Capilano- Suspended in Nature:

Capilano- Suspended in Nature

There are plenty of things to do in Vancouver, but one experience that really stood out for us, and one I’d absolutely recommend to anyone, is visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver. Free shuttle buses run every 15–20 minutes from downtown. We caught one from Canada Place, and after a short and scenic 15-minute ride through Stanley Park, across the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver, we were surrounded by towering evergreens and the sound of rushing water.

Of course, the star of the show is the suspension bridge itself—137 meters long and hanging 70 meters above the Capilano River. Walking across it, you will find it sways a little, but the views are totally worth it. You get this amazing perspective of the forest canopy, and if you’re lucky, a quiet moment when it’s just you, the trees, and the river below. But honestly, there’s so much more to the park than just the bridge. The storey centre provides a fascinating history into the creation of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park today.

We spent several hours wandering the forest paths and discovering all the different experiences tucked away in the park. The Treetops Adventure was one of my favourites. It’s a series of elevated walkways that take you from tree to tree, high up among ancient Douglas firs. Then there’s the Cliffwalk, a narrow walkway that hugs the side of a granite cliff. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views are incredible, and it’s a real highlight if you’re into a bit of thrill.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park pays tribute to indigenous culture, with beautiful First Nations totem poles and exhibits in the Kia’palano Educational Centre.  It adds an important layer to the experience, and it’s worth taking your time here to absorb the first human connections.

After all the exercise and enjoyment, we were definitely ready for a break. There are several food options in the park, from casual snacks to full meals. We treated ourselves to a full-on lunch with a view of the rainforest. It was honestly the perfect way to take it all in and replenish our energy levels.

Before heading back downtown via the shuttle bus, we popped into the Trading Post gift shop, which is packed with great souvenirs, some classic, some quirky, and a few surprisingly stylish finds. Definitely a good spot if you want to take a little piece of the experience home with you.

Tips:

• During high season it can get very busy, so it would be worth getting there earlier rather than later.
• Take your time. Pace yourself and soak it all in.
• Wear comfortable footwear with good grip and it’s a rainforest, so consider packing a light raincoat.
• Check out the gift shop.
• Don’t forget your camera or smart phone, but hold on tight to it, as its a long way down.