Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver

The west canyon portion of the park focuses on the natural beauty of the canyon and takes visitors through ponds teeming with fish and information boards, the oldest tree on the property, the cliffhanger walk and the Treetops Adventure. This sky high walk takes visitors on narrow bridges suspended by a group a trees in a birds eye view of the surrounding landscape. The focus on natural also comes in the materials as all the construction is wood based, even the sign used to point out the location of the Treetops Adventure entrance. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

This sign indicates the two story wooden structure that acts as the entrance to the elaborate Treetops Adventure in the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

STATS

HOURS

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Type:

Activity

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

4 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera

Suspended over the Capilano River is the Capilano Suspension Bridge which has been in use since 1888, thrilling those who walk on its unstable and wobbly surface. Much has changed since a park now surrounds this iconic North Vancouver landmark - a Native Village, the story of the Bridge itself, lookouts, a children's area, the Treetops Adventure and the Cliffhanger walk are a few of the activities this attraction offers as well as year round access. Be prepared to be scared (or thrilled) going across this amazing bridge!

With its rich historical background, Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular North Shore tourist attraction. Its main feature, the large unsupported bridge spanning across the Capilano River far below, is a sight to see as the wobbling bridge holds fascinated, fearful and adventurous tourists from around the world.

Home to a variety of activities including the Treetops Adventure which allows visitors to walk across bridges suspended from platforms built on trees high above the ground as well as the Cliff Hanger walk which takes you past the remnants of the tree that fell on the bridge, disabling it after the 2006 Wind Storms.

The east portion of the Suspension Bridge grounds holds the most activities, consisting of the historical background of the bridge, lookouts of the Capilano River and bridge from above, the Native West coast village and totem poles, the themed shops and food areas and occasional live animal demonstrations and entertainment. The western side across the bridge consists of most of the walks with informational boards detailing the restorative work done and children's activities with the Park ranger. It is also the location of the Treetops Adventures, the oldest tree on the property, and the Cliffhanger Walk.

As well as continuing to provide all the activities above, the Capilano Suspension Bridge also offers seasonal events such as the Harvest Festival where hundreds of pumpkins carved by local children are on display and Canyon Lights where trees are lit up on both sides of the canyon and on the bridge itself. Other events are also celebrated such as Earth Day in April and Canada Day in July.

First built in 1888, it was privately owned and used by members of the public for decades until the 1950s when it was bought and marketed to the public. The bridge has passed hands many times being used by members of the local lumber industry to of the public who brave the seventy meter high swinging bridge. The cables and materials have been replaced and reinforced over the years, but the concept of the suspension bridge remains the same, and it remains a popular attraction featured in many 'Hollywood North' projects.

The bridge is an interesting part of the history of North Vancouver and is a popular place to spend a day crossing the harrowing bridge, walking among the treetops or enjoying the other activities and information in the area.