Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada

by Debbie Stock

My Canadian friends, Ursula and Eldrid, invited me to stay with them in Vancouver, B.C. for several days. Like travel pros, they made sure I experienced one of Vancouver's most popular attractions, Capilano Suspension Bridge. 

What began in 1888 as a functional bridge for land owner George Grant MacKay who needed a way to access his property on both sides of Capilano River, transformed into an attraction after his guests commented on how much fun they were having walking across it. The first bridge was built of hemp and completely replaced by a wire cable bridge in 1903.

The bridge was bought and sold several times as each purchaser promoted it as an attraction. Ticket prices continued to rise as amenities such as a gift shop and cafe were added. The current owner, Nancy Stibbard, bought Capilano Suspension Bridge from her father in 1983. She was quite talented at developing properties and her success with the bridge lead to acquisition of several hotels in Canadian national parks.

When I visited, there were costumed actors in vintage attire, a village with shopping and dining, and a healthy crowd of tourists exploring all the opportunities this attraction offered.

Amongst a forest guests can wander and explore nature from three breathtaking perspectives and experiences - Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk.

The suspension bridge is the centerpiece of the attraction—Treetops Adventure (7 suspension bridges with viewing platforms high in the trees) and Cliffwalk (a labyrinth of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms along Capilano River,) help form a forest narrative.

Story Centre is a museum-like area with photos and murals telling the history of the bridge and development of Vancouver. "Tramps" dressed in period costumes answer questions and offer information to interested guests.

With limited time I hurried along to the main attraction. As I climbed a series of stairs and stepped onto the bridge, my knees and feet buckled—I grabbed for the railing, like every other adult guest. With more "ground" movement than any California earthquake I've experienced, the "floor" beneath me rocked sidewise and shook up and down. Posted rules for this shaky road include: Babies should be carried below the level of the railing; Strollers, wheelchairs and crutches are prohibited; and Guests should not run, jump or intentionally shake the bridge. 

Fat chance that I would try to shake this bridge, I picked up my pace, noticing a shaggy dog, frozen in place. Its ears were drooping, eyes bulging in horror, and it began to shake.  Thankfully its owner picked the scared pooch up and carried it the distance.

With my heavy camera bag on one shoulder bouncing and swaying, I didn't spend much time snapping pictures. I recommend this fun "bucket list" experience. Extremely popular for school field trips, it's the kind of thing kids love, but not the best place to take their elderly grandparents parents with heart conditions.  See capbridge.com for tickets and information.