Is Capilano Suspension Bridge worth it?

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular Vancouver attractions.

This top thing to do in Vancouver is visited by thousands of tourists every year, and is on many people’s Canada bucket list but is the Capilano Suspension Bridge worth it?

The Capilano Suspension Bridge gets its name as it crosses over the Capilano River Canyon in North Vancouver.

Sitting just down the road from Grouse Mountain, this is one Vancouver attraction that you won’t want to miss.

Or will you?

I spent 6 years living in Vancouver on BC’s west coast and visited the Capilano Bridge just once. While I enjoyed my visit, the cost of this Vancouver attraction can be hard to justify.

You can see beautiful scenery all over Vancouver and the surrounding area, so why would you pay almost CAD$60 just to walk across a bridge?

Especially when Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge nearby is free and offers a similar experience.

This post will look into the pros and cons of visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver from an objective standpoint.

It’ll include the other attractions at the Capilano Suspension Bridge as well as some alternatives for gondolas and other Vancouver suspension bridges nearby that might be more up your street.

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Where is Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in the Capilano River Regional Park in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Capilano Suspension Bridge is set within a managed rainforest park area that is close to Clevedam, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, and the foot of Grouse Mountain in Capilano park.

How to get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge

This North Van suspension bridge is one of several. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is about 20 minutes outside of downtown Vancouver provided there’s no traffic.

There are multiple ways to get there and there are pros and cons to each.

Capilano Suspension Bridge by car

You can drive to Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver from downtown in about 20 – 30 minutes.

To do this, take Lions Gate Bridge through Stanley Park and then exit towards North Vancouver (to your right as you’re driving). Stay in the left-hand lane and head up Caliano Road following the signs.

You will need to pay to park immediately across from Capilano Suspension Bridge. Unfortunately, it’s quite expensive to park and it is not included in the cost of admission.

It costs $8 for three hours’ parking on Capilano Road at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

During peak times, there are free overflow parking lots that you’ll be directed to at either Handsworth School or the underground parking in Edgemont Village. A shuttle bus runs between these parking lots.

If you want to avoid parking fees and don’t mind walking, you can park around here to start with.

At certain times of the day traffic going over Lions Gate Bridge can be really bad so if you can avoid driving, I recommend it. 

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Free shuttle bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge

Alternatively, you can take a free Capilano Suspension bridge shuttle from downtown Vancouver. 

This saves you the hassle of driving in traffic yourself and paying for parking. It’s also just better for the environment so I highly recommend this option!

The shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge is free and goes from just outside the Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver. You can’t miss it, it says Capilano Suspension Bridge all over it.

Though it’s free, you will need to show that you’ve bought a ticket for Capilano, you can’t just use it as your mode of transport to the North Shore.

You can see a schedule for the bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge here.

Bike and public transport to the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Alternatively, you can bike or take other forms of public transport to Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver.

You can bike over Lions Gate Bridge and up to Capilano on cycle lanes but this is quite hilly and so I wouldn’t recommend it to most people. 

You could shorten the ride by taking the sea bus from Vancouver to North Vancouver and then cycling up from there. 

Or, you could take the Seabus (which leaves every 15 minutes and is very reliable) and then catch the #236 bus up to Capilano. 

About the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge park has a long history and is on the unceded land of the  LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

The name ‘Capilano’ comes from the Squamish Nation: Kia’palano which means ‘beautiful river’. 

The bridge is 137 metres long (450 feet) and 70 metres (230 feet) above the Capilano River and the Capilano forest floor.

Though it may seem like the bridge isn’t very strong (you’ll feel a slight wobble as you walk across), it’s actually strong enough to hold a 747 airliner! 

The park has been open since 1889. When the bridge was first built it just used hemp rope and cedar planks.

Since then, you’ll be glad to hear, the ropes have been replaced with steel cables strong enough to hold up a fully loaded 747 airliner. 

Open every day (besides Christmas Day), you can visit Capilano Suspension bridge in winter, summer and everything in between!

There are different attractions during the year too so it’s well worth visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge multiple times.

Is visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge worth it?

Everyone will have a different view on whether visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge is worth it.

So, to consider this, I’ll take you through the different attractions at Capilano (spoiler: it’s more than just 1 bridge!), and then cover the costs and alternatives that might be more your style. 

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The suspension Bridge is, of course, the main attraction in the park. The bridge is 137 metres long and 70 metres high above the canyon.

It’s part of the park that people come to see and it does get very busy. 

You may have seen pictures of people on the bridge with no one else in the background. Most of these are influencers who were invited before the park opened or people who are good at photoshop.

Unless you visit on a weekday in winter when it’s raining or just get very lucky, it’s unlikely you’ll get a photo of the bridge with no one on it.

The highlight of the park is, of course, the suspension bridge. At 450 feet long, you have a nice long walk across the river. Feel free to stop and look at the river below. The cable bridge is strong enough to hold a 747 fully-loaded airliner! 

The best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge is when the park opens, or at the end of the day near sunset as the park closes.

The middle of the day is when the park is at its busiest, especially during the summer season since it’s one of the most popular Vancouver attractions.

Birds of Raptors Ridge

Besides the bridge, there are plenty of other attractions to see within the park. One of these is the Raptors Ridge area where you can learn about birds of pretty including falcons, hawks and owls. 

The birds that visit Capilano Suspension Bridge park return to their Raptors Ridge home every evening, and different ones visit the next day.

When they’re not at the park, the birds enjoy an open environment of free flight, feeling the wind beneath their wings. 

This attraction is only open from May to October and promises an immersive experience.

Treetops adventure

The treetop adventure features a series of much smaller suspension bridges that take you from tree top to tree top in the park.

There are seven suspension bridges here and as you walk across them you’ll be able to experience the sheer size of Douglas-Fir trees. These fir trees are around 250 years old!

This is my favourite part of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, especially in the winter when the lights make it feel so magical. 

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Capilano Suspension Bridge cliff walk

The cliffwalk is another cool part of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. 

It’s an area of the park where you’ll walk out into the canyon supported by boardwalks. It’s a pretty cool experience.

This is one of the newer parts of the park which opened in 2011. Since then visitors to Capilano Suspension Bridge have been able to experience jaw-dropping views. 

The Story Centre at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Stroll down memory lane at the Capilano Suspension Bridge story centre.

The park has about 130 years of history and life-size photomurals, artefacts, antiques and informative signage take you through the early history of the bridge and the development of Vancouver into the city we know today.

Indigenous History

The park is situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the word Kia’palano means “beautiful river” in the Skwxwú7mesh language. 

At the park, you can learn more about the Indigenous Nations to who this land belongs. There are totem poles at Capilano Suspension Bridge which tell their story and their special connection to this land

Other places you can see totem poles in Vancouver include the Stanley Park Totem Poles and those in the Museum of Anthropology which I think is the best museum in Vancouver. 

Rainforest Explorers Program

If you’re visiting Capilano with kids, then be sure to check out the Rainforest Explorer Program.

This program features the cool characters of Dr Woods, Ranger Racoon, Scout Squirrel, Ollie Otter, and Echo Eagle and is a self-guided interactive programme where kids of all ages can learn about the rainforest and its animals, trees and plants as they explore the park.

Simply pick up one of the booklets at the beginning of the treetops adventure and then follow the signs and maps to come across the activities and puzzles throughout the park.

At the end, your little explorer can get a Rainforest Explorer’s reward! 

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Seasonal activities at the park

If you’re visiting Vancouver in winter, you’re dealing with fewer hours of daylight so to counter this and make things more festive and magical, the Capilano Suspension Bridge puts on the Canyon Lights!

There are also Valentine’s lights at Capilano too. 

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of the best things to do in Vancouver at Christmas is the Canyon Lights but luckily, they last longer than the Christmas period too.

The Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge sees the park covered in thousands of lights and it’s truly magical. The “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel, along the cliff top walk, sees you walk through a light tunnel with plenty of photo opportunities. 

The first time I visited the park was during the Canyon Lights event and it was so pretty to see. Plus, they do special festive drinks including hot apple cider, mulled wine and delicious hot chocolates.

There is timed ticketing in place for this event. Check their website for more details.

Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you’re looking for date ideas in Vancouver, then check out the Love Lights event at Capilano. 

Similar to the Canyon Lights event, this event sees the lights turn pink and red to celebrate love and valentine’s day. 

There are also some special drinks and food at the Cliff House Restaurant. These include a Love Potion Martini, Steak & Frites and a decadent dark chocolate Terrine. 

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Canyon Frights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

From October 6 – October 31 you can give yourself a fright and get into the Halloween spirit at Capilano Suspension Bridge! 

You’re encouraged to dress up (in child-friendly attire, no masks or weapons) and then grab your friends and family for a unique experience at Capilano Suspension Bridge.

There will be pumpkins, spooky displays, Halloween-themed games and a Canyon Frights Scavenger Hunt throughout the park.

Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge park

When purchasing online you must select the time you want to visit the park. You can stay in the park for as long as you want, but selecting an entrance time helps them manage park visitors.

If you’ve bought an admission ticket, this gives you access to everything in the park including the seasonal events.

One of my top tips is for BC residents! BC Residents can get an annual pass for the cost of one admission ticket.

You simply buy your admission ticket, then visit the visitor’s centre during your visit and show your receipt/ticket.

You can then exchange this for an annual pass (they’ll take your photo and print it there), so you can come back multiple times over the next 12 months for free! 

To get the BC Residents annual pass you’ll need to show BC ID such as your BC Services Card or a BC driving license. 

Day admission tickets grant access to all the attractions of the park – including Canyon Frights. People can save $3 when purchasing tickets online.

British Columbia residents can get the BC Resident Annual Pass for a discounted price.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Tickets Price

• Capilano Suspension Bridge entrance fee: $62.95 CAD ($52.00 USD) (Aged 18 to 64 Years Old)
• Get your ticket in advance here

Food and drink at Capilano Suspension Bridge

You’ll probably spend at least two hours exploring Capilano Suspension Bridge, perhaps longer if you’re visiting with kids who are doing the rainforest ranger programmes. If that’s the case you may get hungry!

You’re not allowed to bring your own food and drink into the park.

Luckily, there are several restaurants and foot outlets throughout the park which focus on locally-sourced ingredients.

There’s the Cliffhouse Restaurant which opens daily from 11 am to 5 pm and has both inside and outdoor names. You’ll find craft beers, clam chowder, burgers, salmon, and much more. There are also mini doughnuts with cream and maple syrup!

Loggers’ Grill is open from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm and serves quick hot dogs and burgers including Beyond Meat options. The Cabin does hot chocolates baked goods and Beaver Balls.

These are similar to Beaver Tails and are mini doughnuts with maple syrup and sugar. Beary Waffles does tasty waffles with fun flavours as well as hot coffees and hot chocolates.

You’ll also find ice creams and fudge available throughout the park. 

Food in Capilano Suspension Bridge is pretty expensive and fairly standard in terms of quality. I’d recommend timing your visit so that you eat before or after your trip around the park and eat somewhere else.

At Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’re pretty close to Egmont Village as well as other restaurants at Park Royal near Lions Gate Bridge or North Vancouver. There are loads of options for cafes, restaurants and more as well as a gift shop.

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Alternatives to Capilano Suspension Bridge

If the cost of the tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge is too steep for you (It is a lot!) or you’re not convinced it’s the right attraction in Vancouver for you, then check out this list of attractions nearby that are good alternatives to Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is also in North Vancouver and is a suspension bridge that goes over Lynn Canyon. This is the Vancouver suspension bridge free option.

It’s not as long as Capilano Suspension Bridge and it’s not as high either but it’s still beautiful.

There is a small visitor center and cafe by the entrance to the suspension bridge so you can learn more about the forest, the bridge and the wildlife in the area.

When you cross over the bridge there’s a great loop trail in the woods (and tonnes more hiking options) you can do. One of the best takes you to Twin Falls and the natural swimming pools here.

This is a super popular swimming spot with locals in the summer and the water is such beautiful colours. 

This isn’t a secret gem in Vancouver though and it also gets very busy.

Parking is paid and very limited so it’s best to get the bus to an area nearby.

You can sometimes find parking in the park right next to the End of the Line Cafe and walk from there. 

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge price is free.

Capilano suspension bridge vs Lynn canyon

The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon are two of Vancouver’s iconic natural attractions, each offering unique experiences.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, stretching 137 meters across and 70 meters above the Capilano River, is a popular tourist attraction known for its panoramic views, treetop adventures, and cliffwalk.

On the other hand, Lynn Canyon, while also boasting a suspension bridge, is less commercialized and offers a more rugged, natural experience. And, it’s free.

This 50-meter high bridge provides stunning views of waterfalls, deep pools, and dense forest.

While Capilano draws crowds for its engineered adventures and amenities, Lynn Canyon appeals to those seeking a quieter, more authentic immersion in British Columbia’s wilderness.

Fisherman’s trail bridge

The Fisherman’s trail suspension bridge is another suspension bridge in North Vancouver. This one is closer to Mt Seymour and was rebuilt in 2018 after a rockslide closed the area.

While I wouldn’t recommend visiting this bridge on its own, if you’re doing a walk a hike, or a bike ride in the area, it’s worth planning your route so you go over it.

Sea to Sky Squamish Gondola

Another top attraction in the Vancouver area is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish.

This gondola takes you up above the town of Squamish where you’ll get great views of the town as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. 

Buy your Sea to Sky Gondola ticket here.

At the top of the gondola, there are some suspension bridges, trails, plenty of hiking opportunities, a beautiful viewing platform and a cafe and restaurant which holds live music events throughout the summer.

As with the Capilano Suspension Bridge, this is an expensive attraction. You can make it cheaper by hiking the Sea to Summit trail and then paying CAD$19.05 to get the gondola down.

This is a hard hike and is only recommended for experienced hikers.

You can get similar views, but no suspension bridges or cafes, by hiking the Squamish Chief too.

Peak2Peak and suspension bridge at Whistler

If you’re planning to visit Whistler, you may want to save your money to check out the Peak2Peak Gondola and the Suspension Bridge at the top of the Peak Chair in Whistler.

This Suspension Bridge is worlds higher than the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the views are incredible.

You can ride. thePeak2Peak in both winter and summer but I think it’s better in summer since you’re less packed in with skiers. It’s expensive, but it’s also one of the best Whistler summer activities.

It’s definitely not one for those of you scared of heights, but it’s a super cool experience.

FAQs about Capilano Suspension Bridge Vancouver

Final thoughts on is Capilano Suspension Bridge worth it

The Capilano Suspension Bridge review has looked at whether visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge is worth it. 

The pros are that it’s a beautiful park with plenty of attractions and is one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver.

The cons are that it’s expensive and can be very busy. 

Ultimately it depends on what you want to do with your trip to Vancouver. If you’re visiting with children I’d recommend this as a great attraction that will keep you all entertained.

However, if you’re not and are looking to visit Vancouver on a budget, then the Lynn Canyon Bridge will give you a similar experience.

The best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge in my opinion is when the Canyon Lights are on, as it makes the whole thing even prettier. 

In conclusion, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a must-visit attraction for many tourists.

However, the high admission cost may be a deterrent for some visitors. Those who are budget-conscious or looking for a similar experience at no cost may find Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge to be a better alternative.

If you’re willing to pay the admission fee, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a worthwhile destination that offers a unique and memorable experience.

Buy your ticket to Capilano Suspension Bridge here

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Hannah