In 1889, a pioneering Scotsman, George Grant Mackay, suspended the original swinging bridge over the rushing waters of Capilano Canyon. The spectacular beauty of this wilderness location attracted many turn-of-the-century adventurers. As transportation improved, visitors flocked to the intriguing footbridge, establishing it as a world-renowned attraction.
The original cables used for the bridge were actually hemp ropes. Since then the ropes have been replaced with cables strong enough to hold up a fully loaded 747 airliner.
Today, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park invites you to relive those pioneer days. Join friendly costumed staff as they take you back in time….Grasp the cool, steel cable, step onto the gently swaying cedar planks and follow Mackey’s footsteps 450 feet (137 metres) across and 230 feet (70 metres) above Capilano River!
The Nature Park provides a tranquil retreat on the west side of the suspension bridge. Follow meandering trails through an old-growth forest. A 200-foot waterfall flows from mountain-fed trout ponds to the Capilano River below.
Browse through unique Canadian gifts in the Capilano Trading Post. Perched on the edge of Capilano Canyon, it has welcomed visitors to the famous suspension bridge since 1911. Its unsurpassed collection of native art, hand-crafted leathers, classic apparel and unique gifts represents artisans from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
Totem Park: The tradition of placing colourful totem (story) poles on the grounds at Capilano Suspension Bridge began in the 1930s, when Mac MacEachran invited local First Nations to place their story poles in the park. Those colourful poles are maintained in the exact condition in which they were received, and remain on display in the Totem Park.
Treetops Adventure, a thrilling West Coast rainforest experience at Capilano Suspension Bridge, is the first venue of its kind in North America. Treetops offers visitors a squirrel’s eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another on a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30 metres) above the forest floor. Guided nature tours and the Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program are some of the activities that enhance this unique rainforest encounter.
Cliffwalk: The 27-acre park includes the Cliffwalk, which opened in June, 2011. This heart-stopping cliffside journey takes you through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above Capilano River to previously unexplored areas of the park. Not for the faint of heart, it is high and narrow and, in some sections, strong glass is all that separates guests from the canyon far below.
Kia’palano: Visitors can get an educational glimpse into the lives of BC’s First Nations people at Kia’palano, where the historical connection between First Nations’ culture and the natural world is highlighted. Kia’palano is an educational adventure and enlightening thing to do in Vancouver.
Story Centre: You’re one of the Capilano Tramps, those early adventurers who made the long “tramp” to Capilano Suspension Bridge. Today visitors to Capilano Suspension Bridge can pose with the Tramps before they begin their walk through the Story Centre. Life-size photomurals, artifacts and antiques together with “voices from the past” and informative flipbooks chronicle the early history of the bridge and the development of Vancouver.
In 1925, the Bridge House Restaurant was the home of early bridge owners, Mac and Elizabeth MacEachran. Today, the charm of that bygone era is preserved in the cozy stone fireplace, intimate rooms, gracious hospitality and bountiful cuisine. For casual dining, West Coast style, succulent barbecued salmon and juicy hamburgers are just some of the favourites available at the outdoor barbecue. Other dining options include the pioneer-themed Loggers’ Grill, and the casual Canyon Cafe.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park is located in North Vancouver, ten minutes from downtown Vancouver, and is open every day except Christmas Day. Opening hours vary according to the season, but as a guideline, summer hours are 8:30am to 8pm, and winter hours are 9am to 5pm. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
Shuttle Service: There is a free shuttle service to Capilano Suspension Bridge, available on a first come, first served basis, with pickup locations at Canada Place, Hyatt Regency, Blue Horizon Hotel, and Westin Bayshore hotel.
Transit routes: From downtown, take the #246 bus heading West on Georgia Street. Disembark at Ridgewood Drive and Capilano Road, and walk 1 block North on Capilano Road. Alternatively, ride the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay and, during May to September, take #236 bus directly to the park, or take #230 bus to Lonsdale Avenue and 15th Street, transfer to #232 bus to Edgemont Boulevard and Capilano Road, and walk 1 block South on Capilano Road.
After your visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge, follow Capilano Road north one block to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, 2 miles to Cleveland Dam, and 3 miles to Grouse Mountain.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC
V7R 4J1
Tel: 604-985-7474
Toll Free: 1-877-985-7474
