Attraction
Stanley Park
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park covers about 405 hectares of forest, beaches and lakes on the Downtown peninsula, circled by an 8.8 km stretch of seawall.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
A 140-metre suspension bridge 70 metres above the Capilano River, with treetop walkways, a cliffside path and rainforest trails, reached by a free shuttle from Canada Place.
At a glance
- Type
- Suspension bridge and rainforest park
- Area
- North Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
- Official site
- capbridge.com
Good to know
- Free shuttle from Canada Place
- Treetops Adventure
- Cliffwalk
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
Why we recommend it
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park sits in the rainforest of North Vancouver, across the harbour from downtown. Its centrepiece is a bridge 140 metres long that hangs 70 metres above the Capilano River. The first crossing was built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and Vancouver park commissioner, using hemp ropes and cedar planks. It was replaced with a wire cable bridge in 1903 and completely rebuilt in 1956. The park has been owned by Nancy Stibbard since 1983 and welcomes about 1.2 million visitors a year.
The bridge is only part of the visit. Treetops Adventure, opened in 2004, is a series of seven footbridges strung between old-growth Douglas firs, up to 30 metres above the forest floor. Cliffwalk, added in 2011, is a narrow walkway fixed to the granite cliff above the canyon. Kia'palano, the history tours and the Story Centre add background on the people and the place. All of these are included in the admission ticket.
Expect to spend two and a half to three hours, which is the park's own average. It is open every day of the year except 25 December, in rain or shine, and opening hours change through the year, with long days from May to early September. Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter, and so are wet days. From November to January the park lights up for Canyon Lights. Book tickets online in advance. BC residents who show valid ID get a complimentary annual pass with a regular-priced ticket.
Accessibility is mixed. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are not wheelchair accessible, but Kia'palano, the history tours and the Story Centre are, and visitors who use wheelchairs get complimentary admission. Strollers are not allowed on the attractions, so bring a child carrier that keeps babies below railing height. Leashed dogs are welcome except at Raptors Ridge, the Cliff House Restaurant and the gift store. Drones are banned, and selfie sticks are not allowed on the attractions.
The easiest way to get there is the free shuttle, whose main pick-up is at Canada Place downtown. The park has food outlets and the Cliff House Restaurant, so you do not need to bring lunch. Grouse Mountain, also in North Vancouver, can be paired with it for a full day on the North Shore.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park FAQs
How do you get to Capilano Suspension Bridge from downtown?
The park runs a free shuttle, with its main pick-up at Canada Place.
How long should you allow?
The park says the average visit lasts two and a half to three hours.
Is it open all year?
Yes, every day except 25 December, rain or shine. Hours change by season, so check the schedule before you go.
How long and high is the bridge?
The bridge is 140 metres long and hangs 70 metres above the Capilano River.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are not, but Kia'palano, history tours and the Story Centre are. Wheelchair users get complimentary admission.
Can you bring a pushchair or a dog?
Strollers are not allowed on the attractions. Leashed dogs are welcome except at Raptors Ridge, the restaurant and the gift store.
When is it quietest?
Early mornings, late afternoons and rainy days.
What is Canyon Lights?
It is the park's winter light display, which runs from November to January.