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British Columbia boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in all of North America. It boasts some of the most iconic ranges of the Rockies as well as some of the most fascinating rainforests. One of the best ways to explore the forests is by visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is easily one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge crosses the Capilano River to the north of the sprawl of the major city of Vancouver. Visiting the bridge and its attractions should be a part of any weekend itinerary in Vancouver. The city of Vancouver should not be confused with the massive Island of Vancouver (which is also very much worth visiting).
Why The Capilano Suspension Bridge Is One Of The Top Attractions Of Vancouver
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is nestled among acres of rainforest and gazes out at the North Shore mountains off in the distance with the gushing Capilano River and canyon below.
- Length: 137 Meters or 450 Feet
- Height: 70 Meters or 230 Feet Above The River
The bridge is part of a very popular private facility and draws over 1.2 million visitors every year. It is an excellent activity to enjoy while in Vancouver and a great family-friendly activity.
The bridge was first built before the turn of the century in the colonial times of British Columbia in 1889. It was built with hemp ropes and a deck of cedar planks. A wire cable bridge replaced the bridge in 1903, and it was completely rebuilt in 1956.
Visitors can also learn about the ancient rainforests of coastal Canada. Walk through the forests and learn about the ecosystem that supports a lush forest full of wildlife. Some of the trees in the forest are over 1,500 years old. The park is full of informative panels interpreting the forest and environment - from the forest floor below to the canopy above.
Activities & Attractions Of The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The bridge is in the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The park offers numerous activities and attractions - like the seasonal Raptors Ridge birds of prey and the Canyon Lights. It is a year-round destination.
The Suspension Bridge:
Naturally, the top attraction in the park is the suspension bridge itself. Walk across the 450-foot-long bridge strung over the canyon. See the monumental First Nations totem poles within the serenity of the West Coast rainforest.
The Birds Of Prey Raptors Ridge:
Visitors can see the birds of prey and their handlers from the Raptors Ridge facility. The attraction is committed to educating the public about wildlife conservation. The handlers come daily to the park during the season. See some of the iconic birds of prey like the manner falcons, barn owls, and great horned owls.
- Season: May to October
Treetops Adventure:
Explore the coastal rainforest from the viewing platforms and seven suspension bridges hanging high up in the trees. The rainforests of British Columbia are arguably some of the mightiest forests in the world.
Cliffwalk:
The Cliffwalk is one of the most notable attractions in the park and one of its newest, being added in 2011. It is a series of narrow, cantilevered biggest platforms and stairs that follow the granite cliffs. It extends some 213 meters or 700 feet along the Capilano Canyon.
Visiting The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Visitors can come any time they like during opening hours. No advance reservations are required if the tickets are purchased online. The park is only 15 minutes from Downtown Vancouver and can be reached by public transport. There is a fee shuttle from Downtown Vancouver for people with tickets to the park.
Day admission tickets grants access to all the attractions of the park - including Canyon Frights. People can save $3 when purchasing tickets online. British Columbia residents can get the BC Resident Annual Pass for a discounted price.
Adult Admission:
- Online Price: $62.95 CAD ($48.00 USD) (Aged 18 to 64 Years Old)
Go in the winter and see the Canyon Lights during the Christmas season. No matter the season, there is something on.
- Season: November 19 to January 22
- When: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm
The park is only closed on Christmas day, so everyone can visit at any time of the year.
The bridge is a great way to get a world away from Canada's third-largest city without even leaving the urban sprawl of the city.