From 1889 to the present
First, a word about the name. “Capilano” evolved from “Kia’palano” – an Indigenous name from the Squamish Nation meaning “beautiful river” and the name of a Squamish chief who lived in the region in the early 1800s.
The suspension bridge was brought into existence by a Scottish engineer and land developer George Grant Mackay, who had purchased several thousand acres of the forested land on both sides of the river. In 1889, Mackay “suspended a footbridge made of hemp rope and cedar planks across the canyon with the help of August Jack Khahtsahlano and a team of horses who swam the ropes across the river.”
In 1903, a few years after Mackay’s death, the hemp bridge was replaced by a wire cable bridge. The land was later acquired by an Irish businessman who reinforced the bridge with additional cables. The Capilano Suspension Bridge – a truly dramatic sight – was brought into the public eye in the 1950s and again reinforced, with the cables at either end encased in concrete. In addition, trails were developed, and a gift shop was established. Today, the 30-acre Capilano Suspension Bridge Park features spectacular elevated walking paths and boardwalks, along with educational and dining facilities, a raptor habitat, and dazzling light shows during the holiday season.
In the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park!
In addition to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Park includes the Cliffwalk, an incredible series of narrow metal and grated walkways attached to the side of a cliff and overlooking rainforest vegetation. Treetops is another trail – although “trail” is an understatement. This stunning boardwalk is comprised of seven suspension bridges attached to monumental, two-century-old Douglas firs. Please note that the bridges and viewing platforms are attached via a “tree collar system”, which does not harm the tree or interfere in its growth.
If you prefer to avoid heights, the Park’s Story Centre offers free exhibits on the history of the bridge and park, while the Kia’palano center presents the history of some of the area’s earliest inhabitants, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Skwxwú7mesh Nation.
A gift shop sells souvenirs, specialty food products and clothing; there are also several casual restaurants, cafes and an ice cream parlor.
Canyon Lights…!
We saved the bling for last! Between November and January – winter months in the northern hemisphere – the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the surrounding area and the river below are illuminated with colorful lights, as are segments of the Cliffwalk and Treetops. This dazzling light show makes the Park a top destination during the holiday season! And in fact, the Canyon Lights have also been featured in various films and series, including A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish, Dead Ahead, Sliders and Psych.
Getting to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Park is about a fifteen-minute drive – less than ten kilometers – from Vancouver. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights to Vancouver International Airport. From the Vancouver city center, public buses and free park shuttles operate to and from the Park; the shuttles are available in various parts of the city, with the main pick-up at Canada Place. You can check the shuttle website for up-to-date times and routes. Although the Park’s hours vary during the year, it is generally open from 09.00 till 19.00. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Park’s ticket offices.
A few notes: Do check the weather forecast before you plan your visit. Also, strollers and drones are not permitted inside the park and wheelchair access is limited.
Vancouver and more…
In addition to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, there is much to see in and around Vancouver! The beaches, Granville Island and Stanley Park are among the top natural spots, while the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is acclaimed for its exhibits, including a notable collection from the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. And don’t forget about the Gastown Steam Clock, powered by steam and whistling on the quarter hour!
Bon voyage!
