The Capilano Suspension Bridge has been high on my bucket list for quite some time. Before I moved to Vancouver, I (literally) dreamt of the day I could visit this place. So, within my first week of moving here, I took my partner and our dog Luna to North Vancouver, and made a day trip out of it.
It’s a pretty unique experience being suspended within the treetops of a rainforest. There’s so much energy and stillness that comes from thousand year old cedars and douglas firs – it has a way of grounding you so close to the city.
The bridge itself hovers 230 feet above the Capilano River and provides a beautiful escape toward nature. It seems that the beauty of this place has caught on though (rightly so) and the park can get quite touristy at times – so, I’m here to help you have the most authentic experience possible.
Below you’ll find not only a complete guide to the park, but also a hidden lake that we stumbled across, and some dog friendly trails close-by.
Best time to visit.
I would highly recommend you visit during the holiday season. The park puts on their Canyon Lights display, illuminating the entire bridge with twinkling lights. It’s magical, and makes for some amazing photos.
The display draws crowds however, and the bridge can get quite busy – especially around sunset. My suggestion? Go before noon on a rainy day. The dark clouds will work in your favor and really make those lights pop.
Something to note: this year the park reduced their hours and decided to keep the canyon lights on all day. Just be sure this is still the case if you use the above tactic.
The cliffwalk.
Before crossing the bridge, take a right and you’ll find Capilano’s suspended walkways. There are multiple lookout points around here, but the best one by far is the c-shaped overpass.
This narrow walkway juts out from a granite cliff and overlooks the canyon below. It will put you right in the heart of the forest, and (if you make it to the center) you can even spot a small waterfall in the distance!
Treetops adventure.
Wander across the main bridge to a series of 7 smaller suspension bridges. Here you can walk among the canopies of 250 year old douglas firs. The bridges are connected by a unique system that actually grows with the trees. There is no use of nails or bolts, and it causes no harm to the 8 trees that they’re attached to.
We found this to be the highlight of the park. If you can catch this during the Canyon Lights display, you won’t easily forget it.
Costs.
For up-to-date tickets and info, click here. A single admission adult ticket will cost you $55.
BC residents – your single admission comes with an annual pass which you can use within 1 year of the purchase date.
Note: I would recommend booking your timed entry beforehand, as slots can fill up. Once you’re in, you can spend as long as you like in the park.
Getting there.
Free Shuttle Service
The shuttle picks you up from Canada Place Way near the info kiosk, and operates on a first come first serve basis.
Note: unfortunately the shuttle was not running during our visit due to covid restrictions – this may change come spring of 2021.
Public Transit
From downtown Vancouver take the #246 Highland bus – get off at Ridgewood Drive at Norcross Way. Walk north along Capilano Road for about 5 minutes and you’ll see the entryway on your left side.
Driving
A short 15 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
How to find Capilano Lake.
Finding this place was a total fluke. It happened as we were driving up toward Grouse Mountain and passed a parking lot on the side of the road packed with cars (it was a sunny Saturday in the rainy season). We pulled in to investigate and found this beauty:
Right at Nancy Green Way and Prospect Ave, you’ll find the parking lot on the left side of the road (coming from the Capilano Suspension Bridge). This view is just a few short steps from there – you can’t miss it.
Tip: if taking public transit, the #236 bus stops here as well.
Hike the Capilano Pacific Trail.
After taking in the views of the Lions (the 2 peaks you’ll see across the lake), cross the bridge over the Cleveland Dam. Here is where you’ll find the trailhead leading to the Capilano Pacific Trail.
We followed this trail all the way back to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which took about half an hour. The trail continues further, but was closed off due to hazardous conditions. We just ended up doubling back around the opposite side of the river for one last look at the lake. Give yourself about 1.5 hours if you follow this same route.
Tip: keep an eye out for a pretty amazing look out point about halfway through that overlooks the Capilano Canyon. It’s well marked, so you won’t miss it.
Happy travels!
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