One of the most popular and arguably oldest bridges in the world, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is also one of those places that you should visit at least once in a lifetime. A wobbly structure towering over the Capilano River in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park gives you enormous adrenaline rush. Its Treetops Adventure ensures unforgettable memories for life.
Last Updated: November 1, 2021
8 Reasons to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge in the Finest City Park in North Vancouver
The reasons to visit the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge are endless. You can argue that it deserves your attention as one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver, a city that itself ranks high on the list of the most visited places in the world.
With that said, tall trees and natural beauty of British Columbia alway arise your interest. In winter, mesmerizing show of Canyon Lights amazes you, making you brave the Canadian freezing weather and venture to North Vancouver, located 20 minutes from downtown.
Every visitor has her or his own reasons to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the biggest attraction in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. These reasons may significantly differ from the ones of your friends or family members. Some whys, however, seem to fit all preferences.
With that in mind, we are going to unveil the most important reasons why you should visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge at least once in a lifetime.
8 IMPORTANT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE: TOP ATTRACTIONS TO ENJOY IN CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK
1. One of the Oldest Suspension Bridges in the World
History of the Capilano Suspension Bridge began in 1888. At that time, George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and land developer, acquired 6,000 acres of land on both sides of the Capilano River. The new owner erected a small cabin on the edge on the canyon wall. Initially, Mackay didn’t have any need to connect both sides of his property, not until a year later.
In 1889 with the help of indigenous chief of the Squamish people, the land owner built a simple suspension bridge made of hemp rope and cedar planks.
Of course, the first footbridge didn’t look anything like a modern bridge with its massive concrete constructions at either end. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take away the fact that the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges of its kind, a place you should visit at least once when in Vancouver.
2. One of the Most Spectacular Footbridges in the World
Suspended 230 feet (70 meters) above the Capilano River, the 450 feet-long (137 meters) bridge is one of the most spectacular constructions in the world. This alone presents a sufficient reason to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge at least once. The wire cable structure is impressive on its own.
But quite often, opulent surroundings of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park steals the show. The tallest trees you’ve probably ever seen became trademark of the region. These gigantic, awe-inspiring giants of the West Coast rainforest pared with the meandering river and a deep canyon below make the Capilano Suspension Bridge one of the most spectacular places to visit in North Vancouver.
3. Treetops Adventure
There is no better way to explore the rainforest than immersing in it. Becoming if not a part of it, then at least an insider seems like an ideal option. The Treetops Adventure, one of the most popular attractions in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, solves this problem.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is truly unforgettable. Not every day you can see the forest from a squirrel’s eye view. And definitely not from the elevation high enough that you can barely see the ground or the sky, hidden by the tops of the colossal trees.
So what exactly is the Treetops Adventure? The first of its kind in North America, the Treetops Adventure in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park looks like an orderly net of seven short suspension bridges attached to Douglas firs. To avoid any harm to nature, nails and spikes were replaces by steel support collars during the construction of the bridges.
In contrast to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure’s bridges are narrower. Only one person can walk across the hanging structure at a time. Nevertheless, it doesn’t stop the visitors from enjoying the rainforest from inside while exploring the main attractions of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
4. Cliffwalk – a Must-Visit Attraction in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
All adventure seekers and height enthusiasts must check out the Cliffwalk during their visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The newest attraction in the park, this masterpiece of modern technology deserves enormous respect and admiration.
Just like the world-famous Skywalk improves your Grand Canyon experience tenfold, this narrow suspended walkway further establishes the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s reputation as a must-visit destination in the city.
The highest point of the Cliffwalk reaches as far as 300 feet (90 meters) above the Capilano River. Thanks to steel beams supported from 16 anchor points in the rock face, the popular attraction doesn’t swing. Nevertheless, the 700-feet-long (213 meters) structure still satisfies all height-loving visitors, offering them panoramic views of the rainforest and the canyon.
5. Totem Park
Totem Park is yet another reason to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The intricate carved monuments make you wonder about people who occupied the Northwest Coast way before the Europeans got here.
Who were they, the First Nations tribes? Many aspects of their lives still remain a mystery. One thing is certain, though. The indigenous people didn’t lack creativity, talent, and great respect to nature.
As silent witnesses of the old times and the secrets of the aboriginals, the totem poles are eager to tell their stories now. What do you hear? Do they narrate you about the area before the Capilano Suspension Bridge changed it forever?
6. Canyon Lights
We all are very different. We have diverse interests and preferences. You may not be thrilled about the five reasons to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge mentioned above. For some of us, it may be more than enough to pack our bags and fly to British Columbia. The once-in-a-life time adventures certainly await the daring travelers here.
Yet one attraction in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park seems to win the hearts of all its visitors. Won’t you be smitten by hundreds of thousands of lights illuminating the Capilano Suspension Bridge and its surroundings? I assume you will.
Every day (except Christmas Day) from November 20 to January 24 between 4:00pm and 9:00pm (the dates vary yearly), the canyon transforms into a winter light wonderland. The festive bridge, the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk, and the rainforest amaze with the brightest colors and high expectations of something magical to happen.
Every year, eight 250-year-old Douglas firs with the attached Treetops Adventure’s viewing platforms become rare phenomena. Thanks to the bright lights above and below the bridges, these plants earn fame as the tallest Christmas trees in the world.
7. The Trading Post
Almost as old as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Trading Post is a gift store with more than 20,000 Canadian souvenirs. Frankly, the place is a bit expensive, but its clothing, jewelry, accessories, collection of First Nations art, and many other types of merchandises make for perfect gifts to remember your visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
8. Free Guided Tours
History or nature? Both of these topics further explain why you should visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge at least once in a lifetime. Luckily, this information comes at no extra cost. The complimentary mini guided tours are offered hourly. Make sure to join them. Neither of these tours will take too much of your time. On the contrary, they will enrich you with the valuable information about Vancouver’s most popular landmark.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge: The Choice is Yours
The Capilano Suspension Bridge was what drove us to this part of Vancouver in the first place. But by the end of the trip we had many more reasons to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park again and again. We hope you got inspired as well and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge when you are in Vancouver next time.
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