The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver's most visited paid attraction: 137 metres long, 70 metres above the Capilano River, surrounded by a forest of centuries-old conifers.
But the park is much bigger than the bridge — and most visitors discover this too late, once they've run out of time.
What's inside the park
The main crossing is the postcard shot, but the Treetops Adventure — seven smaller suspension bridges strung between old-growth firs, up to 30 metres above the ground — tends to be even more popular with anyone afraid of heights, since the walkways sway less.
The Cliffwalk is a metal-and-glass walkway fixed to the canyon wall, with sections cantilevered over open air. It's short but striking. There's also the Living Forest, with ground-level trails, and Kia'palano, an area dedicated to First Nations culture, with totem poles and performances.
- Main suspension bridge (137 m)
- Treetops Adventure among the old-growth firs
- Cliffwalk over the canyon
- Living Forest trails
- Totem poles and First Nations culture
Best time to avoid the lines
The park opens at 9 am in summer. Between 9 and 10:30 am you can cross the bridge practically alone — after that, tour buses arrive in waves and the wait can top 30 minutes just to get onto the bridge.
The second-best window is after 4 pm, once the tour groups have left. In winter, with Canyon Lights, the park is beautiful at night, lit up by hundreds of thousands of lights.
How much it costs and how much time to allow
Adult tickets run around 70 to 80 Canadian dollars, with discounts for children and seniors; young children are free. Prices change by season, so confirm on the official website before you go.
Allow two to three hours to see everything without rushing. With kids, plan on three hours — they tend to want to cross the Treetops more than once.
How to get there
It's in North Vancouver, about 20 to 25 minutes from downtown without traffic, crossing the Lions Gate Bridge. There's a free shuttle from Canada Place, but it fills up fast in peak season and runs on fixed schedules.
By car, the park's parking lot is paid and fills early. On a private tour, hotel pickup solves both problems: you arrive right at opening and never waste time hunting for a spot.
Is it worth it with kids and seniors?
Yes, in both cases. The walkways have tall handrails and side netting, and the whole route is well signed. Seniors with balance issues can skip the main bridge and still enjoy the Living Forest and the totem pole area, which are flat.
Strollers don't fit on the suspension bridges, but there's a spot to leave them at the entrance. A baby carrier solves the problem.
Capilano or Lynn Canyon?
Lynn Canyon has a free suspension bridge, smaller and set in a beautiful public park. If budget is tight, it's an honest alternative.
But the two experiences aren't equal: Capilano delivers the Treetops, the Cliffwalk, the infrastructure and the cultural component. Anyone with only one day on the North Shore usually has fewer regrets choosing Capilano.
FAQ
- How long does a visit to Capilano take?
- Two to three hours to see the bridge, the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk and the trails at a relaxed pace.
- Does the bridge sway a lot?
- Yes, it does, especially when a lot of people are crossing at once. Going early, with the bridge less crowded, the movement is much lighter.
- Can you combine Capilano and Grouse Mountain in one day?
- Yes, and it's the most common combination: Capilano in the morning at opening, and Grouse Mountain in the afternoon. They're just a few minutes apart.
Ready to see Vancouver your way?
Tell us your dates and what you want to see. We'll put together a private itinerary, no strings attached.
