Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

"After sending a team of horses swimming across the Capilano River with a long rope in tow, the builder of the original Capilano Suspension Bridge could never have dreamed that his simple span would become a world-class attraction. Built in 1889 by Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay, the 460-foot bridge was constructed of hemp rope and cedar planks. Once the bridge was in place, Mackay’s property became popular among his friends who took the name “the Capilano Tramps” to mark themselves as the adventurous types who would dare cross the swaying bridge. The crude original version was upgraded to a wire cable bridge in 1903. Then in 1910, the property was sold and began changing hands across the years as each subsequent owner built the bridge’s reputation as a world-class adventure tourism destination. The span was completely rebuilt in 1956 and is now under the purview of a small chain of rustic tourist attractions.  The Capilano Suspension Bridge continues to draw huge crowds of visitors every year and is ranked as one of Vancouver’s most popular destinations. Additions have been made to the park to increase the visitor experience. On the west side of the bridge is the Treetop Adventures Canopy Walk, which consists of eight wooden bridges suspended between a number of huge Douglas Fir trees over 100 feet in the air. Bridges are secured to the trees not through nails or bolts that would damage the trees, but through specially engineered steel collars.  Once removed, these collars will have done no damage to the host trees at all. In 2011, the vertigo-inducing Cliffwalk opened on the east side of the canyon.  Pinned straight into the rock cliffs, the Cliffwalk is a series of secure and narrow walkways jutting out from the cliffs, through the trees, and over the river. Providing excellent views of the Suspension Bridge itself and the river below, as well as the trees growing out of the cliffs, and the surrounding forest, the Cliffwalk is a unique way to appreciate, and feel the thrill, of the West Coast. Not bad for something that started as a simple bridge built to entertain friends." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"Originally built in 1889, this simple suspension footbridge surrounded by an evergreen forest is very high, fairly narrow, and extremely shaky — the cedar planks bounce on their steel cables as you walk across them. If the bridge doesn't scare you, the Cliffwalk attraction, which opened in spring 2011, allows visitors to climb across a series of suspended walkways attached to a cliff." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"This 27-acre attraction in North Vancouver gets the heart racing with a suspension bridge that bounces 230 feet above a forested river gorge. Even more spectacular, however, is the Cliffwalk, a labyrinth of walkways along the granite flank of the valley. Get a bird’s-eye view of the area during the Treetops Adventure, a canopy expedition through the upper tiers of 250-year-old Douglas firs. The experience doesn’t come cheap at $46.95 per adult, but it does include free shuttle service from downtown and mini-tours that cover the flora, fauna, and First Nations involvement in the park. From late November to late January, Capilano strings holiday lights around the canyon and decorates the world’s tallest living Christmas tree."

"For people whose knees shake at the mere thought of walking a wooden suspension bridge 230 feet above terra firma, this is definitely not a top spot, but travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. First built as a tourist attraction in 1889, the North Vancouver park continues to draw droves of visitors who stroll the bridge and other high-level offerings." - Jennifer Van Evra

"Wait, you're recommending we do what ? For people whose knees shake at the mere thought of walking a wooden suspension bridge 230 feet above terra firma, this is definitely not a top spot, but travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. First built as a tourist attraction in 1889, the North Vancouver park continues to draw droves of visitors who stroll the bridge and other high-level offerings. That sounds...daunting. What are some of the standout moments? The 450-foot-long bridge is definitely the main attraction, but it isn’t the only one. There’s also the Treetops Adventure, a series of seven bridges suspended as high as 100 feet up in the soaring Douglas firs that give visitors a “squirrel’s eye view” of the forest. The newest addition to the park is Cliffwalk, a series of narrow walkways—some of them with glass floors—cantilevered out from a granite cliff high above the forest floor. Featuring life-size photographs, informative panels, artifacts and antiques, the Story Centre provides historic context to the bridge and surrounding area, while the striking Kia’palano totem poles offer the Indigenous perspective. Kids love the giant treehouse, too, which was built using only reclaimed wood. The guided history and nature tours are worth the time, and if you’re in Vancouver in December or January, the Canyon Lights—hundreds of thousands of holiday lights strung through the trees—are truly enchanting. Got it. How easy is it to find your way around? And is it accessible The park is very well-marked and easy to navigate, but the bridge isn't wheelchair- or stroller-friendly. If you’re traveling with a baby, make sure to bring a carrier that allows you to have both hands free. There are plenty of places to catch your breath, too, including the Cliff House Restaurant, whose West Coast seafood chowder, ale-battered fish and chips, and quinoa salad are all top faves. The Trading Post store also has a local slant, with everything from rainforest-friendly outdoor gear to tasty house-made fudge. That sounds cool. Anything else we should know about planning a visit? With rates ranging from $18.95 for kids (free under 6) to $54.95 for adults, this park isn't the cheapest, but you can occasionally find discounts online; if you’re a B.C. resident, one regular-priced ticket gets you a complimentary annual pass. There’s also a free shuttle from downtown year-round, so no need to navigate transit or parking. If you’re short on time, hit the bridge right away, and don’t spend too much time mulling souvenirs in the gift shop; the treetop walkways and Cliffwalk will offer way better memories. To avoid crowds, go earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Needless to say, people with a serious fear of heights would probably rather have a root canal than come here." - Jennifer Van Evra