Vancouver, BC, offers some fantastic suspension bridges for those who aren’t afraid of heights and want some aerial views. There’s something fascinating about a swaying bridge that crosses a canyon or body of water. Is it the marvel in engineering or the thrill of the walk across the wobbly span?
Whatever the reason that draws us to cross these unbalanced decks, here are some of my top picks. There are multiple hiking trails in Vancouver which feature swaying bridges.
So, grit your teeth and test those knobbly knees on these suspension bridges in and around Vancouver, BC.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Location: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Located off Capilano Road in North Vancouver, the Suspension Bridge at Capilano has wowed its visitors for more than a century. As one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions expect a crowd during the busy summer months.
It boasts that its two thick steel cables can hold the weight of 96 elephants or 1,300 people. I’ve yet to see any elephants in the park, haha.
While the initial structure opened in 1889, the current bridge measures 140 metres (460 feet) in length, spanning the Capilano River.
Suspended 230 feet or 70 meters above the river, the bridge transports visitors from the park’s entrance to an enchanted forest of suspension bridges high above the treetops. Do note that if you fear heights, once you cross the shaky bridge, the only way back is via the same route.
Expect to spend a couple of hours exploring the park because it offers more than a wobbly bridge. Its newest attraction, the Cliff Walk, offers thrill-seekers the opportunity to walk narrow platforms suspended over the rocky canyon.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens year-round and, during the winter, hosts Canyon Lights. Canyon Lights draws thousands of locals to experience the forest filled with twinkling lights. While the admission is pricey, Vancouverites have one year of access for the price of the daily fee.
During the summer months, visitors can learn about and see some birds of prey. The Treetops Adventure is a park favorite. During peak season, expect to see a line of of people walking the suspension bridges high in the trees. You’ll need to exercise patience as everyone gets their selfies.
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
- Location: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
When seeking breath-taking vistas, there’s no place better than the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge in Squamish. Just a short distance north of Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Gondola transports passengers 880 meters (2,900 feet) high.
At the top, the 360-degree views of the mountains, coastline, and valleys are incredible. For the fearless, the 100-meter suspension bridge offers the opportunity for unique selfies.
The area around Squamish is known for its rugged terrain. So, if you’re up for the challenge, avid hikers can reach the top using the strenuous Sea to Summit trail. The 7.5-kilometer route isn’t for the faint of heart, and most take the gondola down.
The Sea to Sky Gondola offers various activities from mountaintop yoga, hiking trails, and rock climbing. If the day trip hasn’t worn you out, consider combining your excursion with a trip to Britannia Mine Museum nearby. With a sky-high and down under experience, could the day be more perfect?
Lynn Canyon
- 3690 Park Road, North Vancouver | Cost: Complimentary
Lynn Canyon makes a great alternative to the expensive Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located nearby in Lynn Canyon, North Vancouver, hikers can cross a smaller suspension bridge without paying an entrance fee.
During the summer, Lynn Canyon can attract a crowd, and parking can sometimes be challenging. Once parked, hikers can choose from various trails to walk for as little or as far as they want.
While the suspension bridge is found close to the Ecological Centre and Café, trekkers may decide to walk a looping trail on the east side of Lynn Creek.
This section is part of the Baden Powell Trail, which connects to the Grouse Grind, a popular hike known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” Be sure to wear sturdy footwear as the trail includes many stairs.
Although much shorter than the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Lynn Canyon Bridge suspends 50 meters (164 feet) over Lynn Creek and offers beautiful views of the cascading water below.
Nearby, signs warn of the danger of climbing the fences to reach the rushing water below. Each year, search and rescue are called to Lynn Canyon to rescue people and dogs too.
This free adventure and smaller version of the suspension bridge over the Capilano River makes a perfect outing for families on a budget.
Buntzen Lake
- Location: Off Sunnyside Road, Anmore | Cost: Complimentary
Located in Anmore, BC, Buntzen Lake offers a pristine wilderness lake surrounded by numerous hiking trails. During the summer, its 600 parking spaces fill up fast as Vancouverites vie for a spot by the water.
To reach the Buntzen Lake suspension bridge, hikers need to walk the lake loop trail. The 8 to 10 km (5 to 6.2 mile) trek is relatively easy with slight elevation gains. The suspension bridge is found at the north end and connects the west side of the lake to the east side.
The bridge is maintained by BC Hydro. For a while it was structurally unsound and limited to 4 people at a time with hikers cross at their own risk. However, the bridge was rebuilt in 2023, making it safe to cross.
Begin the hike at Buntzen Creek Bridge and head north on the lake’s east side. Walking counterclockwise offers the shortest route to the bridge.
The trail is picturesque, offers lots of shade, and crosses more than a dozen bridges before reaching the suspension bridge. Once you reach the bridge, you have two options to return to the parking lot. Should you continue on the circular hike, the overall walk covers 10 km.
For a shortened route, hikers can return on the Powerhouse Road, which is also a more leisurely hike. This route saves two kilometers off the longer trail.
Whistler Train Wreck
- Location: Whistler Quarry Road, Whistler | Cost: Complimentary
Ninety minutes north of Vancouver, the Whistler Train Wreck Trail offers a chance to view an old train wreck and walk another BC suspension bridge. This 2 km hiking trail meanders through an old-growth forest until it reaches the Cheakamus River just before Whistler Village.
While the train wreck is the star attraction, I loved the detail of the suspension bridge reached before the rusty boxcars. Built in 2016, I marveled at its interesting design, which stands out amongst other similar cable bridges.
Klohn Crippen Berger designed the 36-meter-long bridge whose anchors resemble locomotive wheels. They selected rough cedar decking to represent rustic railway ties.
The locomotive-inspired bridge spans the Cheakamus River and adds an element of beauty to the evergreen forest.
Now, the Whistler Train Wreck Trail has a safe way to access the site, and the suspension bridge has become a Whistler landmark. The hike to the suspension bridge and train wreck makes a great summer activity in Whistler.
Greenheart Treewalk
- Location: 6804 SW Marine Drive
Located in UBC, the Greenheart Treewalk is a series of suspension bridges high in the treetops. Reminiscent of the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s Treetops Adventure, fearless individuals can test their wits on the sky-high catwalks.
Suspended 20 meters (65 feet) in the air, thrill-seekers can enjoy the aerial views along the 300-meter (1,000 foot) trail. The suspension bridges are part of the BC Botanical Gardens which opens to the public from April 1 to October 31.
To reach the Treewalk, visitors must walk about one kilometer through the botanical garden. Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, and as you walk from platform to platform, you can admire the old-growth cedars and Douglas fir trees commonly found in a BC rainforest.
The Canopy Walkway secures its suspension bridges without using nails or bolts, preventing damage to the trees. The pinnacle of the rail system is the watchtower reaching 20 meters in the air. From here, you can catch glimpses of Georgia Strait and parts of the Fraser River through the canopy of trees.
So, if you’re looking for something to do in Vancouver without breaking the bank, this budget-friendly attraction is kid (and adult) approved.
Cascade Falls Suspension Bridge
- Location: 36421 Ridgeview Road, Deroche | Cost: Complimentary
Cascade Falls Regional Park near Mission, BC, features another suspension bridge next to a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall and bridge are accessed after a short hike which includes a series of wooden stairs. At the end of the stairs, the small mesh suspension bridge spans Cascade Creek.
On either side of the bridge, visitors can view Cascade Falls, a 30-meter (98 foot) free-falling waterfall. The surrounding coniferous canopy adds some lovely shade to the short hiking trail.
Further down the river, the water cascades gently into pools. It provides an excellent spot for wading in the summer months or enjoying a picnic by the river.
Unlike some suspension bridges, which offer access only in the summer, Cascade Falls Regional Parks opens year-round. With no admission fee, it makes the perfect outing for the whole family.
Cloudraker Skybridge
- Location: Alder Creek, Whistler
When visiting Whistler, those that ride the Peak-to-Peak gondola have a chance to walk the Cloudraker Skybridge. It’s one of North America’s highest suspension bridges at 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. While the bridge sways a little, the fully enclosed structure gives a good sense of security.
Due to the acumination of snow during the colder months, visitors can only cross the bridge in the summer. Stretching 130 meters (426 feet) across Whistler Bowl, thrill-seekers gain access by riding the Peak Express chairlift.
Chairlift riders must be at least one meter or 3.3 feet tall. Once on the Skybridge, which spans from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, visitors have unabated 360-degree views of the mountainous region.
While the Peak-to-Peak gondola is pricey, it gives access to the suspension bridge, numerous hiking trails, and the Raven’s Eye.
Equally, as stomach-churning as the Cloudraker Skybridge, Raven’s Eye consists of a cantilevering platform that hangs out over Whistler Bowl. The views from here are breathtaking.
So, make the most of your day by arriving early, enjoying an alpine hike, and getting a selfie with the Peak Inukshuk.
Final Thoughts
Touted as Canada’s highest suspension bridge, the Golden Skybridge in Golden, BC tests your wits as your perch 426 feet above a canyon. Newly opened in the summer of 2021, Adrenaline junkies get to walk two suspension bridges at this attraction near Golden, BC.
With the global trend of “bigger and better,” it makes me wonder how high and long is too much? If you’re seeking the ultimate adventure, the Golden Skybridge also has a 1,200-metre zip line and an adrenaline rush canyon swing.
So, if you’re a thrill-seeker, which of these suspension bridges have you crossed or intend to try? Leave your comment below.
Happy travels ~ Karen
Masood
Monday 1st of November 2021
Very amazing and nice places and thankyou for useful information
Forever Karen
Monday 1st of November 2021
Thank you for your kind words. Suspension bridges are fun to cross if you aren't afraid of heights. I recently visited the Golden Skybridge which was absolutely amazing!