Capilano
Suspension Bridge |
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.
Daily
performances in Summer include Native Songs and Dances |
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
Fax: (604) 985-7479
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