Vancouver's famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in Canada
76Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
If walking along a long 100 year old suspension bridge with breath-takingly beautiful views swinging high above a river captures one's interest, then the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in Vancouver, Canada will be right up your alley!
There is more to this park than just the suspension bridge...
The same day that my mother, niece and I went back to revisit the Queen Elizabeth gardens in Vancouver, we started our sightseeing at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park.
We had picked up a brochure and in 1989, the time of our visit, it stated that they were celebrating 100 years of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The photo of the suspension bridge high over the water looked intriguing.
Totem poles in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The park has a number of totem poles and they offer totem and nature park tours.
One can even watch a Master Indian carver at work.
One of the signs that I photographed had this written on it:
Totem poles are largely of three types: (a) memorial poles, which stand in front of houses or villages, (b) mortuary poles (grave markers) and (c) house poles which were incorporated into the structure of the house. Groups of carvings on the poles frequently became family crests. These crests were inherited, gained by conquest or occasionally obtained as payment for services. The figures composing the crests were derived from history and folklore. They represented birds, fish, animals and spirits. Figures that were half-human and half-animal represented spirits capable of taking either form.
We were to see other totem poles in Vancouver, but this was an interesting and colorful collection on the grounds of this beautifully landscaped park at the Capilano Bridge grounds.
totem poles
|
2 Tropical Tiki Totem Pole Decorations Beach Pool Party 5ft tall Decor Luau Prop
Current Bid: $8.95
|
|
1974 Tlingit Carved Wood Totem Pole Designed by Leo Jacobs Sr. for Northwest Art
Current Bid: $285.00
|
|
25 Tiki Totem Pole Tropical Parrot Hibiscus Luau Beach Pool Party Invitations
Current Bid: $7.59
|
|
Tiki Idol Pewter Pendant Necklace Totem Pole NEW Mens Tribal Protection Indian
Current Bid: $8.99
|
Totem Poles
 | Amazon Price: $15.53 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $10.96 List Price: $18.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.99 |
Capilano Suspension Bridge view
The Capilano Suspension Bridge
My mother took one look at that bridge and decided to stay on terra firma.
I'll admit, the views are a bit daunting!
The suspension bridge is 230 feet up from the Capilano River and sways 450 feet across the length of the Capilano Canyon.
We found out that the Capilano River is the major source of fresh water for Vancouver.
My niece and I decided to be brave and walk the length of the bridge.
Cedar planks offer secure footing and there are Steel railings to hang onto with a steel mesh screening that is probably about 3 to 4 feet in height to make sure that people do not step off of the bridge by accident.
It does sway!
Personally I was happy to have that railing to hang onto as we both joined many others who were crossing from one side of the canyon to the other, and of course, back again.
Apparently the very first bridge was built using wood and hemp.
The current bridge is anchored by 13 tons of concrete at both ends.
The views are wonderful!
Since we were there, there have been other suspended bridges added as one can continue walking among the trees exploring more of the wooded area from an elevated perspective.
The videos I have selected show more of this.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is certainly the longest of its type that I have ever walked across!
I was counting on that massive amount of concrete on both ends plus the steel cables to keep the bridge secure as were the many other thrill seekers walking the bridge that day along with us.
Each video shows a little something different...
Ben's Tours - Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver BC
Capilano Suspension Bridge
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $39.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $79.99 |
Showing how this bridge sways!
Would you walk over this long swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge?
See results without votingCapilano Suspension Bridge Park
Outdoor seating is available for lunch...
After my niece and I rejoined my mother who was enjoying the ambiance of the beautifully landscaped park, we decided to have lunch there so that we could enjoy the grounds a bit longer.
The weather was so lovely that we decided to dine outside. They have many umbrella tables and the Bridge House Restaurant was where we chose to order our food that day because they offered more choice.
I had a very good salad with chunks of Indian smoked salmon in the mix.
On the grounds was also a casual outdoor salmon barbeque place.
Obviously salmon is readily available in the Northwest and is not only very fresh but served in many different ways.
There is a log cabin Trading Post on this site where local Indians offer totem poles, Indian jewelry and other carvings.
The Canyon House Galleria had souvenirs from around the world. Touristy do-dads.
The experience of walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge and enjoying the adjacent park with totem poles was a nice start to our day of sightseeing in Vancouver.
The natural setting of the magnificent trees and the rushing water of the Capilano River below the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge certainly made a lasting impression on the three of us.
Would this vacationer recommend seeing and experiencing the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in Vancouver, Canada to others who have not yet been there?
The answer is an affirmative "yes!"
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Capilano Suspension Bridge
More hubs from Canada by Peggy W...
- Canada - Butchart Gardens - Victoria - British Columbia - Spectacular!
On Vancouver Island, a world class garden built into an abandoned quarry...
- Canada - Beacon Hill Park - Victoria - Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Verdant and lush Beacon Hill Park is only two blocks from downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour...
- Join us on our Boat-Steam Train Daytrip from Vancouver to Squamish and back...
M.V. Britannia ship ride from Vancouver up to Squamish returning on the Royal Hudson...
- Canada - Vancouver - Queen Elizabeth Park & Bloedel Conservatory - Fabulous!
This is such a beautiful site that many wedding party photos are taken there. The days we were visiting were no exception!
- Canada - Vancouver - Historic - Gastown
Learn about "Gassy" Jack and more...
Map showing location of the Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7R4J1 - Did you know that you can earn money by writing on HubPages and that there is no cost involved except your time and effort? Click here and begin today!
Other nearby sites from the State of Washington...
- Seattle Travel - Vacation Tour - Viewing Seattle from the Water
- Visit Scenic Leavenworth in Washington State ~ Bavarian-like Town
- Throwing Fish at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington
- The Power and Beauty of Snoqualmie Falls in Washington State
- San Juan Islands - Friday Harbor - Resort - Semiahmoo - Great day trip!
Great sites experienced from land and by sea...
If you enjoyed this article, please take time to give it a star rating. Thank you!!!
CommentsLoading...
It's a beautiful park and the bridge is a technological triumph but I'm afraid of heights, so you'd never get me on there. The videos of it swaying looked pretty scary, though in my head I know it's perfectly safe. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi Mark,
What a lucky guy you are having a brother that lives in Vancouver! We loved what we got to see and explore on our 5 days of vacation there many years ago. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is certainly a long one and situated in such a scenic spot. Glad that this hub brought back happy memories for you. Thanks for your comment.
I did cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge when I visited my brother who lives in Vancouver. Quite an experience and your hub brought back many happy memories of my visit to Canada. Thank you.
Hi Cheryl,
Yes...the Capilano Suspension Bridge definitely sways especially when a bunch of people are walking across it. Fortunately they have sides that can be grabbed onto for some stability. Glad you liked these photos and thanks for your comment.
Very interesting hub, photos and videos. Observing the Capilano Suspension Bridge height, I am amazed at the tourist traveling across the bridge, and the fact that the bridge sways is amazing to me. Beautiful scenery and totem poles. Great hub.
Hi leahlefler,
Vancouver is a beautiful city with many green spaces and the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of many places worth visiting if you are ever there. We loved each and every day of the 5 days we spent in that city and crammed in as much sightseeing as possible, but hardly saw it all. If you decide to vacation there, check out my other hubs for a glimpse of other things you may also wish to see. Thanks for your comment.
Wow, that bridge is really long! I've never been to Vancouver (we live fairly close to Toronto), but the forests look beautiful. That bridge looks like a lot of fun - if I am ever out that way, I will make sure to take a side trip to the bridge!
Hello craftybegonia,
Considering how long the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been in business and with all the reinforced concrete anchoring the bridge at both ends, my niece and I decided to take our chances. My mother was more cautious and stayed on terra firma. Ha! Thanks for your comment.
Beautiful vistas, but I doubt very much that I would not be too terrified to make it all the way across!
Hi Rita Zammit,
Thanks for taking the time to comment about your visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in Vancouver. Glad that you enjoyed it as did we. Have your cousins visited you in Malta?
We were there this Luly,with my cousins that live in Victoria BC. I made it at last ....with two of my cousins. Lovely experience i visited the Capilano Bridge and of course been on it too. I came to go on in i traveled from Malta Europe the small beautiful Island.I loved Vancouver a lot.
Hi Billy,
My mother, niece and I did as much sightseeing as we possibly could in the 5 days we were vacationing in Vancouver. That Capilano Suspension Bridge is quite a site and glad that we saw it. As much as we got to enjoy am certain we missed seeing other great things. I agree with you on the friendliness of the people, the beauty and also the cleanliness. Vancouver is great!
Vancouver is one of my favorite cities it is beautiful and such friendly people also. I missed the suspension bridge but you write such a complete review I feel like I was on it. As always great shots Peggy.
Hi love2scrap,
Hope you enjoy your visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Vancouver has so much to offer by way of sightseeing! Glad that you liked this hub. At least this gives you a preview of what is there to be seen.
Thanks for a wonderful hub. I'm looking forward to visiting the bridge next month when we are in Vancouver. The views look stunning!
Greetings Ian Stinson,
I missed hearing that Vancouver, Canada news item. How tragic! I also don't see how that could have happened accidentally. The railings of the Capilano Suspension Bridge are actually quite high and the bridge...while it does sway a bit...is actually anchored quite well on both sides. Did the baby survive? I'm thinking probably not...but stranger things have happened.
I remember visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge almost 10 years ago, just after that story about the lady who dropped her baby off of the bridge was all over the news. Can you believe she was never charged? The bridge is very high and rickety, but I don't see how someone could accidentally drop their baby off of it.
Hi habee,
I figured that if the Capilano Suspension Bridge had lasted that long, it would probably last a while longer. My mother did not walk on it, however, so she stayed in the park until my niece and I had traversed it back and forth. The views were great! If you ever visit Vancouver, Canada...you could at least look at it from one side. It is quite something to see. Wish I had owned a digital camera back then!
Hello arcono23,
Thanks for stopping by and reading about the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in Vancouver, Canada.
No way would I get on that bridge!!
I was surprised when I looked through your good enough release close to this topic. I just couldn’t conceive that such kind of cause and effect essay was written not by essays online service! You’re a cool professional, I think.
Hi AdsenseStrategies,
I'll have to take your word for it for now that Newfoundland is nicer. Hope to see it someday. We surely loved visiting Vancouver and everything that we got to see while there...the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park being just one of those attractions. Thanks for the comment and encouragement to come and see more of Canada.
Wow, you`re from Texas, and you made it all the way to Vancouver??? I have also been on that bridge. BC is pretty nice. But you should come to Newfoundland -- much nicer ;) . Just make sure you come in the summer :D
Hi Micky Dee,
Hope you found this hub about the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park informative and helpful if you ever decide to visit Vancouver. There are many great places to visit in Vancouver and we just happily discovered this site. Thanks for the comment.
Very nice. Thanks for the hub.
Hi Nell,
Glad you liked this hub about Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. As you can probably tell from this and the other hubs written about our time spent up there...we LOVED the parts of Canada that we got to see on that trip. Good luck in finding out the history about your great-grandfather. Thanks for the comment.
HI Peggy, Just popped by and was suprised to see this about vancouver. My greatgrandfather was evidently from there, but just like the sleeping girl of Turville, who is related on my mums side, I know nothing about him! pathetic, but I am getting out my Sherlock holmes hat and started to hunt it all the way down! Lovely hub. Nell
Hello Patty,
Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park IS beautiful and peaceful. Hope you get to go there someday. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
This is a beautiful peaceful place in another world and I want to go there. Thanks for the Hub.
Hello loveroflife,
Well put! Obviously much engineering thought and expertise was put into the Capilano Suspension Bridge and it has been operating perfectly for a long time in Vancouver. As to the totem poles, Vancouver, Canada has many of them in different spots due to the native Indians who have lived there. They are fascinating and beautiful as well. Each tells a story...
The Capilano Bridge is an engineering marvel but the Totem Poles really fascinate me.
Hello Capilano Suspension Bridge!
Thanks for the compliment and comment. I already checked out your site and I would encourage everyone to go there. Terrific photos and info.
We visited Vancouver for 5 days back in 1989 and then went on to Victoria for another 3 days. Absolutely LOVE that area!
Hi Peggy, great post and lovely photos! How long ago did you visit? Stay in touch and check out our blog :-)
Hi kiran, It is lovely! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Looks lovely :)
Hello shamelabboush,
Wish I was back there right now too. LOL Thanks for the comment.
This place is so beautiful!! really lucky you, I wish I was there :(
My best to your mom and niece.
Hi Pete,
We also loved Vancouver. I've never been on an Alaskan cruise. You should write about it! Thanks for the comment.
That looks like a very peaceful place. We stayed in Vancouver for a few days, before our Alaskian cruise. We love the city; it's easy to walk around in.
Hi Nolimits Nana, How very interesting!!! Thanks for your comment.
A bit of trivia - My husband's parents were married in the middle of the original Capilano Suspension bridge in 1939.
Peggy W Hub Author 3 months ago
Hi alocsin,
My mother felt the same as you and did not walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge either. I must say...the views from there are quite spectacular. I'll admit to hanging on to the railing, however. Thanks for your visit, comment and votes.