For the perfect Vancouver itinerary, don’t skip Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, it’s unforgettable. We visit both summer and winter. In winter, the whole place lights up during Canyon Lights; magical doesn’t do it justice.
Yes, the massive suspension bridge over the Capilano River is the star, but it’s just the beginning. Visitors can wander through the rainforest canopy on the Treetop Adventure and test their fear of heights on the Cliffwalk—just a narrow path bolted into a cliff, high above the forest floor.
In this guide, we’re sharing what to expect, from the quiet forest trails and complimentary rainforest ecotours, to the largest private collection of First Nations totem poles in North America. And if you’re craving more adrenaline, head up to the Cypress Mountain’s coaster—1,700 meters of pure speed. I hit 40 km/h and couldn’t stop grinning.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Hours
The Capilano Suspension Bridge hours vary depending on the time of year. In the summer (mid-May until September), the park is open from 9 am to 7 pm. From late January to the end of November, the park opens at 9 am but closes anywhere from 5 pm to 6 pm.
During Canyon Lights at Christmas time, the park’s hours are 11 am to 9 pm except for December 25th, when they are closed. Canyon Lights is best at dusk, but it’s also the busiest time.
Nothing is more magical than seeing the park come to life as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the trees, paths, and bridges.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Shuttle
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s address is 3735 Capilano Road in North Vancouver. If you drive, there is a pay parking lot directly across the street, but it fills up fast on busy days.
The last time I visited, the parking fee was CAD 7.50 all day. There is little to no street parking, and at Christmas time, this area is a congestion nightmare as visitors plan to travel there on a dry day.
If staying downtown, there is a year-round, free shuttle bus to the park. The bus is available for Capilano guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick-up points are Canada Place, Hyatt Regency Hotel, outside the library at Liberty Square, and Blue Horizon Hotel.
The complimentary shuttles run approximately every ten minutes, and the ride to the park takes 15 to 20 minutes. After your visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you can enjoy a leisurely bus ride back to downtown Vancouver.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Tickets
Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets cost CAD 71.95 for adults, seniors (65 and better) CAD 66.95, students (17+ with ID) CAD 59.95, youth (13-16 years) CAD 42.95, child (6-12 years) CAD 24.95, and those under six years of age are free.
Admission fees are subject to tax. If you’re a British Columbia resident, as I am, admission tickets are good for an entire year. Remember to bring picture ID like a driver’s license or BC resident card to receive the annual admission card.
It’s important to note that the suspension bridge, treetop adventures, and Cliffwalk are not wheelchair accessible. Still, anyone arriving at the park in a wheelchair will receive a complimentary pass to the park. Also, guests cannot use strollers at the attractions either.
If you’re looking for 2-for-1 tickets or discounted rates, you’ll likely not find any. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a top-rated attraction and doesn’t need to discount its tickets. However, the park sometimes offers a discount for after 5 pm entries.
The Laughing Bridge
George Grant Mackay constructed the first bridge in 1889. Made of hemp rope and cedar planking, the bridge was tied to cedar trees on either side of the canyon. The First Nations people nicknamed it “the laughing bridge.” That’s because of the sound it made when the wind whistled between the planks.
In 1903, the first wire bridge replaced the hemp bridge, but it was just as shaky as the original. As a result, “the laughing bride” became known as the “nervous bridge. “So, as you walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, will you be laughing, or will you be nervous? Well, I had to ask!
The Cliffwalk
Opened in 2011, the Cliffwalk is not for the faint of heart, and it’s my favorite part of the park. It starts with a spiral staircase that drops onto a narrow, cantilevered path clinging to the cliffside.
Every time I walk it, someone panics halfway through. Turning back? Good luck—it’s a tight squeeze against oncoming foot traffic, especially in peak times.
Built by hand with 16 anchor points drilled up to 6 meters into solid rock, the engineering alone is wild. Stainless-steel mesh lines the walkway—strong, but see-through, so nothing blocks the jaw-dropping views straight down.
Ensure all valuables are secure because anything dropped cannot be retrieved—nor will it survive the drop to the canyon below. If using a cell phone for pictures, use a round-the-neck pouch or a handle.
After the Cliffwalk, the path continues through a beautiful rain forest along the sheer granite cliffs of the Capilano Canyon. The views of the canyon below are stunning.
Along the walk, there are plenty of opportunities for selfies on the narrow walkway. It’s interesting to see the trees hanging from the cliff walls’ side with their roots dug deep into the soil.
The one-way narrow pathway circles back to the gift shop and center of the park. From here, you can choose to walk the suspension bridge, browse the gift shop, see the cliffwalk below, or grab a bite to eat.
The Suspension Bridge
Initially built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River. A sign at the bridge explains that at 450 feet, it’s just about as long as two Boeing 747 airplanes wingtip-to-wingtip.
And it’s just as aerodynamic! While it’s not the highest bridge, that prize goes to the Golden Skybridge, but it is long and shaky. Expect to queue up for your walk across this wobbly bridge, as it’s rated as one of Vancouver’s best suspension bridges.
On the bridge, the staff warns you not to run, jump, or cause intentional shaking. Parents must hold small children by hand when crossing the bridge, and strollers are forbidden.
Also, dogs are required to be on leashes. I have seen many dogs in the park during the summer months, and it surprised me that none of them minded the swaying suspension bridge. I guess dogs don’t have a fear of heights? Only humans?
How strong is the Capilano Suspension Bridge? A sign boasts its two steel cables can hold the weight of over 1,300 people or 96 elephants at one time. In all my visits, I have yet to see a single elephant on the bridge, lol.
Treetops Adventure
Once across the suspension bridge, the fun begins. If you fear heights, know the only way back is across the bridge again. On the other side are a series of trails that meander through the rainforest. This area is magical at Christmas, with thousands of fairy lights.
If it’s rained recently, wear good waterproof running shoes because the trails could be wet and muddy. Also, bringing a lightweight jacket is good as the tree branches might surprise you with a gentle shower.
The Treetops Adventure offers a fantastic outing for both young and old alike. Built in 2004, the Treetops Adventure features a series of seven suspension bridges attached to eight 30-ton, 250-year-old Douglas-fir trees.
Climb a flight of stairs to what looks like a giant treehouse. Here, a funky-looking weather station marks the start of the one-way walk along the suspension bridges high up in the treetops.
As you trek from tree to tree, take time to admire nature’s palette of beautiful colors. The sound of songbirds fills the air and brings a little serenity.
The Treetop Adventure is a mastermind of engineering. The suspension bridges and support systems are crafted entirely by hand not to damage the natural ecosystem.
Surprisingly, the park used no major machinery or nails to put the bridges and platforms in place. Instead, specially designed steel collars circle the trees and spread the pressure out equally around the tree.
The collars are moved and loosened as the tree grows to prevent “choking” the tree trunk. At the ‘treehouse,’ look up at one of these collared trees to see the markings of where the supports used to be. Almost like a growth chart………only, on a tree.
The Trading Post
The Trading Post is a charming log cabin gift shop featuring Canadian-made goods. Shop for leather bags, wool sweaters, jewelry, and local treats, mde by Canadian artists.
Don’t miss the fudge after your park adventure. In summer, relax outside with a latte and burger while a live band in period costumes brings old-time tunes to life.
Raptor’s Ridge Falconry
The Capilano Suspension Bridge has teamed up with Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey to allow visitors to see a raptor up close. Guests can see them in the summer, and handlers can answer questions.
The selection of birds includes falcons, red-tailed hawks, barred owls, and great-horned owls. The handlers are eager to share their knowledge and show off their feathered friends!
I have seen the beautiful birds many times and remember seeing a baby great-horned owl one summer. Its fluffy ball of feathers screamed utter “cuteness.” It had enormous eyes and a massive body for just being a baby.
Near the birds of prey area, a wooden cutout depicting popular birds invites visitors to spread their arms and compare their wingspan. My daughter has the same wingspan as a great-horned owl. Who knew?
Canyon Lights
While visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge in summer is delightful, the park comes alive in the winter as it hosts Canyon Lights. The park hangs thousands of colorful Christmas lights from the tall trees, bridges, and walkways. It’s one of the best places to enjoy Christmas lights in Vancouver.
This is a must-see if you’re visiting Vancouver or a local. Since it’s best to see the lights at dusk, remember to bundle up in a 3-in-1 jacket and bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf as it can get bitterly cold wandering in the forest after sunset.
My last trip to see Canyon Lights was in January 2019. It had rained frequently that month, and I planned a visit on a dry day and my day off work. When I finally made it, Vancouverites flooded the park, seeing as the raindrops stayed away.
The queue to walk across the suspension bridge was over an hour long, so I decided to venture to the Cliffwalk first. When I returned to the bridge, the wait time was longer. I queued for a staggering 1 hour and 45 minutes in freezing conditions.
I feared that once I crossed, I’d be waiting just as long to return. Luckily, there was no wait to go back. If you want to avoid the crowds and long queues, I suggest you visit on a weekday and maybe even consider a wet day.
During Canyon Lights, children will enjoy trying to spot many illuminated snowy owls in the trees. The park has the tallest living Christmas tree at over 150 feet tall.
I’m not sure I’d want the job of stringing the lights on that tree, lol. When you need a break from the cold, try your hand at gingerbread cookie decorating and make your own Christmas card in the winter pavilion.
Tips For Visiting
Here are some tips for visiting the suspension bridge.
- During busy times, book your tickets online. During Canyon Lights, guests need to pick a time slot, and they sell out quickly.
- Arrive early if you’re driving as parking fills up fast. Alternatively, use the complimentary shuttle from downtown.
- Plan to visit at 5 pm, if you want to save money.
- Don’t visit if you’re afraid of heights.
- Don’t jump or run on the bridge.
- Stay on designated pathways.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting and dress for the weather.
- Wear close-toed shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops.
Happy travels ~ Karen
