Capilano Suspension Bridge
Bridge Historic suspension bridge spanning Capilano River in Vancouver
Spanning the Capilano River in North Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge park features a 137-m long bridge, treetop walkways, and a cliffwalk. Visitors come for short rainforest hikes, totem pole displays, and photo views above the canyon.
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The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge and private park in North Vancouver, British Columbia, first spanned in 1889. It is a signature visitor attraction for the Lower Mainland and combines the historic bridge with additional canopy and cliff attractions.
The main bridge stretches about 137 metres across the Capilano River and sits roughly 70 metres above the water, providing sweeping views of the canyon. The park also includes the Treetops Adventure - a series of elevated platforms and short suspension bridges through old-growth firs - and the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite canyon wall.
The original bridge was built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay as a private crossing; it was later rebuilt and upgraded with steel cables and placed in commercial operation. Over time the site expanded into a managed tourist park under private ownership, with major additions such as the Treetops Adventure in the early 2000s and the Cliffwalk in the 2010s.
The attraction sits in Capilano Canyon in the District of North Vancouver, on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet, across the water from downtown Vancouver. It is a short drive or shuttle ride from central Vancouver and is located in a forested canyon above the Capilano River.
- Bridge dimensions: 137 metres long and about 70 metres above the Capilano River, making it one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the region.
- When to visit: Best visited on weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds and for clearer photographic light along the canyon and canopy trails.
What to See #
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: A 137-metre-long suspension bridge that crosses the Capilano River canyon and sits roughly 70 metres above the water, forming the central attraction of the park.
- Treetops Adventure: A network of elevated platforms and short suspension bridges among old-growth Douglas firs, reaching approximately 30 metres above the forest floor and designed to showcase the canopy.
- Cliffwalk: A narrow, cantilevered walkway attached to a granite cliff face opened in the 2010s, offering close-up views of the canyon wall and river below.
How to Get to Capilano Suspension Bridge #
From downtown Vancouver take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, then transfer to a local TransLink bus that runs up to the Capilano area (check current route numbers/timetables); the final bus stop or drop-off is a short shuttle/bus ride from the park entrance. By car, head north over the Lions Gate Bridge (Highway 1/Marine Drive), follow Capilano Road to the park-the drive is about 15 km from downtown Vancouver (roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic) and parking is available at the attraction.
Tips for Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge #
- Arrive at opening on a weekday to beat the tour-bus crowds that arrive mid-morning; first entry slots are usually the quietest for crossing the bridge and photographing the canyon.
- If you have tickets, use the free Capilano shuttle from Canada Place (for ticket holders) or the park's main parking rather than trying to find street parking in North Vancouver-both save time on busy days.
- Buy timed-entry tickets online to skip long ticket lines and then explore the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure after the bridge, where crowds are typically thinner and wildlife sightings are more common.
Best Time to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge #
Best visited in spring or early autumn for milder weather and smaller crowds; expect peak crowds in summer and during holiday light events.
Weather & Climate near Capilano Suspension Bridge #
Capilano Suspension Bridge's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (2190 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (298 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (233 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (366 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (284 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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