Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Vancouver BC

About the Capilano SUspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is open year-round and attracts over 1.2 million visitors each year. It was originally built in 1889, and has been rebuilt a few times since then, in 1903, 1956, and 1998. The current bridge is made of steel cables and Douglas fir planks and can carry up to 2,500 people at a time. Beyond the main suspension bridge, the park offers other ways to enjoy nature.

Tourist traps are usually our least favorite part of traveling to a new city because they’re always crowded, overpriced, and overrated. We didn’t expect there to be much more than just the suspension bridge, but it is a beautiful park, and we’re so glad we had a chance to visit.

We enjoyed walking around the Treetops Adventure the most and liked that they had many great photo ops throughout the park.

Things to Do at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

There are a handful of different activities you can do when visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. To make the most of your visit, let’s take a look at each one in more detail.

1. The Capilano Suspension Bridge

Test your fear of heights on the world-famous suspension bridge that spans 450 feet (137 meters) above a beautiful canyon. The bridge suspends you 230 feet (70 meters) above the river. Although it’s wobbly, the bridge is strong. It can carry over 2,500 people or a fully loaded 747 airliner.

Can you tell that I maybe a tad afraid of heights in the photo below?

Fun Fact: They originally built the bridge with hemp rope and cedar planks!

2. Treetops Adventure

This was our favorite activity in the park. There are seven interconnected suspension bridges that take you through the beautiful 250-year-old Douglas fir trees. There’s even a treehouse to explore. At the highest point, you are 110 feet above the forest floor.

Fun Fact: The treehouse was built from reclaimed wood.

3. Cliffwalk

If the bridge didn’t get your heart racing enough, then check out Cliffwalk. These narrow walkways and stairs take you as high as 30 stories above the canyon. There are also viewing platforms anchored to the cliff face. If you look closely, you might even be able to spot a waterfall in the canyon.

Fun Fact: The Cliffwalk can support up to 35 adult orca whales, or 100,000 pounds.

4. The Living Forest

Just beyond the Suspension Bridge is the Living Forest, where you can explore a lush West Coast rainforest. Breathe in the fresh air as you learn about the amazing ecosystem that you’re walking through. This area is perfect if you had enough heights from the suspension bridge.

Fun Fact: Keep an eye out for banana slugs that are common in the area. Just be sure to leave them alone.

5. The Birds of Raptors Ridge

If you’re visiting between April and early September, then stop by Raptors Ridge to meet eagles, owls, and other birds of prey. The dedicated handlers tell you more about these amazing creatures and you get to see some of them in action.

The birds are kept in an open, free-flight environment and they rotate the birds as to not over stimulate them with visitors.

If I ever encountered any of these birds in the wild, they would terrify me. Look at how big their wingspans are!

6. See the History of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

As you enter the park, you’ll see the Story Centre where you can learn about the 130+ years of stories and history the park has to tell.

You can also stop by the Trading Post to get souveniers or food and snacks in the main village area.

Fun Fact: The current owner of the park started working selling ice cream at the park when she was eight. She eventually bought the park from her father.

7. Kia’Palano

This educational center is dedicated to the First Nations people and their connection to the park and surrounding area. Many of the totem poles (or story poles) were designed and carved by Indigenous carvers of the Tlingtin/Talton Nation.

Fun Fact: Kia’palano means “beautiful river” in the Skwxwú7mesh language.

Bonus: Join a complimentary Talk

Dedicated and knowledgeable guides hold talks on history, culture, and nature. Throughout the summer, they give over 1000 tours and it’s one of the best ways to get insight into the park.

Ticket Prices and Hours

Purchasing a ticket gets you unlimited access to everything the Park has to offer. Purchase tickets online to save $3 and if you’re a BC resident, the BC Annual Pass is the same prices as one ticket.

They also offer evening prices if you plan to visit after 5 PM.

• Adults (18-64): Online Price $54 | Ticket Window Price $57 | Evening Price $42
• Senior (65+): Online Price $50 | Ticket Window Price $53 | Evening Price $38
• Student (18+ with valid ID): Online Price $44 | Ticket Window Price $47 | Evening Price $33
• Youth (13-17): Online Price $32 | Ticket Window Price $35 | Evening Price $23
• Child (6-12): Online Price $23 | Ticket Window Price $26 | Evening Price $17
• Children 5 and Under: Free

Seasonal Hours (You can stay in the park an additional hour after posted closing time)

• May 18 – September 4: 8:30 AM to 7 PM (closing at 5 PM on Aug 29th)
• September 5 – October 12: 9 AM to 6 PM
• October 13 – October 31: 10 AM to 8 PM (Canyon Frights)
• November 1 – November 16: 10 AM to 5 PM
• November 17 – January 21, 2024: 11 AM to 9 PM (Canyon Lights)

Getting to Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. There are a few different ways you can get there:

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Address:
3735 Capilano Road North Vancouver, BC Canada V7R 4J1 (map)

• By Free Shuttle: There is a free shuttle that picks up from a few different spots downtown and even includes return service. See the schedule here. Proof of Park admission is required for the return shuttle.
• By Car: Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. From downtown Vancouver, head west on Georgia Street up the Stanley Park causeway over Lions Gate Bridge. Then take the North Vancouver exit to Marine Drive, turn left up Capilano Road. The park entrance is 1 mile up the road.
• By Transit: You can take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then take the #236 bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Fore more options, see here.
• By Bike: Follow the same directions as by car. Some of the streets will have bike lanes and there are plenty of bike racks in front of the Bridge House. Keep in mind the ride will take you on a lot of hills and some busy areas with no bike lanes.

Parking at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: $8 for three hours
Parking can be limited on weekends and holidays, and RV parking is extremely limited. During peak periods, they may direct you to one of the free overflow parking locations where a shuttle will take you to the park.

Where to Stay

Essential Tips for Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

• Since you’ll be exploring the PNW, it’s always smart to have a rain jacket and waterproof shoes on.
• Books your tickets online to save money. They can also sell out during peak season (summer and weekends).
• The park is typically busiest between 11 AM and 3 PM. Visit before or after for lighter crowds.
• You will be doing a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
• They have special events throughout the year like Canyon Frights (Oct), Love Lights (Feb), and Canyon Lights (Nov-Jan).
• If you have little ones, check out the Rainforest Explorers Program. It’s a self-guided booklet that you can pick up at the Treehouse filled with games, puzzles, and more. Once finished, you can pick up a reward before heading back across the bridge.
• You’ll see plenty of other wildlife in the area if you keep an eye out. Resident squirrels, rainbow trout, great blue heron, and even bald eagles can be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions