Interactive Metro Vancouver

Possibly the oldest and certainly one of the most popular attractions the GVRD has to offer, the Capilano Suspension Bridge includes national heritage, natural history, art, culture and outdoor adventure all in one venue. Located in North Vancouver, only a short drive from downtown’s city core, the hallmark bridge spans the Capilano Canyon cut by the energetic Capilano River. Traditional First Nations crafts, old-growth rainforest, beautiful sites, fine dining and unique, trading post goods all await at this one incredible location.

The history of the Capilano Suspension Bridge is rich and long as far as Canadian attractions go. George Grant Mackay, also known for his involvement in establishing Stanley Park and founding the city of Vernon in the Okanagan, arrived in Vancouver in 1888 and was the initial purchaser of the land that would become the home of the Capilano Suspension Bridge and its surrounding park. Using horses and with the assistance of only two other people (First Nations), he raise the first bridge across the canyon, which was made of nothing but hemp rope and cedar planks. In 1903, after his death, the rope bridge was replaced by one constructed of metal cables. The bridge was refortified in 1914 by its next owner Edward Mahon, also the founder of Castlegar. Over the next thirty years, the area saw both love and loss, the construction of a second home and a tea shop, the establishment of First Nations totem poles, and was even managed by a man whole aided rum runners in Tahiti during the off winter season.

The land exchanged hands once more before coming to Rae Mitchell in 1953. In addition to furthering promotion of the bridge around the world, Rea completely rebuilt the bridge in five days, developed the forest paths that it connects to, and converted the tea house into a trading post gift shop. The bridge and its grounds came to their current owner, Nancy Stibbard, in 1983, who has gone on to greatly increase the size and popularity of the attraction, most recently including a forest skywalk that won the innovator of the year award in 2004.

Suspension Bridge:

Hanging above the Capilano river, the hallmark bridge is freely supported by cables that allow it to move and sway with the motions of the people upon it. Seventy meters above flowing waters and spanning a chasm 137 meters across, this is no small consideration and can make the crossing an exhilarating experience, to say nothing of the views of the canyon and forest it affords. The bridge leads to a network of trails that offer easy to moderate hiking though a deep and beautiful evergreen woods.

Elevated Canopy Walk:

Composed of a series of suspension bridges strung between tree-mounted platforms, this attraction offers an aerial walk through an old Douglas fir forest that takes travelers as high as 30 meters above the forest floor. The first venue of its kind in Canada, it offers visitors a unique and exciting view of one of B.C.’s costal treasures. Additionally, having been engineered in such a way that it does not cause damage to its supporting tree, in 2004 it won the innovator of the year award.

Story Center (site history):

This center offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the park and Vancouver complete with photo-murals, large informational panel-books, a collection of artifacts and even voice recordings of the past.

Totem Park:

A unique collection of authentic totem poles carved and painted by First Nations artisans is on display in a small alcove of the park. Originally invited by the park’s caretaker in the 1930s, local First Nations graciously provided these cultural works of art. Each one tells its own story.

First Nations Cultural Center:

The traditional First Nations chisel work and wood sculpture of local masters can be observed as it takes place at this center. Watch as fascinating figures emerge from their wooden shells. Traditional weaving and beadwork are also displayed here.

Forest Fact & Ecology Exhibit (Living Forest):

Dubbed ‘The Living Forest,’ this exhibit offers a naturalist’s look into the rainforest ecosystem of costal B.C. It includes an array of graphic panels, interactive displays, living insect collections, fun facts, and clues for tree identification. Visitors are sure to find a wealth of information here about the nature that waits in the park for their exploration.

Trading Post & Restaurants:

To satisfy the appetites of newly returned outdoor enthusiasts, the Loggers' Grill and Canyon Café offer casual and satisfying dining options to visitors. For more refined repasts, the luxurious Bridge House Restaurant provides multi-course west coast meals. Additionally, the Capilano Trading Post carries a diverse and intriguing collection of Canadian items, from fine, hand made crafts and confections to souvenir trinkets and gifts.