the perfect spot for a romantic date night.
Look down and appreciate the beautiful river as it reflects the colourful lights. Also, engage in the various Christmas activities between late November and late January.
Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey
Watch a live show of predatory birds by Raptors Ridge during the summer. Kim and Karen Kamstra operate the Raptors Ridge. Featured birds are hawks, falcons, and owls.
How do I get to this tourist centre?
The private facility is at 3735 Capilano Road. You can access this facility by car or transit services.
From Trans-Canada, enter Exit #14 and go northwards to Capilano Road. The distance is around 1 kilometre.
From the downtown area, head along Stanley Park and move to the Lions Gate Bridge, take the right bend towards North Vancouver, and a left turn onto Capilano Road.
Is Capilano Bridge admission free?
Capilano Bridge is privately owned and can only be accessed at a specific amount of money. Only guests with crutches or wheelchairs and kids under 5 are admission exempt.
Adults pay $55 while the elderly pay $50. Students with verified Identity Cards pay $42. Tickets for teenagers and children cost $30 and $19, respectively.
Note: Tickets come with taxes, and payments are subject to change.
Are animals allowed?
Yes, leashed animals are permitted.
Is the parking space free?
No. Parking spaces are paid for.