Your TL;DR Travel Guide to North Vancouver’s Top Destination
TL;DR: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. With an entrance cost of up to $75CAD plus parking, guests can access the park’s famed bridge, treetop adventure, cliff walk and more. Discounts or complimentary tickers are available to some guests.
- What Makes Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Special
- The Logistics
- What to Do at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- From the blog
When I was younger, I had a fascination with the magical forest of FernGully. As an adult, I feel like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is an extension of that experience. Not only is the forest beautiful naturally, but the twinkling lights and decorations add to the already special experience.
I’m not alone in my appreciation for the area.
When I started looking up things to do in Vancouver on my very first trip to the city, the number one recommended activity was “visit Capilano Suspension Bridge.” Even fellow travelers in the airport recommended “that one fun bridge park.”
Clearly, Capilano is popular. But what makes it so worthwhile? I guess you’ll just have to read on and see!
What Makes Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Special
When people refer to “Capilano Suspension Bridge” they most likely are referring to the actual park – which contains more than just a suspension bridge (more on that below!).
The park is very easy to access and easy to enjoy – especially for entry level nature enthusiasts (it’s just a 15 or so minute drive from downtown). There are clean bathrooms, cute decorations, a great giftshop, and plenty of snacks to enjoy.
In addition, the bridge and other park attractions are an architectural and environmental wonder. The beautiful Capilano region offers a stunning backdrop to the historic construction of the park.
The History Behind Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Originally built in 1889, the suspension bridge has gone through quite a few changes over the years. Once held together with rope and cedar wood, the structure today is now bolstered by wires, making the whole thing pretty sturdy.
In 1935, people of the First Nations added totem poles to the park. And in the 2000s, the treetop and clifftop walks were added – increasing the park’s draw amongst locals and tourists passing through.
Today, the park sees over 1 million guests annually – including some famous folks (K-Pop fans, check out this NCT-127 video here!).
The Logistics
At a Glance
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
Hours: 10am-8pm (park is open later during Canyon Frights and Nights)
Admission: Tickets for purchase required
Parking: Paid lot
Transportation: Free shuttle available
Getting There: Transportation and Parking for the Park
Parking is easy. There is a paved, paid lot located across the street from the Capilano Park entrance. If you are coming from downtown Vancouver, then the lot is on your right (while the actual park is on the left).
GPS tends to direct you to the park entrance, rather than the parking lot. If you accidentally are in the wrong lane and miss your turn – don’t worry. It’s pretty common and there are some roads you can turn on just a short drive up the street to help you get turned around.
Personally, I haven’t had issues finding parking, but others say things can fill up quickly on the weekends. If you are coming during a weekend vacation, then plan on arriving closer to opening to ensure you get a spot. Or, you can also use public transit (which is notably good in Vancouver) or the Capilano Shuttle and save yourself some stress.
Reservations and Entrance Costs
Reservations are not required – which is great because I have spontaneously decided to visit the park while out and about. You do, however, have to pay an entry fee. The most expensive tickets are $74.95CAD (price for an adult ticket, purchased at the window)
That price can look intimidating – especially if you are traveling with a group. But, there are a few ways to cut that number down. Everyone can save a little by buying online ahead of time ($3CAD less) or by visiting after 5pm for $56.21CAD.
There are additional discounts if you are:
- 65+ years old
- Under 18 years old
- A student (with i.d.)
- A BC resident
More will be discussed below, but individuals that use wheelchairs can also receive free admission to the park.
The Best Times to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano region is beautiful all the time – so you’ll be greeted by some lovely scenes whenever you visit.
That being said, the park also can get crowded. If you are hoping to have more space to move around, try coming in the morning (during the week) or after 5pm for your best chances at missing most of the rush.
Even better – come during a rainy or drizzly day as most people avoid this particular outdoor excursion in gloomier-looking weather.
Who Should Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park?
Anyone who wants to can visit the park! It really is a place for the whole family – you don’t need to be a nature buff to enjoy your time here. That being said, certain attractions aren’t accessible for everyone.
Related: Kids Travel Guide to Vancouver: Aquarium, Capilano Park, Kid’s Market
Accessibility at the Park
Capilano offers an easy way for most people to get up close and personal with nature. However, does that mean everyone is able to access all the facilities? The short answer is no, not all activities and attractions at the park are accessible for wheelchairs or other mobility-assistive devices.
When first entering the park, guests can check out beautiful viewpoints of the forest, see the totem poles, find food at one stand or one sit-down restaurant, access the restrooms, and browse the gift shop. As you can see in the photo above, the ground is paved and wide-spread making it easier for people to navigate.
Other attractions, like the bridge, cliff walk, and treetop excursion are not wheelchair accessible. And since other attractions – like a few nature trails – require guests to first cross the bridge, those are also unable to be accessed by all guests with mobility aids. To offset this, the park does offer complimentary admission for those who use wheelchairs.
Is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Safe?
The number one reason I hear that people are hesitant to visit the park is they aren’t sure if it’s safe or would be too scary for them. In my experience, as a mildly-anxious person most of the time, the park offers a comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors.
A little internet searching does show me that there have been very few safety incidents in the past. The ones that have occurred were caused by individuals who stepped over the very clear and very sturdy barriers.
In addition, the suspension bridge can actually sustain the weight of 75 full grown elephants. So, rest assured it can hold up the crowds that come to visit it. The bridge does feel wobbly when you walk across it – but that’s because of the many people moving around and not a safety concern.
Now, is it scary?
I don’t have a fear of heights – I do, however have a healthy fear of putting myself in unnecessary danger. And once again, I feel pretty comfortable and safe every time I visit.
What to Do at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Entry to the park also gets you entry to the different attractions, activities, and talks. Before I breakdown the different things you can do, a little note about what to expect/a brief talk about etiquette in the park.
Most of the negative reviews talk about the price or how crowded the park gets. It is practically impossible to speed-run your time at the park (and I’m not sure if I’d even want to). People will be in your space and people will be stopping frequently.
On the different bridges or the cliff walk, people will be stopping to take photos. To best enjoy your time and help others enjoy theirs, be courteous and give people some space – I think their photo stop is a great excuse for me to check-out the view or get photos of my own.
On the reverse end, if you are the one stopping to get the perfect shot, just be mindful of the people waiting to cross. Since every attraction is included in your admission, you can always walk across the bridge or trail again to get the photo you want.
Related: Adventuring in North Vancouver: A Visual Tour of Natural Wonders
Suspension Bridge
Stretching over the Capilano River, the suspension bridge is the park’s namesake and most popular attraction. Note: No matter when you come, the bridge is going to have a lot of people on it and it moves quite a bit from people walking. It will be difficult to get a Pinterest-worthy photo of yourself on the bridge.
TreeTop Adventure
After crossing the suspension bridge, you’ll come across a series of bridges overhead. I love the treetop bridges – it’s incredibly beautiful. And, in my opinion, much easier to get a bridge photo for your socials.
While the suspension bridge gives you a beautiful view of the river, the treetop bridges offer a unique look into the rainforest, where you can see stretches and stretches of greenery everywhere.
Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk was the most recent attraction added to the park, joining the line-up in 2011.
Wrapping along the rocky cliffside, a small but solid platform trail allows guests to get another glimpse into the ravine below and the beautiful sea of trees.
I love everything in the park, but this might be my favorite. As I said before, I don’t necessarily have a fear of heights, but the views here do take my breath away.
Walking Trails
There are several well-paved walking trails past the bridge – perfect for a peaceful nature walk or capturing some photos of the great outdoors!
I find this one of the most relaxing parts of the park.
Restaurants/Snack Shacks
There are two casual food places (I call them snack shacks, but you can eat a full meal here) and one sit-down restaurant. I usually opt for something smaller and have a larger meal outside the park. But most guests report being very satisfied with their in-park options.
Tours, Talks, and Events
The park offers several free nature tours, totem talks, and special guided talks. I normally go for a “choose your own adventure” style, but many people have shared just how valuable and insightful these talks are. They offer several throughout the day, so be sure to check-out what’s on the schedule during your visit.
The park also does Canyon Frights (in October) and Canyon Nights (closer to Christmas) – which is included in the admission cost. The park stays open later and includes additional special features, decorations, and more – for guests of all ages.
Gift Shop
If you are looking for your Canada swag items to take home from your trip, there are two places I reccomend. The first is Gastown, which has classic souvenirs (albeit of cheaper quality).
Second is here in Capilano. I’m not sure why, but Capilano park has some truly great options – from fudge, to maple syrup, to clothing, to RCA accessories. They do, however, run on the pricier end.
There is a reason Capilano Suspension Bridge Park continues to be one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. More than just a suspension bridge, the park is easy to access, full of great amenities/activities, and provides guests with beautiful views of Vancouver’s natural landscape.
If you are concerned about the price or crowds, you might be interested in checking out Lynn Canyon instead.
I always love my time here and hope you do to! Any questions? Let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.
What was your time at the park like?
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