Spanning 140 metres (450 feet), the Capilano Suspension Bridge sways 70 metres (230 feet) above the Capilano River canyon, daring us to walk across.
The other side pleads with treetop adventures, a nature walk, and just the thrill of having crossed a bridge that has existed in some form since 1889.
It wasn’t all that long ago that I wouldn’t have done this. Growing up I was frequently reminded to stand back from the edge, and it stuck. I used to steer away from heights until the day I decided to end the drama. I didn’t think it would work that easily, but it did.
Now I can enjoy the invigorating excitement offered by crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a definite highlight of our short time in Vancouver Canada. It’s a destination best experienced firsthand.
Reserve your entry tickets for Capilano Suspension Bridge in advance here
Key things to do at Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Nature trail on your own or on a guided Nature walk
- Tree top adventures
- Cliff walk
- Educational materials
- Gift shop, restaurant and entertainment
Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge
It was the first step onto the bridge that was the most difficult. There is no running, jumping, or intentionally shaking the bridges, and there is a manned watchtower with a speaker to remind people who “forget”.
We witnessed this first-hand. As we walked towards the centre, the old woman in front of us suddenly grabbed onto the rail as the bridge began to bounce gently. I turned to find a young adult behind me jumping up and down.
My look must have given the message, as the jumping stopped just before the announcement reminding the teenager it was not allowed.
Nature trail on your own or on a guided Nature walk
Once on the other side, there are spectacular views, nature trails, a guided nature walk and much more.
The free 30-minute guided nature walk was a fascinating and excellent use of our time. As a result, we learned about things like the three main trees found here: Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, and Western Hemlock (not poisonous).
Tree top adventures
In an area populated with Douglas-firs, we completed the Tree Top Adventures, seven smaller suspension bridges linking one tree top to the next.
Most importantly, safety is paramount here, and routine checks are carried out regularly. We even spotted one. Look under the platform. A worker is doing routine checks, something regularly done here to ensure our protection.
Cliff walk
An engineering feat, the 700-foot path of the Cliff Walk was equally as exciting/terrifying as the bridge. The Cliff Walk is held on by 16 anchor points, that appear firmly embedded.
We could look down from the Cliff Walk onto portions of the Capilano River.
Educational materials
Interesting educational materials were found throughout the park. And, of course, the guided nature walk is educational.
The first image here was found is Dr Wood’s education area. It’s located on the first tree-top platform and is loaded with interesting information for kids.
The second image is one of many on conservation and erosion information scattered throughout the park.
Gift shop, restaurant and entertainment
There is a gift shop, cafe, First Nations Totems, and resting area near the front of the park.
The cafe features several food options ranging from sandwiches and burgers to light refreshments or coffee.
What you need to know before visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- There is a free shuttle bus from Canada Place (and a few hotels) to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Our driver pointed out Vancouver highlights along the way and dropped us off just outside of Stanley Park on the way down.
- Seemed out of place, but there is free wifi at the park.
- The park is open daily, and the average visit takes about 2.5-3 hours.
- Children under six are free, and you will want to keep a close eye on them.
- Reserve your Capilano Suspension Bridge Park entry tickets in advance here
We disembarked a Princess Cruise in Vancouver, and they offered a bundle that included Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park and a City Tour into an excursion that ended at the airport.
More from the Pacific Northwest
Would you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.
Maria from NZ
My daughter and I are visiting Vancouver and she wants to do the bridge. I am afraid of heights, so not sure if it will overpower me. I have dove other smaller suspension bridges, which my my legs go wobbly if I look down, but maybe I should try looking straight ahead. Wish me luck.
Rhonda Albom
You can do it. Actually, Capilano is where I first got over my fear of heights. There is no way to fall off the bridge, it is perfectly safe, and I just told myself I could do it, and somehow it worked. Since then, I have been fine everywhere.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I don’t think anyone has ever died there. Best advice, don’t over think it, just do it. The other side has some cool stuff, like the tour of the trees and the treehouse walk. Also, before you leave be sure to walk out on that overhanging ledge. It is really cool.
Tour 4 Đảo Nha Trang
What a cool place to visit. Looks like a lot of fun. Congrats on working on your fear of heights. That’s definitely a place to do it.
Rhonda Albom
It was interesting to see how many people were terrified to cross the bridge. Most faced their fear, only a few didn’t go.
Team Building
I was fortunate to be there last year and yes it is scary. I didn’t hang around for too long on the bridge but it is a fabulous place to visit. Only wish I could have stayed longer.
Let's Fly Travel
If it moved, or anyone deliberately moved it; if anyone touched me .. then i couldn’t do it. I would try and crawl it ..maybe. But more than likely not a chance in hell
Lisa @ LTTL
Oh man, confession time. I have an extreme fear of heights. Or, as I have read in psychology articles an extreme fear of death involving heights. So, just looking at your photos makes my heart pitter patter. And, being on a suspension bridge that moves with the movement of other people on it…. ahhhhhh, anxiety. But, I would try to walk over it just to say I did. My hubby would get the camera to take pictures of the view I couldn’t stop to enjoy. 😀
Vancouver is on my “see int he next 5 years” list. It is so beautiful. Your photos make me want to get there sooner.
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Rhonda Albom
If your fear is of death involving heights you are pretty safe just looking at the photos 🙂 However, the bridge is extremely safe. A tree even fell and hit it and it stood. I am glad you will give it a try. Force yourself to look up once in a while, and you will see, it’s pretty amazing.
Kay L. Davies
Things have changed since the first (and only) time I tried to get myself to cross that bridge. I lived in the Vancouver area for most of my life, including North Van for a couple of years, but once was enough for me seeing the Capilano Suspension Bridge!
Your photos are wonderful, and make me homesick for mountains, as I am now living in southeastern Alberta.
I’m sorry to say I have never been to New Zealand. It is on my to-do list, and has been for years. I can’t believe I didn’t go there when I visited Australia in the 70s.
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Rhonda Albom
LOL – sorry you don’t want to cross the bridge. I thought it was pretty cool, but I will agree that it is the mountain scenery that is the real highlight.
Sue
that looks really awesome I would love to do that, I don’t really have a fear of height so I don’t think I would be scared, my husband and daughter do though lol. thanks for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
Take them both with you if you get a chance. It is worth conquering that fear.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Its an amazing place to visit especially with kids. This is like how things should be thought by showing the kids how it really is in real life! Amazing place!
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. This was our first major travel without our kids, so I looked at things differently. It is such a lovely place for anyone.
Mandy
That bridge looks terrifying! But the park looks really cool and informational. Love the display showing erosion over time; that’s something you don’t get to see in context too often. I had no idea what the difference was (aside from knowing there might be a difference)! I’d love to visit someday, but I’d have to conquer my fear of heights before going I think…
Rhonda Albom
That is one of may educational and interesting displays throughout the park.
Emily
What a cool place to visit. Looks like a lot of fun. Congrats on working on your fear of heights. That’s definitely a place to do it.
Rhonda Albom
It is such an amazing place, and super safe so easy to not be afraid.
indah savitri
beautiful sceneries..over an adventurous bridge crossing 🙂
Rhonda Albom
And out on a cliff walk 🙂
Stacy Uncorked
The hubby would never ever cross that bridge – he’s afraid of heights. But I’d totally do it! 🙂 What a cool place and fun adventure!
Rhonda Albom
That’s the way I used to be, the one left behind when the family crossed the bridge. So glad I got over it.
Kelly Kardos
Hi Rhonda, I’m visiting from Lisa’s blog. I’d be terrified as I’m afraid of heights. BUT, I’d make myself walk just because of it’s beauty and the photo ops! It’s always good to try and conquer our fears. Great post. I enjoyed reading about this bridge.
Rhonda Albom
You won’t regret it, there is so much beauty on the other side of this bridge. Most of my photos came from the far side.
Kristi
I am very afraid of heights, but did get on a zip line with quite a big drop. I think I could take on the suspension bridge. What beautiful scenery!
Rhonda Albom
You’ve go this.
Alissa Apel
Ya that bridge would freak me out to. At least it’s not like in the movie Stand By Me – a train track bridge. I could never. I’d walk miles and miles to not have to cross it.
Rhonda Albom
A train track suspension bridge – that would be beyond even me.
Marie
I was fortunate to be there last year and yes it is scary. I didn’t hang around for too long on the bridge but it is a fabulous place to visit. Only wish I could have stayed longer.
Rhonda Albom
I didn’t hang out ON the bridge too long either, just long enough to walk and stop and take some photos. It was the entire park that held my interest for hours.
Parent Club
I could never go across that bridge…fear of heights!
Rhonda Albom
I used to be that way, glad I gave it up.
Michela of Rocky Travel Blog
Not sure I could walk or crawl on that bridge! 🙂 It does look amazing but what scares me is all the people walking at the same time….OMG
Rhonda Albom
To me crawling would be a lot more scary than walking.
Terri Vanech
Yikes!
Rhonda Albom
🙂
stephanie
Wow, what an awesome bridge, so brave of you to take it on!
Rhonda Albom
It was interesting to watch others, some just walked straight out like it was nothing, while others seemed that they had to find every drop of their bravery before that first step.
Carol
Oooh! Don’t think I could do it; not only is it high, it is so wide. Good for you.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – yes it is both.
Amila
Seems like it is an adventurous tour.Beautiful bridge and the surrounding area.
Rhonda Albom
It’s a self guided park, rather than a tour. And it is somewhat adventurous, but mostly stunning.
Paula McInerney
If it moved, or anyone deliberately moved it; if anyone touched me .. then i couldn’t do it. I would try and crawl it ..maybe. But more than likely not a chance in hell 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL – You won’t be alone on it, so yes it would move. Plus it sways. You always strike me as an adventure seeker.
Photo cache
Vancouver is super beautiful. A wonderland for nature lovers. I wanna go back.
Rhonda Albom
This park is a great place for nature lovers, as well as those looking for a bit of adventure.
Teresa Kindred
No way Jose’. That is all.
Rhonda Albom
LOL 🙂
Karen
Cool – and good for you.
Kim Marie Ostrowski
Oh HELL NO~! Unless MAYBE I was the only one that would be on the bridge… I wouldn’t go on. I hate those sort of bridges, its bad enough it moves around when you’re alone on it, but adding many people I’d probably start crawling! (and I’m not fond of heights, though I do on ferris wheels & LOVE bein g in or above the clouds on a plane!
as for the erosion lesson, Loved that. It’s a great Idea and I think you should put that and some of your other travel pics on viewbug.com
Rhonda Albom
I don’t think you would ever be the only person on the bridge. It’s way to popular a destination.
Joyce Lansky
But wait a minute . . . aren’t you the one who jumped out of the plane??
Rhonda Albom
Yes, another moment of facing my fears.
stevebethere
Fabulous photos looks fascinating would love to go across that bridge although I don’t like heights but it’s worth it even though I would be nervous haha! the gift shop & cafe photo looked interesting too 🙂
Rhonda Albom
It is totally worth it.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
The view is beautiful though frightening at times especially when you showed me the one of the 16 anchor points used to hold the Cliff Walk. That scared me to death. It doesn’t look safe to me but who am I say. Even though I might be fearful of it, I probably would go on that bridge. Thanks for those wonderful photos Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I was surprise to read that it was held on with only 16 anchor points, but as you can see, they are quite secure points. Plus, unlike the bridge, the cliff walk doesn’t sway and feels very secure and safe. It’s so cool. I hope you get here one day.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I’d go across that bridge. No one better be jumping on it though.
Rhonda Albom
The rules are clearly posted, and they are quite quick to announce “stop” if they see people jumping or otherwise deliberately swaying the bridge.
Carmen
I went on that bridge 40 years ago and I still get shivers thinking about it. We were with a group and I would have hated missing their company. What was even worse we went from there to Grouse Mountain via cable car–straight up. The views are spectacular and I love the area. But I’d never do it again!
Rhonda Albom
It’s probably more popular now, so more people on the bridge with you. It’s not an opportunity I would have wanted to miss either.
Sgolis
I would love to go to see this suspension bridge, not sure I could cross it though but the scenery is fabulous. Loves your photographs
Rhonda Albom
The cliff walk is on the side you arrive on, but much of the rest is after you cross the bridge. Probably not a great use of your money unless you give it a go.
Shere
I don’t know if I would cross. I’m also afraid 9f heights even though I forget it some times and I do things like zip lining in Costa Rica. At a point I was so scared that I asked to go with the guide (zio line is not for me)
Rhonda Albom
I think it would be a lot easier to walk across a bridge than zip over a canyon. (I don’t like zipping.)
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – it looks amazing – wonderful photos too … I’d have been anxious but what an experience … and definitely something I’d be happy to go across should I get to Vancouver again … cheers Hilary
Denise Covey
No Rhonda I haven’t been there, but your photographs are awesome in relaying the event! What a great bridge. I love suspension bridges but am always a little wary when I cross a high gorge on one. Hope you enjoyed your time in Canada.
Rhonda Albom
It really is a great bridge, and a wonderfully lush, green location. I wish I had more time to spend in Canada.
Lexa Cain
I think I’d be more scared of the Sears Tower than the walkway ’cause the trees look like they’d cushion a fall. I love the pics and the little musical group! The weather here is in the 100s and I wish were in cool Canada…
Rhonda Albom
LOL – with all those branches, I don’t think they would be too nice to fall into. Plus there is the big canyon in the center.
budget jan
I have a fear of heights and have been over the Capilano bridge. Fortunately we were there in 2010 and the Cliff Walk was not open! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Don’t you mean unfortunately? LOL – I am not sure why I wasn’t afraid. I just knew I had to do it for the photos 🙂
Comedy Plus
I’d never get hubby on this bridge. I might do it, but without him…no. I’d stay with him. It is a very beautiful area to explore.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I can’t see your hubby on this bridge either. Next time, we can cross together.
Mori
WOW! Well, I must say, I am supposed to go in a few days & was considering canceling it. I want to do things to face my fear & if there is no way I can die doing this I think I’ll face my fear after reading this. I think I’ll regret not trying at least. Has anyone ever had a HA heart attack doing this bridge? I know that is a crazy question but it’s REAL! Thanks in advance. I hope to conquer my FEAR.
Mori Welborn
June 3, 2022
Rhonda Albom
To be honest, this is the bridge that got me over my fear of heights. I just looked at it from a realistic perspective. Everyone either looked scared or was so happy. I decided to just try it and be happy, and it worked. I have no idea about heart attacks, but it’s not really that scary, it’s all in our heads. Take a real look at how safe it is, and go for it. You got this.