Capilano Suspension Bridge

Take a deep breath!
Then cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
and on to The Amazing Rainforest
TreeTops Adventure

Away from the bustle of downtown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge provides a fun and in-depth look at the area’s natural beauty.

Considered to be Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and certainly the most visited, the bridge has been enticing visitors since 1889 to come and explore the city’s fascinating West Coast rainforest area.

Nearly one million guests visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park annually. It’s no wonder. There’s a little something here for everyone, from interesting Canadian history to ecological wonders to treetop adventures that will leave you breathless.

The Bridge

The bridge that spans the Capilano River today is the fourth one at this location. It’s 137 meters (450 feet) long and sits 70 meters (230 feet) above the pristine river.

The original bridge was constructed in 1889 by George Grant (Mac) Mackay, who owned 6,000 acres of dense forest on either side of the river and was looking for a way to cross. This early bridge was made of hemp rope and cedar planking. In 1903, after Mackay died, it was replaced with a wire cable bridge.

In 1910, the bridge was sold to local developer Edward Mahon who, along with his wife and mother-in-law, planted gardens and built a tea house on the premises. He also strengthened the bridge with additional cables.

Mahon sold the bridge to Mac MacEachern in 1935, who began the tradition of placing native Canadian totem poles in the park. The bridge was sold again in 1945 and 1953, and its current owner, Nancy Stibbard, purchased it in 1983 and made it the major attraction it is today.

Park Attractions

To make their way across the gently swaying bridge, through the 300-year-old west coast rainforest, is the main goal of most visitors who make a stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Certainly not for those who are afraid of heights, the bridge provides a bird’s eye view of the gently flowing water and the forest floor below. Click on a photo see an enlarged view

If you’re fascinated by what you see, stop by The Living Forest, where you can learn about the trees, bugs, and animals of the forest through interactive displays, without disturbing the fragile ecosystem of the rainforest.

You’ll certainly want to make another stop at the Totem Park. Since the 1930s, local native Canadians have been placing their colourful creations here for all to admire. Have your camera ready!

The Story Centre provides a little history of the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park through the use of life-size photomurals, antiques, and artifacts.

If all this fresh air and hobnobbing with nature makes you hungry, the park boasts both a full-service restaurant and a café and grill for a quick bite.

Treetops Adventure

Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park’s newest attraction allows visitors to explore the trees from a unique vantage point. Dubbed “Treetops Adventure” this recently opened attraction consists of a series of smaller elevated suspension bridges that join one magnificent Douglas Fir to the next, often reaching as high as 30 meters (100 feet). The views are awesome!

Getting There

While it may seem like miles away from the center of town, Capilano Suspension Bridge Vancouver is easily reached by car. Just travel through Stanley Park, over the beautiful Lions Gate Bridge, and travel 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north on Capilano Road. The Bridge and Park are open every day except Christmas.




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