Overcome your fear of heights and experience the beauty of Vancouver from the Capilano Suspension Bridge – a view to behold for the rest of your life!
As the oldest tourist attraction in the city of Vancouver, the Bridge has been captivating visitors since 1889 and continues to do so by featuring unique, thrilling, and beautiful ways to experience the history, nature, and culture of the city.
Why Is It Famous?
Capilano Suspension Bridge is British Columbia’s top destination attraction and one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions, simply because the place offers a lot of things to see and do.
With 7 suspended footbridges offering breathtaking views at 110 feet above the forest floor, and the pleasant cedar-scented air of the rainforest, the Bridge is a perfect destination for nature lovers. On the other hand, activities like the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure welcome adventurers and thrill-seekers to do what they enjoy in the lap of nature.
Various seasonal events are also conducted in the venue, and along with shopping and dining opportunities, Capilano Suspension Bridge serves as a year-round destination.
Getting to Capilano Suspension Bridge
Whether you are a local or a tourist, getting to Capilano Suspension Bridge is easy.
Shuttle Service
There is a Free Shuttle service to the Suspension Bridge from select locations in downtown Vancouver. The Shuttle pickup locations are as follows:
- Canada Place: Canada Place Way near info kiosk
- Hyatt Regency Hotel: Melville Street Entrance
- Blue Horizon Hotel: Robson Street Entrance
Note – Proof of ticket purchase is required to ride the free shuttle and proof of park admission is required for return service on the shuttle.
Bus
If you will be taking the bus from Downtown Vancouver:
- Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay
- then, take bus #236 to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
If you will be riding the bus from Phibbs Exchange:
- Take bus #232
Those taking the bus from the stops at Burrard Skytrain, Granville Skytrain, and W Georgia Street, can ride the #246 bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
By Car
Capilano Suspension Bridge is just a 15-minute drive via the Stanley Park Causeway and across the Lions Gate Bridge.
- Take the North Vancouver exit to reach Marine Drive
- Take a left on Capilano Road and drive for about a mile (1.6 km) to reach the Bridge Park
Try and plan your visit to the park after or before rush hour to avoid heavy traffic on the Lions Gate Bridge.
From the other end, you can take the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge:
- Head west via Trans-Canada Highway or Highway #1
- Take the Capilano Road Exit (#14) and drive for about half a mile (0.8 km) to reach the Bridge Park
What To Do & See At Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The many things you can see and do at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are what make this place a much-loved attraction.
Suspension Bridge
The highlight of the whole Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is, of course, the Suspension Bridge. Originally built in 1889, this 132-year-old wobbly bridge initially had hemp ropes as its cables, which were later replaced with a stronger version. Now, the bridge is strong enough to hold up to 96 fully grown elephants and has seen millions of people from around the world, including celebrities and royalty.
The Suspension Bridge hangs at a height of 230 feet, or 70 m, above Capilano River, and is 450 feet, or 137 m, long. Cross the Bridge and a lot more amazing fun and adventure await you!
Cliffwalk
Opened in 2011, this is the newest of all the activities at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and enables visitors to enjoy the natural spectacle of the truly untouched and unexplored areas of the park.
Cliffwalk takes you on a cliffside journey through the rainforest vegetation within the park, via suspended walkways that protrude from the granite cliff face above Capilano River. These high and narrow walkways are definitely not for the faint of heart. But, if you are willing to conquer your fear, you will experience one of the most mind-blowing activities in Vancouver.
Treetops Adventure
The award-winning Treetops Adventure activity is one of the most popular experiences at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It involves a series of seven suspension bridges attached to eight 250-year-old Douglas-firs, each 30 ton in weight, providing a squirrel’s eye view (110 feet above the forest floor) of the forest.
The most innovative aspect of Treetops Adventure is the moveable and adjustable tree collar system (to which the viewing platforms are attached), which has no bolts or nails piercing the Douglas-firs. This design enables the undisruptive growth of the trees while accommodating a safe adventure activity for visitors.
Raptors Ridge
This is an educational facility devoted to educating the public about raptors and also wildlife conservation in general. Different Raptors visit the facility every day, and when not participating in the education programs, they enjoy free flight in an open environment. The team of handlers working in Raptors Ridge is licensed by the government to provide educational programs.
Note: Raptors Ridge is open Daily starting May 1 to September 6; 11:30 am to 6 pm.
Nature Talks
The Living Forest
If you are a nature lover and love to grab any opportunity to learn more about its conservation, Nature Talks at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is for you. The activity introduces you to the ecology of the West Coast rain forest, the climatic characteristics of the region, and covers more such topics on what makes the West Coast a unique natural environment.
Watch the ancient West Coast rainforest ecosystem come to life on large panels, with visual interpretations of the forest floor, the rainforest canopy, and more. This particular experience is designed to make visitors well-informed for their stroll through the rainforest.
Cap Kids!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park welcomes kids of all ages to go on an adventure. From crossing the Suspension Bridge that hangs 230 feet high from the water, to pursuing the highest treetops of North America, the Park aims at making their visit a memorable one for kids.
Designed exclusively for kids, under the Cap Kids! experience, is the Kids’ Rainforest Explorers Program – a self-guided interactive program that lets kids of all ages explore the rainforest in the most fun and interesting way.
What’s also cool and kid-centric is the treehouse located at the start of Treetops Adventure.
Best Time to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
Winter
Hands down, the best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge is during the winter months, especially during Canyon Lights – the most popular holiday event in the Park. The event is home to the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, lit to perfection.
The Bridge will be lit end-to-end, making your walk above the illuminated Capilano River completely magical! A portion of Cliffwalk will contain a light tunnel – Arc de Lumina – mesmerizing in its own right!
With thousands of lights surrounding you, you will be spoilt for choice with photo ops for your social media page.
Note: Canyon Lights 2021/2022 – November 20, 2021, to January 23, 2022; Park Hours – 11 am to 9 pm
Spring & Summer
Spring and Summer will showcase the other beautiful side of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. While most of the activities will be available all year-round, some, like Raptors Ridge, are made available only during the Spring and Summer months.
On a day-to-day basis, the best time to visit Bridge Park would be early mornings and late afternoons.
Cost to Enter
The admission rates for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are as follows:
Prices are in Canadian Dollars. Rates are subject to GST.
Adult (17 – 64 years) – $54.95
Senior (65+ years) – $49.95
Student (17+ years with valid ID) – $41.95
Youth (13 – 16 years) – $29.95
Child (6 to 12 years) – $18.95
Kiddie (Under 6 years) – FREE
Family Pass (2 adults + 1 child 6 – 16 years) – $125
Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children 6 – 16 years) – $135
*Prices may subject to change
- All park attractions are included in the admission rates.
- Children and Youth must be accompanied by someone 17 years or over.
- Admission is complimentary for visitors in wheelchairs. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Cliffwalk, and Treetops Adventure are not wheelchair accessible.
- Tickets to Canyon Lights must be purchased in advance online.
- Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park.
Parking
Limited pay parking at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – $6 for 3 hours per vehicle.
Throughout December, FREE overflow parking is available at Connaught in Edgemont Village. Free shuttle to and from Edgemont Village is offered.
FAQ
Why is Capilano Suspension Bridge famous?
Capilano Suspension Bridge is famous for the many fun, adventurous, and thrilling activities that it offers. From going on nature walks in cedar-scented rainforest to overcoming fears and exploring the untouched parts of the park, there is plenty for everyone.
How much does it cost to go onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
The admission rates to experience Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is $54.95 for adults aged 17 – 64 years old, $49.95 for seniors over 65 years old, $41.95 for students above 17 years old with a valid student ID, $29.95 for youth aged 13 – 16, $18.95 for children aged 6 – 12 and FREE for kids under 6 years old.
How long is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Walk?
If it is just the Bridge, you can cross it and get back in less than 30 minutes. To cover the entire park, you can expect to spend around 2.5 hours.
Who built the Capilano Bridge?
The Capilano Suspension Bridge was built in 1888 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and land developer.