Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada: the longest suspension bridge in the world
Where to go
One of Canada’s most amazing, memorable and outstanding sights is the world’s longest suspension bridge, Capilano, which we’ll talk about today.
Where is the Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located in Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, a province in western Canada.
It is placed over the Kapilano River of the same name. It is surrounded by dense forest thickets.
The bridge is 136 meters long and soars 70 meters high. Although there are longer bridges, such as the Hanzhouwan Bay Bridge in China, 36 km long.
The air, full of the scent of spruce, is intoxicating. Imagine the picture: you, around hundreds of trees, fresh and clean air enveloping you, and below is an abyss.
Already want to find yourself in the middle of such an outlandish suspension bridge and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings in Canada?
Whoever you ask, whoever you consult, anyone who has been there will tell you that a trip to Vancouver, Canada should start with a visit to this suspended wonder bridge.
How the Capilano Suspension Bridge was built
The Capilano was built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish engineer.
It was originally designed for easy access to the sawmill, and it wasn’t until 1956 that it was reconstructed and turned into a tourist attraction.
Cedar planks connected by hemp ropes were all that the suspension bridge was at that time. And eight years later, the ropes were replaced by steel cables.
Even the most experienced travelers are very nervous and anxious before stepping on this bridge.
Well, that’s not surprising. After all, to walk more than 100 meters on the swinging suspension bridge, you must have enough courage and willpower.
But despite everything, tourists continue to come here from all over the world to walk on it.
What is the peculiarity of the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Speaking of which, the park can also be visited in the cold, snowy season.
So, if someone likes the “beautiful cold” and snowy white forests, it is better to go to Vancouver in winter.
It is during this period that the suspension bridge becomes even more beautiful surrounded by trees “sleeping” under a blanket of snow.
Here is an interesting fact: 96 elephants can safely walk across and not damage the suspension bridge structure. And at the same time!
A little further away there are observation decks right on the trees.
From them you can admire the beauty of the Vancouver forest.
Now the suspension bridge is completely safe! However, during strong winds or when it is overloaded with tourists, it begins to shake a lot, which adds to the adrenaline of all visitors.
That’s what we had such an interesting adventure today. We hope you enjoyed it.
Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver, Canada)
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a landmark in North Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada. Capilano Suspension Bridge is visited by more than 900,000 tourists annually. Hanging seventy meters above the river of the same name. Heavy-duty and reliable, this bridge is capable of supporting 96 elephants. Residents of Vancouver advise to start exploring their city from this bridge.
The Capilano River and the bridge itself take its name from the chief of the Squamish Indian tribe who once lived in what is now Vancouver. In memory of him, there are totem poles depicting animals and the mythical soul of the Squamish tribe at the entrance to the bridge.
The bridge is very old, it was built back in 1889 engineer – builder from Scotland George Grant McKay. He used cedar planks and hemp ropes as the building material. In 1903 it was replaced with metal cables. In 1910 the bridge was bought by Edward Mahon, who sold it to McEacran in 1935. McEacran diversified the cultural program by inviting local Indians to place their totems in the park. In 1945 he sold the bridge to Henri Abenau.
It is now 136 meters (446 feet) long and is 70 meters (230 feet) above the river. The bridge is a private facility, there is a fee to cross it, and yet it attracts more than 800,000 visitors a year. The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1956.
The park, along with the attractions, was sold to Nancy Stibbart, the current owner, in 1983. Annual attendance has increased since then, mostly due to the Treetops Adventures attraction, which opened in May 2004. This attraction consists of seven footbridges suspended between century-old trees on the west side of the gorge, which form a passage up to 30 meters (98 feet) above the forest.
After many reconstructions and reinforcements, the bridge is safe and secure, and you can walk across it comfortably without having to worry about the cable failing or the step falling through. However, when the wind starts to blow, or there are a lot of people on the bridge, it rocks very strongly, which adds to the adrenaline.
There are also guided eco-tours, Canadian Native cultures, the Story Centre art and history museum, and performances by amateur groups. Finish off your fascinating West Coast experience with some great shopping at the old Trading Post and some traditional West Coast food.
Admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is C$32 for adults, C$17 for students 17 and older (ID card required), C$20 for youth 13 to 16, C$12 for children 6 to 12 and C$30 for those over 65. A C$65 family ticket is also available for two adults and two children under 16 years old; this offer is only valid through January 5, 2013. Admission is free for those with disabilities. The price includes admission to all the attractions inside the park, including the suspension bridge. The cost is in Canadian dollars, about the same as American dollars.
Park hours vary depending on the season. For now, a schedule through next April has been announced. December 1 to January 5, the park is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; January 6 to March 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 9 to April 26, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 27 to 30, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has restaurants and cafes, souvenir stores for tourists and observation decks built a short distance from the river. In addition, tourists can walk on seven suspension bridges spanning the forests at a height of thirty meters while watching squirrels jumping on tree branches. Another attraction of the park are the Cliffwal paths along the rock ledges; some of them are made with a transparent canvas.
Every year during the month from early December to early January, the park hosts Canyon Lights and music shows. Performances begin at 4 p.m. daily. This year the first show will be on December 1, and the season will end on January 5, 2013.
The bridge is located 11 kilometers north of downtown Vancouver, on the other side of Vancouver Harbour. Follow West Georgia Street towards Stanley Park; then take the Lion Gates Bridge. Turn right onto Marine Dr, then left onto Capilano Road, then follow it for about two kilometers to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park exit.
