Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver is best known for its impressive suspension bridge, beautiful old-growth forest and the Canyon Lights event in winter when the entire park is illuminated with one million twinkling lights. We’ve collated the top things you need to know about visiting the park below. Though fair warning, if you’re afraid of heights, this may be one you want to skip!
Main attractions inside the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is located in a forested area, so there are no views of the city or the mountains. Instead, the experience revolves around the suspension bridge and exploring the rainforest. Below we’ve listed the main attractions you’ll find inside the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
First Nations totem poles
The park is situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. As you enter, the first thing you’ll see is the display of their local history and culture and a beautiful collection of totem poles. Every pole in the park has its own captivating story, so take some time to read the information panels before moving on to see the suspension bridge.
Capilano suspension bridge
The central feature of the park, and the reason why most people visit, is the impressive suspension bridge. It’s 137 meters long (450 feet) and puts you 70 meters (230 feet) above the Capilano River.
The original bridge was constructed in 1889 using hemp rope and cedar planks. Over time, it underwent several upgrades and is now made of steel cables. If you’re worried the bridge might be unsafe, don’t be. Apparently, it can support the weight of a fully loaded 747 airliner or 75 full-grown elephants!
Nature Edge Broadwalk
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll enter the historic rainforest. We say historic because some of the trees in the park are 1500 years old. The trail is paved and easy and will eventually take you to the treetops adventure portion of the park. You’ll meet Nature Guides along the way and you can ask them about what’s around you. There are also several informative panels along this trail.
Treetops adventure in a rainforest canopy
The Treetops Adventure is a series of short footbridges held together by old-growth Douglas firs. You’ll be quite high above the forest floor and literally walking between the treetops. You’ll learn about these hardy trees from various information panels along the way.
Cliffwalk
Another of the park’s main highlights is the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway suspended at 90 meters (300 feet) high above the Capilano River. It’s a much sturdier structure than the suspension bridge so it doesn’t sway or wobble, but the glass-floored platforms may get your heart going a little faster! 🙂
Restaurants
The park has three places where you can eat:
- The Cabin, where you can grab a coffee and cake, or Capilano Otter Balls (tiny pancakes drizzled in sweet Canadian maple syrup)
- The Loggers’ Grill is all about burgers, hot dogs and poutine. There are veggie options too!
- For a restaurant experience, stop at The Cliff House Restaurant overlooking the park. We’ve not eaten here personally, but their Google reviews are excellent.
The Trading Post
Finally, there’s a gift shop selling all sorts of goodies, from toys to jewelry and clothes, to a curated collection of First Nations designs. You can also buy food items such as fudge and, of course, maple syrup!
Capilano Canyon Lights
Between November and January, Capilano transforms into something out of a fairytale as the entire park gets covered in one million little fairy lights. They’re on every tree, along the pathways and across the suspension bridge. Even the river below is illuminated. The park looks beautiful and understandably it’s one of the top places to visit in Vancouver during the festive season. This event is called Canyon Lights.
The park is also covered in lights for Valentine’s in February. For exact dates, check the park’s website.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – Is It Worth The Hype?
Some people will tell you that Capilano is 100% worth a visit, while others might say it’s over-hyped or over-priced. Who to believe? The truth is, there is no right answer because everyone will experience the park differently.
During the Canyon Lights display in winter, we would recommend the park to everyone. It’s a wonderful experience no matter your age or whether you like the outdoors or not. As for other months, it mostly depends on the type of person you are, your budget and if you’ll be visiting Vancouver just once in your lifetime. Here’s who we think the park is for:
- People who are not adventurous and prefer walks in parks and forests over hikes in the mountains. If you’re an avid hiker, it’s unlikely you’ll be blown away by the park. It’s a nice day out, but it’s not something you’re likely to remember forever compared to your other outdoor adventures.
- People who have not been on a suspension bridge. Our first time on a suspension bridge was an exhilarating experience and we’re sure it will be yours too.
- Families with children who are not scared of heights.
- First-time Vancouver visitors who like tourist attractions and want to tick the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park off their bucket list because they may never come back to Vancouver.
Here are some other things to consider:
- The park is a family-friendly tourist attraction, so it’s pretty much always busy. Over a million people visit every year!
- It’s privately owned, so you have to pay an admission fee to enter.
- You will be surrounded by nature, but you won’t achieve the ‘lost in nature’ feeling.
- Walking the trails or crossing the bridge is not challenging unless you’re afraid of heights or need special assistance.
- The park is well-maintained, has food shops and easy-to-find restrooms, so visiting is fuss-free.
- There is a free shuttle from Canada Place that will take you to the park and back.
Best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
The park gets pretty crowded with tourists but if that’s okay with you, then any time is good.
If you’d prefer the park to be more quiet, there are a couple of options. You can get there early when the park opens, or you can arrive later in the day when it’s about to close. And here’s a secret tip: if you’re there when the park closes, you can still enjoy it for another hour without more people coming in. This is a great time to take some more peaceful photos on the bridge.
The only exception is winter. During the Canyon Lights display the park is always packed. If you have a choice, we suggest going around sunset. This way, you can see the park at dusk and then enjoy the beautiful lights when it gets dark.
Best season to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
The park looks completely different in summer and in winter. In summer, people visit to experience the suspension bridge and explore the forest, while in winter, it’s all about the Canyon Lights.
Here’s a quick little breakdown of all seasonal attractions:
- In February, the park is covered in thousands of pink fairy lights for Valentine’s Day.
- Then there’s Hoppy Heights in the spring when the park hosts special Easter-themed activities for children.
- During select times from June to October, there are live educational demonstrations about birds of prey and wildlife conservation. If you time your visit right, you’ll experience species that are hard to spot in the wild such as owls, hawks and falcons!
- In October, you can visit during a Halloween-themed event called Canyon Frights. The park is decorated with lights, pumpkins, skeletons, and other spooky displays.
- From November to January the park is covered in twinkling fairy lights for the Holidays. It’s almost like being in a Christmas movie (along with hundreds of other people).
For exact dates, check the park’s website.
Getting to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The simplest way to get to Capilano is to take a free shuttle from Canada Place. Click here for the shuttle schedule.
If you have a car, Capilano has a designated parking lot across the street from the entrance for $8 3-hour parking (price last checked in 2024). But it can be very busy in the summer months.
If you choose public transport, the easiest option is to take a SeaBus from the Waterfront Station to North Vancouver. We still remember the first time we took a SeaBus. It was during off-peak hours on a clear summer day and we loved looking at the city and harbour from the water. It’s a whole different experience during rush hour, but if you’ve not been on a SeaBus before and you time it right, it’s a great thing to do especially if you’re on a budget. Wander around the Lonsdale Quay for a bit, visit the Waterfront Park Dock, grab a coffee and then take bus 236 to Capilano. After your visit, take the free shuttle back to downtown Vancouver.
Capilano Suspension Bridge FAQ
How long does it take to explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park?
You will most likely spend between 2-3 hours exploring.
Do I need to pre-book tickets?
Yes, there is a limit on the number of people who can be in the park at one time, so it’s best to pre-book your ticket. Even annual pass holders have to pre-book.
Does Capilano Suspension Bridge Park get crowded?
The park can get crowded, especially in the summer and during the Canyon Lights event in winter. If you don’t like waiting, don’t go in the middle of the day.
What if I’m scared of heights?
If you’re scared of heights, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park may not be the best choice unless you’re looking for a thrill. The bridge is 137 meters long (450 feet), so it may take some courage to cross it. Moreover, people come from both directions onto the bridge, and with that comes a slight wobble. But if the biggest trigger of your fear is looking down rather than the wobble, then you should be fine as you won’t be able to see through the bridge decking. The same goes for the Treetops Adventure. The Clifftop Walk, on the other hand, has see-through metal grid decking and glass-floored platforms, which may make it a bit more challenging if you’re not fond of heights.
Are there other suspension bridges I can see in Vancouver?
There is a shorter suspension bridge in Lynn Valley that is free to visit. It has several hiking trails, a waterfall and a 30 foot pool for cold swimming. It’s not your typical tourist attraction, but what locals would recommend if you’re on a budget.
If you’re planning a trip along the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish or Whistler, there’s also a suspension bridge at the top of the Sea to Sky gondola. It involves taking a gondola and there is a cost, but you’ll get your money’s worth as there are other attractions at the summit, such as short hikes, lookout points with stunning views of Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief, and a restaurant with a patio where you can enjoy a drink with a view.
Where can I find more information?
Head over to the official website of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for more information on all of the park’s attractions and activities.
