Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, Vancouver

Before we came to Vancouver I’d seen plenty of pictures of a suspension bridge high up in the forest above the city. In most cases this was Capilano suspension bridge, but not always.

What I hadn’t realised was that there’s another, less busy, and is a free suspension bridge Vancouver, well technically North Vancouver, has to offer. The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge also is a great base for hikes that are accessible on Vancouver’s public transport!

While researching Capilano suspension bridge, I came across a free suspension bridge that was supposed to be pretty worthwhile.

When I saw that Capilano suspension bridge cost a whopping $65+ AND you have to pay extra to park, we headed to Lynn Canyon suspension bridge instead.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is about half an hour away from downtown Vancouver. This makes it a great place to spend half a day. If there’s one thing I love about Vancouver (there’s actually way more than one!), it’s how easy it is to go from the city to what feels like the middle of nowhere.

We got to Lynn Canyon at about 11am and the place was pretty quiet. There were a few people on the bridge but if you waited a few minutes you’d have it to yourself.

I can’t imagine the same can be said about the Capilano suspension bridge; especially since there are even free shuttle buses leaving the center of town throughout the day.

Parking at Lynn Canyon is free for three hours which is enough time to see the suspension bridge and take a walk through the forests as well.

Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge

It’s said that the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon is one of the valley’s best kept secrets. It’s 50m high (the same height as my bungee jump in Australia!) and crosses a pretty fast flowing river down below.

Crossing the bridge is great fun – if not a little nerve racking – as it wobbles and bounces up and down with every step you take. That’s especially true when there’s a few of you on it!

The 30ft Pool

Once you’ve crossed the bridge (a few times so as to get the perfect photo) there are plenty of forest trails to explore. One of these trails takes you towards the 30ft pool which is a popular swimming hole near Lynn Canyon. However, it is absolutely freezing so don’t expect to swim for long!

The water around there is a gorgeous emerald green colour. Whilst there will be a few other people around, it still feels a bit like you’ve stumbled upon a secret.

Once you’re finished with the 30ft pool there’s a huge stairway which takes you up to Pipe Bridge. Once over the bridge you’ll come out onto Lynn Valley road where there’s a great little general store called The End of the Line with fancy drink such as posh lemonades and locally brewed kombucha to cool you down.

Twin Falls Trail

If you fancy checking out some waterfalls once you’ve crossed the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, then follow the Twin Falls Trail. This trail is to the east of the suspension bridge and you can follow it without even needing to cross the bridge if you want.

As the trail heads down towards the river it’s just a short walk to the Twin Falls Bridge which has great views of the waterfall and the plunge pool below.

Most visitors to Lynn Canyon Park tend to visit the 30ft pool and not Twin Falls which means it’s far quieter – a fantastic place to chill-out with a good book!

Capilano suspension bridge vs Lynn Canyon

They’re very different places. While both feature a suspension bridge, Lynn Canyon’s is smaller. However it is free, and there are more options for hikes but not attractions for tourists as such.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, on the other hand, has a longer, higher suspension bridge. It also has things like a tree-top canopy walk and a cliff walk. It’s far more set up for tourists, with attractions and food stands but you do have to pay to get there.

So ultimately, when it comes to Lynn Canyon suspension bridge vs Capilano suspension bridge it depends on what you’re after. If it’s nature walks then Lynn Canyon wins for me. If it’s an attraction with kids, then Capilano may be better.

The biggest perk for me when it comes to Capilano vs Lynn Canyon is the Christmas cayon lights even at Capilano. It’s one of the best things to do in Vancouver over winter and all the twinkling lights will definitely get you in the festive spirit!

Other places & trails in Lynn Canyon Park

• The Baden Powell Trail (can take this to Deep Cove)
• Rice Lake
• Lynn Headwaters
• Hike to Grouse Mountain

What to pack for hiking Lynn Canyon

What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.

• Check out my day hike packing list here.
• If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
• Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
• Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
• If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
• You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
• You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
• Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.

Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by Hannah