The Capilano Suspension Bridge has long been one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions. Spanning the Capilano Canyon in North Vancouver, visitors will have breathtaking views of the forest and river below. Crossing this majestic bridge is an experience unlike any other. Let’s take a closer look at this legendary landmark.
A Brief History of the Capilano Suspension Bridge
1889, George Grant Mackay built the first suspension bridge across the Capilano Canyon. He did so to access timber on the opposite side of the river to feed his sawmill operation. The original bridge was far more rudimentary than the modern one. In 1956, a new company took ownership of the site and built the current bridge as a tourist attraction. They progressively expand the park over the years, designing treetop walkways and adding educational exhibits. Today, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park welcomes over 1 million visitors annually.
Construction and Design of the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Spanning 456 feet across and 230 feet above the river, the modern bridge utilizes an advanced design to ensure visitor safety. Steel support cables hold up heavy-duty wire cables above, from which hang the lightweight bridge floor components. This distributes weight loads efficiently and allows for natural movement in high winds without risk of failure. The bridge is anchored securely to the bedrock on either side of the canyon. Its gentle sway in the breeze adds to the thrill of crossing!
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Crossing the Capilano River on the Famous Hanging Bridge
As you walk onto the bridge, the canyon drops beneath your feet. Gaze through the gaps in the flooring to the rushing water and small rocks far below. The forest surrounds you with various shades of green. Take your time strolling across to take it all in, but be mindful of others passing by in the opposite direction. Around halfway, pause to admire the views up and down the gorge – a spectacular natural landscape. Soon, you’ll spot the vibrant flowers planted along the railing ahead.
Views from Above the Forests and Cliffsides on the Capilano Suspension Bridge
The panoramas from the bridge are nothing short of breathtaking. Peering over the edge, you see dense greenery cloaking the canyon walls from top to bottom. Red alder, big-leaf maple, and western red cedar towers soar toward the skies. Eagles occasionally drift along the strong thermals rising from the cliffs. Scanning the forest, try spotting glimpses of wildlife amongst the dense foliage. Look closely, and you may notice glimpses of birds, deer, or black bears! Stop at the viewing platforms partway across for expanded photo opportunities.
Things to See and Do Near the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the 110 acres of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Wander through the ancient Temperate Rainforest, home to towering trees over 1000 years old. Take advantage of the Treetops Adventure, offering a series of elevated plank walks and bridges up to 60 feet above the forest floor. Take the Cliffwalk, a walkway cantilevered out over the canyon with glass panels beneath your feet for more views. The park also features a free-flowing salmon hatchery and exhibits on Indigenous culture.
Tips for Visiting the Iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge
Visit early or late in the day to avoid significant crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for weather changes. Consider wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes instead of sandals at the attractions. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to see major features. Take photos but keep walks clear for others. Respect all safety signage and railings at all times. Be mindful of children around heights and ledges. Have cash or a card ready—parking is paid, and many food vendors are cash only.
Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Safe to Cross?
Yes, absolutely. As mentioned, the bridge uses an advanced design that is proven to withstand heavy loads and high winds in a safe, controlled manner. It undergoes annual inspections and maintenance checks to monitor wear. Over 130,000 vehicles have crossed without incident since it was first built. Use common sense – go reasonably, stick to open walking areas, and don’t excessively sway or bounce. Over 1 million people safely walk it each year! For ultimate peace of mind, be attentive and respect any warnings from staff.
Access and Tickets for the Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is at 3735 Capilano Road in North Vancouver. It’s easily accessible via transit, driving, walking, or cycling. The park is open 365 days a year from 8:30 am to 8 pm in summer and 9 am to 5 pm in winter. Tickets can be pre-purchased online for discounted rates or bought on-site. A 1-day pass includes the suspension bridge and all park attractions. Special combination tickets are available, and they include Grouse Mountain attractions. Convenient parking is available at varying rates depending on season and length of stay.
Other Suspension Bridges and Comparisons to the Capilano Suspension Bridge
While the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the most famous and iconic on Canada’s West Coast, there are a few others worth exploring, too. For example, the Moraine Lake Suspension Bridge near Banff, Alberta, offers similar breathtaking valley views. Or check out the Shannon Falls Suspension Bridge north of Vancouver for a rugged rainforest ambiance. However, few can rival the Capilano Bridge for its sheer size, engineering feats, and embedded cultural history in the region. It remains the gold standard by which other hanging bridges in North America are judged!
Future Plans and Updates for the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Park management always strives to enhance the visitor experience at the landmark attraction. Current plans involve:
- Expanding Trail of the Senses.
- Re-creating an Indigenous village.
- An educational training ground.
Additional accessible trails may also be introduced. There is potential to add more pathways and viewing platforms further up the hillsides as trees are sustainably replaced. The Treetops Adventure zone will likely see phased updates and re-developments to trails in the long term. Management is also assessing options to lessen crowds at peak hours while maintaining the park’s iconic status for decades.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Capilano Suspension Bridge
With the stunning scenery, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a photographer’s dream location. Some top tips include visiting in the “golden hours” of early morning or late afternoon for dramatic lighting. Stop on viewing platforms for panoramic landscape shots. Try some up-close macro shots of plants and bridges. Use a wide-angle lens to fit the entire scenery in one frame from the bridge perspective. Consider a drone for aerial views if permitted. And remember creative self-portraits, too! Be sure memory cards and batteries are fully charged before your visit.
Unique Facts About the Legendary Capilano Suspension Bridge
Did you know that the Capilano Canyon is over 450 million years old? At 230 feet above the river, the bridge qualifies as the world’s 2nd highest commercial suspension bridge. It took over 1 million feet of raw steel cable to build. Each year, it withstands over 500,000 pounds of bouncing visitors. The strongest wind recorded was 172 kph (107 mph), with no issues. Each bridge cable can support over 35 fully loaded transport trucks. And it’s the 3rd most visited attraction in all of Vancouver! Full of unique details like these.
Overview and Description of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
As mentioned, the 110-acre park is in the temperate rainforest region of North Shore, Vancouver. It protects over 20,000 ancient western red cedar, Douglas fir, and hemlock trees. In addition to the iconic bridge, significant attractions include the Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, fish ladders, and hatchery. Over 30 hectares are dedicated nature trails winding through dense coastal forest. The park has enhanced interpretive displays explaining First Nations cultural significance and ecology. It offers a true escape from city life into serenity among giant trees and rushing rivers. Plan a full day if wanting to immerse yourself in all it has to offer!
The Capilano Canyon Setting for the Famous Suspension Bridge
This narrow canyon carved by the Capilano River makes the location so picturesque. Over thousands of years, the fast-flowing water has cut cliffs to 152 meters high. This displays dramatic cliffs striped with shallow horizontal layers in the sedimentary rock. The surrounding temperate rainforest slopes up from riverbanks in a lush, green blanket. It remains in a near-pristine state, protected within the regional park. Witnessing this inspiring natural phenomenon makes the suspension bridge an iconic Vancouver landmark. Visitors are forever awe-struck by its sheer natural beauty.
Why the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an Iconic Vancouver Landmark (continued)
In summary, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has endured as one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks for several key reasons:
- Its impressive engineering feats allow visitors to suspend 230 feet above the Capilano River in a truly unique experience.
- As Vancouver’s third most visited attraction, it has welcomed over 50 million people since being built over 130 years ago.
- It offers breathtaking views into a lush, temperate rainforest canyon setting that showcases the natural beauty of BC.
- Crossing the historic bridge connects visitors to the region’s logging history and Indigenous cultural heritage.
- With annual maintenance and upgrades, it continues to be managed as a world-class visitor attraction alongside new additions to the park.
- The Capilano Suspension Bridge is recognizable from photos worldwide, immortalizing it as a top symbol representing Vancouver.
- It sparked the tourism industry in North Vancouver and remains a driving factor for the local economy, which has over one million annual visitors.
For all these reasons and more, the stunning bridge transcends being a mere attraction – it is arguably the most iconic symbol of Vancouver itself. Generations of residents and travelers alike treasure their memorable experience walking across this engineering feat surrounded by nature. With steady improvements, the Capilano Suspension Bridge will likely remain a ‘must-see’ Vancouver destination, captivating people’s hearts and photography for many more decades. Its story of spanning over a breathtaking rainforest canyon is forever woven into the city’s identity.
Conclusion
The legendary Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most memorable landmarks on Vancouver’s scenic North Shore. For over 130 years, it has provided visitors with the unique experience of crossing high above the Capilano Canyon while surrounded by old-growth forests. The stunning natural setting showcases the beauty of British Columbia’s coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem. As part of the expanded Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the historic crossing effectively blends recreation, education, and cultural understanding. It remains a world-class attraction through continued improvements and cutting-edge design, welcoming over a million people annually. Most importantly, walking across this iconic bridge creates cherished memories and photographs that leave a lasting impression. It truly represents Vancouver’s beauty and spirit for locals and travelers alike. The Capilano Suspension Bridge will undoubtedly remain a symbol of the city for many generations to come.
