Capilano Suspension
Bridge Park
137 metres across. 70 metres above the river. One of Canada's most thrilling and iconic experiences — set in an ancient rainforest just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
135 Years of Thrilling Visitors
In 1889, Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay stretched a hemp rope and cedar plank bridge across the Capilano River gorge on his North Vancouver property — and invited friends to cross it. The view from the middle, 70 metres above the rushing river, was so spectacular that word spread quickly. Within years, the crossing had become one of the most talked-about experiences in the young city of Vancouver.
The bridge has been rebuilt four times since then — first in wire cable in 1910, then in progressively stronger steel configurations, culminating in the current structure built in 1953. Through each rebuild, the essential experience has remained the same: a long, swaying walk above a deep, forested gorge, with the sound of the river far below and the ancient trees towering overhead.
Today the park has grown far beyond the bridge itself. The Treetops Adventure (2004) added seven suspension bridges through the forest canopy. The Cliffwalk (2011) bolted cantilevered walkways directly into the granite cliff face. Canyon Lights (launched 2009) transforms the park into a winter illumination wonderland. Together, these attractions make Capilano Suspension Bridge Park one of the most visited destinations in all of Canada — drawing over a million visitors a year from around the world.
The park sits within a temperate rainforest of extraordinary age — Douglas firs over a thousand years old, western red cedars with trunks wider than a car, and a forest floor carpeted in ferns and mosses that stay green year-round. It's a genuinely wild and ancient place, just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
Four Distinct Experiences
Your admission covers all four — plan at least 2–3 hours to do them all justice.
The Suspension Bridge
The centrepiece of the park — and one of the most iconic experiences in all of BC. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 metres (450 feet) across the Capilano River gorge and hangs 70 metres (230 feet) above the rushing water below. First built in 1889 by Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay using hemp rope and cedar planks, the current bridge is a steel-cable structure that sways gently underfoot as you cross. The view down into the gorge is breathtaking — and just a little terrifying.
- ▸137 m long, 70 m above the river
- ▸Original bridge built in 1889
- ▸Steel cable construction — very safe
- ▸Sways gently — thrilling for all ages
Treetops Adventure
Seven suspension bridges connect eight massive, centuries-old Douglas fir trees, carrying you through the forest canopy up to 30 metres (100 feet) above the forest floor. The trees are supported by a collar-and-cable system that doesn't harm them — the bridges are attached to the trees themselves, not to platforms bolted through the bark. Walking through the canopy gives you a completely different perspective on the ancient rainforest, and the views down through the ferns and undergrowth are stunning.
- ▸Seven bridges through the canopy
- ▸Up to 30 m above the forest floor
- ▸Eight ancient Douglas fir trees
- ▸Non-invasive tree support system
Cliffwalk
Added in 2011, the Cliffwalk is a series of cantilevered and suspended walkways bolted directly into the granite cliff face above the Capilano River. The 230-metre route hugs the cliff at varying heights, with sections of glass-floored walkway that let you look straight down to the river below. It's the most vertigo-inducing part of the park — narrow sections jut out over the gorge with nothing but air beneath your feet. Absolutely spectacular, and genuinely not for the faint of heart.
- ▸230 m of cliff-hugging walkways
- ▸Glass-floored sections over the gorge
- ▸Bolted directly into granite cliff
- ▸Added 2011 — the newest attraction
The Ancient Rainforest
The park sits within a temperate rainforest of extraordinary age and density. Ancient Douglas firs, western red cedars, and hemlocks tower overhead, some of them over 1,000 years old and reaching 60 metres into the sky. The forest floor is carpeted in ferns, mosses, and salal, and the air is cool and damp even on the hottest summer days. Interpretive signs throughout the park explain the ecology of the rainforest, the First Nations history of the land, and the story of the park's founding.
- ▸Douglas firs over 1,000 years old
- ▸Trees reaching 60 m tall
- ▸Lush ferns and mosses year-round
- ▸First Nations cultural interpretation
The Capilano River Below
The Capilano River has carved its gorge through the granite bedrock of the North Shore mountains over thousands of years. Standing on the bridge and looking down, the river appears as a thin ribbon of white and green far below — the sound of the rapids carries up through the canyon even on calm days.
The river is a critical salmon habitat — coho and chinook salmon spawn in the Capilano each autumn, and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery (a short walk from the park) is one of the best places in Metro Vancouver to watch the salmon run up close. The hatchery is free to visit and makes a great add-on to a park trip.
Canyon Lights
From late November through January, Canyon Lights transforms the park into one of Metro Vancouver's most spectacular holiday experiences. Hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate the suspension bridge, the ancient trees, the canyon walls, and every pathway through the park — creating a glowing, otherworldly atmosphere in the heart of the rainforest.
The experience is completely different from the daytime park — the darkness of the forest makes the lights more dramatic, the bridge glows against the black canyon, and the whole setting feels genuinely magical. It's one of the few holiday light events in BC that's set in a natural environment rather than a parking lot or fairground.
Book well in advance. Canyon Lights sells out on weekends — sometimes weeks ahead. Timed-entry tickets are required. Book at capbridge.com as soon as your dates are confirmed.
The Park Through the Seasons
Open year-round — every season offers something different in the rainforest.
Spring
March – May
Spring brings new growth to the rainforest — bright green ferns unfurl, wildflowers appear on the forest floor, and the river runs high and fast with snowmelt. Crowds are lighter than summer, and the forest is at its most lush and vibrant. Weekday mornings in April and May are among the best times to visit.
- ▸Lush new fern growth
- ▸High, fast-running river
- ▸Lighter crowds than summer
- ▸Wildflowers on the forest floor
Summer
June – August
Peak season — the park is at its busiest but also its most spectacular. The forest is in full leaf, the river is clear and green, and the park runs extended hours. Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds. The park is genuinely beautiful even when busy.
- ▸Extended evening hours
- ▸Forest in full summer leaf
- ▸Arrive early or late to beat crowds
- ▸Best weather for Cliffwalk
Autumn
September – November
Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season in the park. The big-leaf maples turn brilliant gold and orange, contrasting with the deep green of the conifers. Crowds thin significantly after Labour Day, and the light filtering through the autumn canopy is spectacular for photography. September and October are ideal.
- ▸Big-leaf maple autumn colour
- ▸Dramatically reduced crowds
- ▸Golden light through the canopy
- ▸Best season for photography
Canyon Lights (Winter)
Late November – January
Canyon Lights is one of Metro Vancouver's most beloved holiday traditions. The entire park is transformed by hundreds of thousands of lights — the suspension bridge, the trees, the pathways, and the canyon walls all glow in the winter darkness. The effect is genuinely magical, and the rainforest setting makes it unlike any other holiday light display in BC.
- ▸Hundreds of thousands of lights
- ▸The bridge illuminated at night
- ▸Unique rainforest winter setting
- ▸One of Vancouver's top holiday events
135 Years in the Making
George Grant Mackay builds the first bridge using hemp rope and cedar planks across the Capilano River gorge.
The property is sold to August Jack Khahtsahlano's family friend, who begins welcoming visitors informally.
The bridge is rebuilt in wire cable for the first time, replacing the original hemp rope construction.
Mac MacEachran purchases the park and begins developing it as a formal tourist attraction.
The current steel-cable bridge is constructed — the fourth version of the crossing.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is purchased by Nancy Stibbard, who begins major expansion.
Treetops Adventure opens — seven suspension bridges through the ancient Douglas fir canopy.
Canyon Lights holiday event launches, transforming the park into a winter illumination experience.
The Cliffwalk opens — cantilevered walkways bolted into the granite cliff face above the river.
Over 1 million visitors annually make it one of the most visited attractions in all of Canada.
Practical Information
Admission
Adults ~$65 | Youth (13–17) ~$40 | Children (6–12) ~$20 | Under 6 free
Prices vary by season — check capbridge.com for current rates. Canyon Lights has separate pricing.
Hours
Open daily year-round, typically 9:00 AM to dusk (extended hours in summer & Canyon Lights)
Hours vary significantly by season — always check ahead before visiting
Location
3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
15 min from downtown Vancouver by car; free shuttle from Canada Place in summer
Phone
604-985-7474
Call ahead during Canyon Lights season — timed entry tickets often required
Website
capbridge.com
Book online to guarantee entry — the park sells out on busy summer weekends
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings in spring/autumn; Canyon Lights in December
Summer weekends are the busiest — arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM
Make the Most of Your Visit
Arrive before 10 AM
The park opens at 9 AM and the first hour is dramatically quieter than mid-morning. Tour buses typically arrive between 10 AM and 2 PM — being there before them makes a huge difference to the experience.
Take the free shuttle
From late May through October, a free shuttle runs from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver directly to the park entrance. It's the easiest and most stress-free way to get there — no parking hassle, no traffic.
Go in the rain
The park is genuinely spectacular in wet weather. The gorge roars, the forest drips, the moss glows, and the crowds thin dramatically. Bring a waterproof jacket and embrace it — some of the best photos come from rainy days.
Wear grippy shoes
The paths and bridges can be slippery when wet — and it's often wet in a rainforest. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are strongly recommended. Flip-flops and heels are a bad idea on the Cliffwalk.
Best photo spots
The view from the middle of the suspension bridge looking down the gorge is the classic shot. The Cliffwalk glass floor sections are dramatic. The Treetops Adventure at golden hour filters beautiful light through the canopy.
Book Canyon Lights early
Canyon Lights (late November through January) is enormously popular and often sells out on weekends. Book your timed-entry tickets online at least a week in advance, especially for December dates.
Great for all ages
The park is genuinely accessible for most ages and abilities. The main paths are paved and relatively flat. The Cliffwalk has some narrow sections that may not suit strollers or wheelchairs — check the website for accessibility details.
Dining on-site
The Cliff House Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with views over the canyon. The Bridge House offers casual fare. Both are good quality for an attraction restaurant — no need to rush out hungry.
The Park in Pictures
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