Is Capilano Suspension Bridge Worth It?

Overview

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a privately operated facility that offers a unique way to experience a temperate rainforest surrounding the Capilano river and canyon.

It is famous for three main attractions –

• Suspension bridge – its 460ft long suspension bridge crossing the Capilano river.
• Treetop Adventure – a series of 7 suspension bridges amidst the Douglas-Fir trees.
• Cliffwalk – a suspended walkway and viewing platform.

Is Capilano Bridge really worth it?

It is a popular and a well-marketed tourist destination. So it makes it to most people’s itineraries. However, it can cost between $120 – $240 for a family of four to visit. Whether it is worth spending that money or not depends on your preference (like most things in life!). 

Here’s some perspective with alternate / comparable activities to help you decide. If you choose to go, you will find detailed information on what to expect at Capilano bridge park, further in the article below.

Convenience vs. Price

You may find suspension bridges and rainforests at other PNW locations, and may have done sky walks before (e.g. Grand Canyon). But you are wondering why is Capilano bridge so expensive?

The selling point for Capilano bridge is that it packages all of these experiences with the convenience of lots of food options, well-maintained trails, clean restrooms, holiday lights in winters, activities for kids and proximity to the world-class city – Vancouver B.C.

That sort of convenience makes it easy for parents / busy people (who are already juggling so many balls at a time) to plan and have a good time for the entire family. It sort of checks all the boxes of nature + food + family outing + unique experiences, all at one place.

This convenience however comes at a price of upto $60 per person, kids tickets cost $25-$35, kids under 6 are free. So for a family of 4, it can cost between $120 – $240. Plus the cost of food and refreshments inside the park, which is optional.

So if you are time-poor, go ahead and pay for this convenient outdoor activity with your family. If you are money-poor or just against privatized touristy things, then you can consider the alternatives outlined in the next section.

Tourist vs. Locals

If you are visiting Vancouver as a tourist coming from a completely different landscape (e.g. midwest or the southern region in USA), and looking to have a memorable time, experience a slice of what Vancouver / Pacific Northwest has to offer in a convenient way, then Capilano Suspension Bridge makes for a complete package. You will want to pay for getting this touristy yet well-rounded experience in a short span of time.

If you are a local from Vancouver, then you are probably not so impressed. Coming from Seattle, we are not locals, but we are exposed to this landscape. The coastal rainforest experience and suspension bridges are not new to us. Yet, we found ourselves visiting this place for all its trappings. We (adults and kiddos) enjoyed every bit of the visit, but it is not something we would find ourselves visit over and over  again. Its like an itch you have to scratch once and check this off your list.

Summer vs. Winter visit

If you are visiting in the summer, you are spoilt for choice in a beautiful place like Vancouver B.C. In winter however, finding activities can get hard.

Capilano suspension bridge lights display during winters can add to the nature experience and give you something to do with your family during the dark and dreary winter evenings. Most other state / provincial parks would not be accessible after sunsets, which happen rather early in winters!

Solitude vs. Crowds

If you are looking for a solitary and quiet experience, then this place is not for you. Given the popularity of this place, expect crowds at all times. Especially during the holiday lighting, there were queues (although fast moving) at every single point. So keep that in mind when making your choice.

Alternatives to Capilano Bridge attractions

Here are some alternatives to consider for free or comparable experience to Capilano bridge attractions –

Alternative to suspension bridge

Enjoy a suspension bridge experience for free at the nearby Lynn Canyon Park,  15 mins drive east of Capilano Bridge suspension park.. Although it is shorter (160ft vs. 460ft) and has lesser height (160ft vs. 230ft) than Capilano suspension bridge, it is free. 

The other benefit of Lynn Canyon Park is that you can walk the trail hugging the Lynn creek with access points to the creek’s emerald green waters that make for a fantastic swimming hole in summer. At Capilano Bridge park, you have no direct access to the Capilano river.

Alternative to Treetop adventure

The Redwood Skywalk in Sequoia Park Zoo, California, USA gives you a similar experience as Capilano’s treetop adventure – that of admiring these beautiful old growth trees from a few feet above ground as you cross the series of bridges connecting the trees.  But what if you have not visited or don’t intend to visit a Californian attraction as a substitute experience?

Well, the closest free alternative is choosing a hike with old growth forests and admiring these beautful trees from the ground level. Grove of the Patriarchs trail near Mt.Rainier National Park is the one that comes to mind where you can walk through a cluster of old growth trees and get that similar vibe. Cypress Falls trail near Vancouver B.C is also said to have old growth forests.

There are many more hikes in the Pacific Northwest with old growth trees or second growth trees even, that will give you a somewhat similar experience of walking amidst these gentle giants if you don’t want to spend money to enjoy the outdoors. Frugality is valuable!

Alternative to Cliffwalk

If you have done skywalks before i.e. walking on narrow glass bottomed walkways that are suspended and make you feel exposed, then you know what to expect on a Cliffwalk at Capilano bridge park.  The Grand Canyon skywalk is the one that comes to mind as a comparable experience, but neither are cheap.

There aren’t other free or comparable options to the cliffwalk. Would I pay specifically to do the cliffwalk? Probably not. But given it is included in the entry price, it feels like getting more bang for your buck, so go enjoy while you are there.

Things to do in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

1. Suspension bridge (10 mins)

The suspension bridge hangs ~230ft above Capilano river and is 460ft long. Kids will absolutely love walking over the bridge enjoying the shakiness all along the way. It does not take more than 10 mins to walk the bridge and back.

You may want to hold the very young ones in case they get too scared to walk ahead. Other than that, it s a fun ride. The sides of the bridge are high enough for younger kids to be safe. The bridge is said to be able to hold upto 200,000 pounds.

2. Treetops adventure (30-45 mins)

After you cross the suspension bridge, you will arrive at the Treetops adventure, where you can walk across a series of 7 suspension bridges built amidst 250-year old Douglas fir trees.

The walking path is very kid-friendly. If you have little ones who are just learning to walk, then you will want to watch them as they climb the steps and walk along the shaky bridges. But 4-5 year olds can easily lead the way for your family. The viewing platforms between the bridges serve as good rest points.

It is certainly a different experience to view and be amidst these majestic trees at such a height (the highest point is ~100ft). We are usually looking at these giants from the bottom, but this canopy walk gives you a chance to enjoy them from a different perspective.

Walk through the forest floor, a small water body and some more light installations (if visiting in winter) before you walk back on the suspension bridge to your next destination. 

3. Cliff walk (30 mins)

The entry to the cliff walk is next to suspension bridge near the trading post (gift shop). So you can do this before or after your treetop adventure.

The Cliffwalk  is a suspended walkway that provides amazing views of the canyon and the river below.

If you are doing this in winter after sundown, then you will not get the surrounding views, but you will still enjoy the lights. The walk continues through a pretty garden and you exit near the restaurant / trading post.

4. Learn about the forest, river, wildlife and history

The entire facility is great way to experience the temperate rainforest with some trees as old as 1500 years. The informational boards near the Treetop Adventure is a great way to educate yourself and the kids about this beautiful coastal rainforest ecosystem. The exhibits at the entrance talk about the history of the place and the indigenous culture.

In summer months, you can participate in learning more about birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons through Raptors Ridge’s educational experiences. 

Kids can expect some activities during their visit to keep them excited and busy. In summer months, they have the Rainforest Explorers Program where they explore and learn through puzzles and activities for an end reward. In winter, they collect stickers from different posts to make their own holiday card, etc.

5. Food and shopping

There are restaurants and cafes in the premises to keep your family well fed. You will find a trading post is basically a gift shop to buy souvenirs. We typically stay away from entering such shops to avoid yielding to kids’ whimsical and expensive demands. 

Tips for visiting Capilano

How To Get to Capilano Suspension Bridge

It is located in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is ~5 miles / 15 mins drive north of Vancouver downtown (Address – 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada). 

It is not located within the Capilano River Regional Park, rather situated downstream of the park boundaries.

Entry fee / Parking / Amenities

• How much does visit to Capilano bridge cost? – Adult tickets are ~$65 /person, kids under 6 go free. Tickets vary between $25 to $60 per person for all other age groups. Pricing in CAN $. The visit can get expensive, but it is a popular destination and kids will love exploring this park. You can buy tickets online here.
• Parking / Amenities – Parking is available across the park. Or you can use their free shuttle service from select locations near Vancouer downtown. Restrooms are available throughout the park.
• Strollers – Strollers are not allowed on the suspension bridge, Treetop adventures or the Cliffwalk. So it is best to carry your little ones in a carrier. The three attractions are not that far from the entry point, so I’d recommend leaving your stroller out instead of carrying it in for a short walkable distance.

Estimated Activity Time

You can estimate anywhere between 2- 3 hours for this activity. This does not count for any drive time to/from any destination.

Kid And Family Trip Report

• Infants (upto 1 year) – Very easy for parents to carry in a carrier. Strollers are not allowed on the bridge.
• Toddlers (1-3 years) – Safe walk throughout the way. You want to carry or hold them on the suspension bridge as it will be feel unstable with so many people walking on the bridge at the same time.
• Pre-school (3-5 years) and above – Can do this walk independently.
• Families – Great for older parents, group or family activity.

Final Thoughts

Capilano Suspension Bridge is a well-rounded family activity to add to your Vancouver B.C. itinerary. After so many hikes and adventures in PNW, Capilano suspension bridge still stands out among the top 3 favorite hikes / walks for my kiddo.

While there consider visiting Stanley Park, False Creek and spending time in Vancouver downtown.