Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. Bridges of Vancouver. Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Bridge today is a whole entertainment complex, which is visited by more than 900 thousand tourists annually. We invite you to go on a journey with us and find out why it is so famous.

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At the end of the 18th century, Scottish engineer George Grand Mackay acquired 24 square kilometers of land in British Columbia. These places are rich natural resources, but the most important and profitable of them is forest. Red cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock - all these trees are very valuable in construction, especially since their height reaches 90-100m.

The local humid climate prevents fires from spreading and creates all the conditions for their full development. McKay began cutting down forest on his property. To make work more comfortable, in 1883 he built a suspension bridge across the canyon that divided the site.

The Scot did not even suspect that such a seemingly simple creation from ordinary boards and hemp ropes would make him famous not only in Vancouver, but throughout the world. The longest in Canada, 136 m, at an altitude of 70 m, the bridge instead of a logging assistant became a magnificent attraction. Its next owner, McEachran, understood this.

Beginning in 1935, household items of local Indians and their totems began to appear in the nearby park. The bridge turned into a panopticon under open air, city landmark. Since 1983, Nancy Stibbard has been the next owner.

Remembering the Squamish Indian Tribe

Today it is an entire entertainment complex for recreation and entertainment, which is visited by more than 900 thousand tourists annually. And there really is something to see here. Large collection of totems Indian tribe Squamish, their utensils, which you can touch with your hands, get acquainted with their living conditions, their creativity.

This tribe had a leader named Joe Capilano. This man, according to his people, knew the language of birds and animals, and knew how to negotiate even with the sky about good weather. In some ways they were right, since Joe visited Ottawa, and even London, to talk with King Edward VII of Canada about the fate of the indigenous population and their rights. He achieved the preservation of the memory of the tribe and perpetuated his name. "Capilano" is the name in Vancouver for a lake, river, highland, road, park, suspension bridge.

Walk on the bridge

Now this bridge plays more of an entertainment role. Walking along it, as they say, “tickles your nerves.” Ropes with boards, of course, have long been replaced with more durable materials. The engineers involved in the repairs calculated the carrying capacity at 100 tons. There is even a joke about 96 elephants that can cross to the other side without fear. But even confidence in the reliability of the structure does not eliminate the influx of adrenaline during the promenade along the surface swaying over the abyss.

The centuries-old pines, the tops of which are nearby, sway in time with the wind, its noise leaves an indelible feeling of the power of nature. The river, deep below, turns stones in turbulent streams, trembling the hearts of travelers who decide to test their courage. Of course, on a calm, fine day it is very beautiful here and, one might say, calm.

It’s good to make a stop, watch the squirrels jumping on the branches, listen to the murmur of water, admire the greenery caressed by the sun’s rays, merge with nature, so to speak, before the next stream of tourists starts moving across the bridge. Again, trembling, swaying, and the “leaving” of the support from under the feet, delighted exclamations and children’s laughter. Before reconstruction, local Indians called the bridge “Laughing” for the sounds it made when it moved from the wind or people walking. He remains so “cheerful” to this day.

Treetops Adventures

In 2004, the park acquired another attraction - Treetops Adventures. It's seven tracks on west coast, suspended at a height of 30m. Tourists move from tree to tree, looking at samples and models of everything that these lands are rich in. Something like local history museum, only on the trunks of three-hundred-year-old fir trees. And all around are fascinating pictures of a dense forest from a fairy tale. The role of a “hut on chicken legs” here is played by life-size models of Indian dwellings.

The bravest ones visit the Cliffwalk. This is an unusual path attached directly to the rock of the canyon. Some parts of it are made of transparent material, that is, you can see the abyss under your feet. Such experiences are not for the faint of heart, although they are very interesting. At the end of this path, a surprise awaits brave tourists - a charming waterfall.

There are also many wooden paths along the ground, carefully bending around every trunk encountered along the way. There are many gazebos, places to relax, and observation decks that offer stunning views of pristine nature, preserved for posterity as an example of caring for the ecosystem. Even the souvenir shop and cafe are arranged very harmoniously here.

The park and the Capilano Bridge are closely connected with the history of the conquest of these places by “white people”, the fate of the Squamish tribe and its leader. It is gratifying to see how the echoes of distant times live and delight contemporaries, warming their souls with love for the world around them.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. From the very first glance, it becomes clear why the bridge has gained popularity among tourists. Under the entire length of the structure, equal to 136 meters, there is a magnificent view of the river. At an altitude of 70 meters, each of the 80,000 tourists a year can enjoy the beauty of nature. By the way, the park is accessible to visitors not only in summer, but also in winter, so anyone can celebrate New Year or Christmas against the backdrop of bright lights of a hanging structure.

The long suspension bridge near Vancouver attracts many tourists. After the first steps you will feel a rush of adrenaline. Psychologists took advantage of this property for scientific experiments. They learned that in extreme sensations a person falls in love more often.

The place also has sad statistics that depict the tragic events of bridge visitors falling from a height, although some of the accidents are associated with the use of narcotic drugs by the victims.

A visit to the park where the bridge is located costs about $28; children under 6 years old can enjoy it for free. There are also benefits: students (with ID) $22, children over 6 years old $9, price for a teenage ticket (13-16 years old) $17, seniors (over 65 years old) $26.

Capilano Suspension Bridge on video

Just a short walk from the center of Vancouver, Canada, there is the amazing Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. On par with Niagara Falls this place is one of the most popular attractions in Canada. The park area is 11 hectares, it combines beautiful nature, historical and cultural attractions and exciting entertainment for tourists. This great place for a holiday with the whole family. In addition, pets are allowed into the park.

Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge attracts approximately 800,000 visitors each year. This pedestrian bridge hangs over a 137-meter-deep canyon, along the bottom of which the Capilano River flows. The length of the suspension bridge is about 70 meters, and this is quite enough to leave you with an indelible impression of walking across it. Even experienced tourists experience fear when crossing this bridge. But there is no reason to worry, since the structure is securely fixed using steel cables and reliable concrete supports. However, in windy weather or if many people are walking along it at the same time, the bridge may sway. This is not dangerous, but significantly increases the level of adrenaline in the blood.

The original bridge was built in 1889 by Scottish engineer George Grant Mackay. It was built from hemp rope and cedar planks. The bridge was built to make it more convenient for people to get to the sawmill, which was located on the other side of the canyon. In 1903 it was reconstructed and strengthened with a conductor cable. Already at that time, the suspension bridge attracted fans to tickle their nerves. And in 1956, the bridge underwent a complete reconstruction. In fact, it was rebuilt from scratch. Since the Capilano Suspension Bridge has always been privately owned, it has had many owners. His last customer was Nancy Stibbar. She purchased it in 1983 and decided that a suspension bridge alone was not enough to make the park a tourist attraction. It was thanks to Nancy that Capilano Park in Canada became more than just a route to the suspension bridge. Now the park has several more attractions and historical and cultural exhibitions.

Journey through the treetops

In 2004, Nancy Stibbar opened a new attraction in the park, Treetops Adventure, Treetops Adventure. It immediately became one of the most popular attractions among tourists. This is the system wooden bridges, stretched among the tops of giant trees. Seven bridges connect two-hundred-meter fir trees. Thus, viewers can, like squirrels, travel from tree to tree at a height of up to thirty meters above the ground. The tour includes information about the forest ecosystem and interesting facts O flora, therefore it is very popular among both adults and children.

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Walk among the rocks

The newest attraction of Capilano Park, opened in 2011, is called Cliffwalk (from the words cliff - rock, cliff, steep cliff, and walk - walk, detour). This is a real adventure for lovers of extreme sensations.

The attraction is a group of artificially created paths made of wood, and in some areas made of transparent glass, fixed in the rocks above the canyon. Not every park visitor will decide to take this route, because it’s scary. After all, some paths are located at an altitude of 70 meters above the rapid waters of the Capilano River. The length of the route is 230 meters, and the width of the paths is only 50 cm. They say that you can follow this route only by reading the signs that talk about the importance of water in nature, natural forests and fish living in the Capilano River. At least the signs will distract you from the idea that you are walking over an abyss.



History and culture

And for those who are not crazy about extreme sports, but are interested in history and ethnography, Capilano Park has Historical center, telling about the Capilano Suspension Bridge, its former owners and reconstructions, and Totem Park, where you can admire the work of Canadian Indians. By the way, in the park there is a wood carving workshop, where everyone can watch how the masters of this craft work.

Ticket price

Since Capilano Park is privately owned, there is a fee to visit it. Adult tickets cost $30. A student's visit to the park will cost $28. Children from 12 to 16 years old – $19. From 6 to 12 years – $10. Well, for children under 6 years old, visiting Capilano Park is free.

It is worth noting that children under 12 years of age are allowed to visit most of the park's attractions only in the presence of adults.

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Children's excursions

Despite the fact that the main attractions of the park are hardly intended for small children, the administration is doing everything to make a vacation in Capilano truly family-friendly. The park offers several types of recreation for younger visitors.

Rainforest Explorer Program. At the start of the Treetops trail is an actual treehouse. It offers amazing views of the forest. You can play in it. But besides this, this house is the beginning of a fascinating journey, during which the child will have to solve several riddles dedicated to the ecosystem of the tropical forest. Hints are located along the route. Once your child has collected them all, they must return to the treehouse where they will receive a personalized Rainforest Explorer badge. The quest begins and ends in "Dr. Woods' office."

From late June to September, you can see a variety of birds of prey in the park, including hawks, falcons and owls, and learn more about their lifestyle.

Opening hours

The park is open daily except Christmas Day. Opening hours vary throughout the year. This is due to weather conditions, because most of the park's attractions are quite unsafe in strong winds or snowfall.

Opening hours: January 5 - March 8: 9am - 5pm;
March 9 - April 26: 9am - 6pm;
April 27 - May 24: 9am - 7pm;
May 25 - September 2: 8:30 - 8 pm;
September 3 - October 14: 9am - 6pm;
October 15 - November 29: 9am - 5pm;
November 30 - January 4: (Except Christmas) 11am - 9pm.

How to get there

You can get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge by taking a free shuttle bus, which departs daily on a scheduled basis from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, or by public bus Seabus company to the Quay embankment, then by bus #236 to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
By car from downtown Vancouver, travel west on Georgia Street to Stanley Park. After crossing the Lion Gates Bridg, turn into North Vancouver, then left onto Capilano Road. After 2.7 km is the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
From Highway 1 west over the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, take Exit 14 onto Capilano Road. Capilano Suspension Bridge after 1.3 km.

Contacts

Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V7R4J1
Phone: 604.985.7474
Toll free: 1.877.985.7474
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.capbridge.com

Vancouver, Canada, like many cities on the planet, has its own attractions. But one deserves special attention. This is the famous Capilano suspension bridge. 137 meters of air path at an altitude of 70 meters above the Capilano River.

The bridge was named after an Indian chief who lived in this area in the past. It is with this attraction that you should start your acquaintance with Vancouver.

The bridge was first built by Scotsman George Grant Mackay in 1889 to cross the river. Why for the first time? Because the Capilano Bridge was periodically improved and rebuilt. For example, the hemp ropes that were used in the original version were replaced with metal cables in 1903. In 1956, the bridge was completely rebuilt. According to today's owners, the bridge is absolutely safe and will support the weight of 96 elephants. But this fact has never been demonstrated, so we’ll take his word for it.

The bridge is privately owned and was sold several times until it was acquired by Nancy Stibbart in 1983. The guy was no slouch. The totems, which were placed by local Indians at the request of the former owners as an additional attraction for visitors, were added in 2004 by the dizzying attraction "Treetops Adventures". That's 7 extra pedestrian bridges up to 30 meters high, also laid between trees.

One of the bridges is shaped like a semicircle and is suspended from a nearby rock.


It’s especially extreme to walk across the Capilano Bridge during a strong wind, when it sways quite violently. Not every tourist at this time is able to overcome such a path.

Not only is the bridge a landmark, but so is the stunning beauty of the surrounding Canadian nature.

Capilano Suspension Bridge photo



Additional bridges between trees


suspension bridge Capilano is one of British Columbia's most popular attractions; more than 900 thousand tourists visit it annually. Hanging seventy meters above the river of the same name, it was built in 1889 for sawmill workers. But in the middle of the 20th century, a complete reconstruction of the structure was carried out, and Capilano became a tourist attraction.

An extreme walk over the canyon is a test, if not of courage, then certainly of composure. A 137-meter journey across a bridge swaying from the wind is unlikely to seem like an idle pleasure, but it is best way see the tops of the fir trees at eye level. It is not recommended for particularly impressionable people to look down where the flows of the Capilano River rage. However, there is nothing to be afraid of: the steel cables of the bridge can withstand a weight of 90 tons, that is, more than a thousand people can be here at the same time.

The Capilano River and the bridge itself got their name from the leader of the Squamish Indian tribe, who once lived in the territory of modern Vancouver. In his memory, totem poles depicting animals and the mythical soul of the Squamish tribe were installed at the entrance to the bridge.





Cost of visit and opening hours

Entrance fees to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are C$32 for adults, C$17 for students over 17 years old (ID card required), C$20 for youth 13 to 16 years old, C$12 for children 6 to 12 years old and C $30 for those over 65 years of age. You can also purchase a family ticket for C$65 for two adults and two children under 16 years of age; This offer is valid only until January 5, 2013. Entrance for persons with disabilities free. The price includes admission to all attractions inside the park, including the suspension bridge. The cost is indicated in Canadian dollars, which are approximately equal to US dollars.

The park's opening hours depend on the season. On at the moment a schedule has been announced until April next year. From December 1 to January 5, the park is open from 9:00 to 22:00; from January 6 to March 8 - from 9:00 to 17:00; from March 9 to April 26 - from 9:00 to 18:00; from April 27 to April 30 - from 9:00 to 19:00.

On the territory of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park there are restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops for tourists and observation decks, built at a short distance from the river. In addition, tourists can walk along seven suspension bridges laid through forests at a height of thirty meters, watching squirrels jumping along tree branches. Another attraction of the park is the Cliffwal paths, laid along rocky outcrops; some of them are made with transparent fabric.

Every year for a month, from early December to early January, the park hosts Canyon Lights light and music shows. Performances start at 16:00 daily. This year, the first show will take place on December 1, and the season will end on January 5, 2013.

Smoking is prohibited within the park.

How to get there

Free transfers for tourists start from Canada Place, located in the center of Vancouver, also passing by the central entrances of the city's largest hotels Hyatt Hotel (655 Burrard St.), Blue Horizon Hotel (1225 Robson St.) and Westin Bayshore Hotel (1601 Bayshore Drive) . During the Canyon Lights Festival, shuttles depart every hour, from 10:00 to 19:00; the rest of the year - from 9:00 to 14:00. A detailed schedule can be found on the official website of the park www.capbridge.com.

You can also reach the park by regular buses No. 246 to Lonsdale Quay stop and change to No. 236, which goes to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

The bridge is located 11 kilometers north of downtown Vancouver, on the other side of Vancouver Harbour. Follow West Georgia Street towards Stanley Park; further along the Lion Gates Bridge. Turn right onto Marine Dr, then left onto Capilano Road, then follow it for about two kilometers to the exit for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Location

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in the park of the same name in the northern part of Vancouver, southwest British Columbia.