This is one of those sites that you have to see, but the price tag is somewhat daunting as the admission fee has soared over the last few years. Adult admission was $26.95 plus $3.00 for parking; fortunately, we attended on a day on which it was pouring down rain so they provide a 20% discount and a plastic rain poncho. If you can find discounts or other deals, go for it, the tourist information office on Burrard may have a discounted price as may Gray Lines.

There has been a bridge on the site since 1889. Not the same bridge, of course. The current bridge is suspended by steel cables with some elasticity and the bridge’s anchors are designed to shift if they receive a heavy impact as they did during a powerful windstorm in November, 2006. At that time, a 46-ton Douglas fir fell across the bridge and failed to damage it. So when you’re crossing its 450 foot span across a deep gorge and the bridge is bouncing and swaying, worry not; it’s quite safe.

The site is more than just the bridge; there are interpreters, exhibits, and trails to follow. Before the bridge, we saw native artists, a turn of the century band, people in costume, a large gift shop, a restaurant and an outdoor grill. There are interesting historical accounts of how the bridge came to be there and the effort involved in getting the initial version across. Apparently, people from Vancouver were visiting around 1900, making the ferry ride to North Vancouver and then coming up to Capilano by horse-drawn wagon. Referred to as the "Capilano Tramps" for the 6-hour "tramp" to the site, they drew my admiration.

After crossing the bridge, you will find the Treetops adventure, a series of suspension bridges high in the trees. I wasn’t really aware of how high we had come—they go out over sloping land—until I looked down, but I felt totally secure. And if I can feel secure with a height it’s OK for elderly ladies and small children. There is also the Cliff Hanger Walk, a boardwalk that takes you around the edge of the gorge and under the suspension bridge.

Even with my initial caveat, it was really good fun, even with the rain. It would be absolutely glorious on a sunny day with time to sit under the trees and enjoy the site.

From the giant advertising posters that you can see once you cross the US-Canadian border, the Capilano Suspension Bridge looks impressive even on paper. Since the first bridge was built in the late 1800s, it has gone through a few re-builds and still retains some of its original charm, that is if you’re able to disregard the subtle theme park vision that seems to be growing up around it.

The first indication that this isn’t quite a backcountry experience is the $25 USD entrance fee, somewhat steep for a place where some trails are under construction and off limits to visitors. Staff dressed in 1800s period costume hand out maps at the entrance. They look a little out of place once you get into the park, where displays are neatly signed, footpaths look newly bricked, and where the souvenir shop is manned by a giant (fake) stuffed bear sporting a bright red jacket and Mountie hat. I wonder how many years it will be until they have Donald Duck helping 5 year olds onto the bridge.

The history boards past the entrance talk about George Grant Mackay, the Scottish civil engineer who was responsible for the first Capilano Bridge. We skipped over some of them and walked on to admire the beautiful collection of totem poles, placed there in the 1930s.

From the Totem Park, you turn the corner to the bridge that stretches out across the sparkling Capilano River. According to one information board, the bridge is about the same width as two 747 planes placed wing tip to wing tip and at 300 feet (70m) high it probably isn’t ideal for vertigo sufferers. As soon as you step onto the bridge you can feel the sway caused by the many other pairs of feet walking back and forth. On the other side, the map indicates different areas of interest, the main draw being the Treetops Adventure, a series of walkways suspended some 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor. It’s great for kids but given its popularity, you don’t really feel that it puts you much closer to nature. You supposedly get a "squirrel’s eye view" of the forest but in the process you probably end up scaring away the squirrels and any other woodland creatures that might normally hang out in the trees.

Unfortunately the "Rainforest" area was closed but we found that the views from the Cliffhanger Walk and Canyon Lookout (back on the other side of the bridge) were by far the most interesting and spectacular. Along the Cliffhanger Walk you can see where an old log slide allowed loggers to drop fallen trees down into the river below.

Capilano is definitely a fun day trip, particularly for young families. Whilst we appreciated the views and the history lessons, I really hope that it doesn’t develop into a park so structured that the natural foundations eventually take second place to their efforts to increase tourist revenue.

www.capbridge.com

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver's oldest attraction and one of its most popular. Walking across the bridge's swaying planks 230 feet above the Capilano River is a real thrill. The bridge was originally a hemp-rope-and-cedar-plank bridge built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay. Through the years, the ownership has changed several times, with each new owner adding his own ideas to the facility. Today you will find the 1911 tea house converted to a restaurant and gift shop, with natives carving totem poles, antique household items, and appliances and guided tours on the trails through the woods on the west side of the bridge. The admission rate for adults is $21.95, while seniors and students pay $16.50, youth (13-16) pay $10.95, and children pay $5.50 each. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Good family fun but not for someone with fear of heights. The totems at the entrance to the bridge are great and a favourite photograph spot. The walk over the bridge is over before you know it, and at the other side you can follow the nature trails. Lovely scenery, looking down onto the river. Then you have the walk back over the bridge into the souvenir shop and cafe area. Prices were pretty reasonable, as was the entrance fee. You don't need more than an hour or two for this sight, so it's a good idea to do it on the way to Grouse Mountain.

Seems like everything costs money when you're on vacation. Here's a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively--something that doesn't cost money.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is the smaller, free version of the Capilano River Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. The Capilano River Suspension Bridge is the more popular location, but is pricey and very touristy with gift shops and restaurants and lots of people milling around. It's quite expensive just to walk across the suspension bridge.

Instead, travel about 10 minutes east in North Vancouver, and you'll come to Lynn Canyon. The suspension bridge here is 20 stories above the canyon floor and is free to traverse. In addition, the Lynn Canyon Park is a great location to hike, picnic, and enjoy the great outdoors in the rain forest and river areas. A wooden bridge 20 minutes downstream crosses the river at Twin Falls. Ten minutes upstream from the suspension bridge is a great place for swimming--30 Foot Pool.

This is no major attraction, but it is a great place to relax and kick back after a busy week of sightseeing. About the only thing that resembles a tourist site is a tiny trailer at the entrance to the suspension bridge where you can buy a drink and limited snacks. There is no charge for admission to the park, parking your car, or walking the bridge. Enjoy.