Capilano Suspension Bridge: Your Essential 2025 Visitor Guide (Tickets, Tips & Adventure)
Floating 70 meters above a rushing river, swaying gently in a coastal rainforest, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is more than just a bridge—it’s a quintessential Vancouver experience. This iconic attraction blends thrilling adventure with breathtaking natural beauty, making it a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
But a great trip requires great planning. This guide cuts through the clutter to give you the definitive, up-to-date information you need on tickets, hours, getting there, and making the most of every moment.
I. Why Capilano? The Unmissable Vancouver Experience
So, what’s the “wow factor”? Since 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been daring visitors to cross its 137-metre (450-foot) span. The exhilarating sway, the stunning canyon views, and the scent of cedar and fir create an unforgettable memory.
But the bridge is just the beginning. Your ticket grants you access to a full park of adventures. The core experience includes three main attractions:
- The Capilano Suspension Bridge: The legendary walk across the canyon.
- Treetops Adventure: A series of seven smaller suspension bridges connecting ancient Douglas-fir trees, offering a squirrel’s-eye view of the forest floor.
- The Cliffwalk: A heart-stopping walkway of steel and glass cantilevered from the granite cliff face, taking you over previously unseen parts of the canyon.
II. Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Prices & Hours (Cut the Guesswork)
Navigating ticket options and park hours can be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know in one place.
Ticket Booking Essentials
Where to Buy Tickets Securely
- Official Site (Recommended): The most secure and direct way to purchase tickets is through the official Capilano Suspension Bridge website. You get instant confirmation, and it’s the best source for accurate pricing and special event info like Canyon Lights.
- Authorized Third-Party Sellers (Viator, TripAdvisor): These sites are reliable and sometimes offer bundled packages with other Vancouver attractions. However, always compare prices and ensure you are buying from a reputable vendor, not a reseller.
- Groupon/Deals Sites: Deals may occasionally appear, but they are rare for this high-demand attraction. Be cautious and read the fine print carefully.
Current Ticket Prices (2025 Estimates)
Ticket prices include access to all attractions within the park (Bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, Story Centre, and guided tours). Prices are subject to change, so always verify on the official website before your visit.
Finding Genuine Discounts & Deals
- Buy Online in Advance: You can sometimes save a few dollars per ticket by purchasing online directly from the official site.
- BC Residents’ Pass: If you are a BC resident, your day ticket can be converted into a full annual pass for no extra cost. Just bring your BC ID.
- Combo Tickets: Look for packages that combine Capilano with other attractions like Grouse Mountain or the Vancouver Lookout. These are often sold through tour operators or sites like Viator.
Opening Hours
Park hours vary significantly by season. They are longer in the summer and have special hours for the popular Canyon Lights winter festival (typically late November to late January).
- Standard Park Hours (Example):
- Summer (May – Sep): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Spring/Fall (Apr, Oct): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter (Nov – Mar): 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (during Canyon Lights)
- Holiday/Peak Season Updates: Always check the official website for hours on holidays like Canada Day, BC Day, and during the Christmas season.
Reservations: Are They Required?
No, reservations are typically not required for general admission. You can purchase tickets online for a specific date or buy them upon arrival. However, to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues during peak times (weekends, summer holidays), purchasing your ticket online in advance is highly recommended.
III. Getting There: Easy Routes from Vancouver & Beyond
Located in North Vancouver, the park is easily accessible from downtown. Here are your best options.
Best Transport Options
- Free Shuttle (Best Option): Capilano runs a free shuttle service from downtown Vancouver. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and drops you right at the entrance. Key pickup stops include:
- Canada Place
- Hyatt Regency Hotel
- Blue Horizon Hotel The shuttle operates on a seasonal schedule, which is always updated on their website. It’s first-come, first-served.
- Driving & Parking: If you choose to drive, expect a 15-25 minute trip from downtown without traffic. Paid parking is available onsite, but it is limited and can fill up quickly. The cost is approximately
$8for a 3-hour visit. - Public Transit: This is a reliable and affordable option.
- From Downtown Vancouver: Take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay. From the Lonsdale Quay bus loop, take bus #236 (Grouse Mountain). It stops directly outside the bridge entrance.
- Total travel time is about 45-60 minutes.
- Rideshares & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis can take you directly to the park. This is the most flexible but also the most expensive option, costing
$30-$45from downtown.
Clear Directions & Location
- Exact Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4J1
- Google Maps Link: Click here for directions on Google Maps
- Nearby Landmarks: The park is located in the District of North Vancouver, just a few minutes down the road from another major attraction, Grouse Mountain.
IV. Beyond the Bridge: Experiences & Onsite Adventures
Your ticket is a passport to a whole world of forest adventure.
Key Attractions Inside the Park
- The Suspension Bridge: The star of the show! It’s 137 metres (450 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) high. Take your time walking across, stop in the middle to soak in the view, and feel the gentle sway.
- Treetops Adventure: This network of seven suspension bridges is built high in the canopy of 250-year-old Douglas-firs. It gives you a unique perspective on the coastal rainforest ecosystem. It’s a family favourite and less intimidating than the main bridge.
- The Cliffwalk: The newest and most adrenaline-pumping attraction. This marvel of engineering is a narrow, cantilevered walkway that juts out from a granite cliff face. With sections of glass flooring, it offers unparalleled—and thrilling—views of the canyon below.
- Story Centre & Kia’palano: Upon entering, explore the Story Centre to learn about the bridge’s history through photos and artifacts. Don’t miss the impressive collection of First Nations totem poles and the Kia’palano educational centre, which shares the history and culture of the Squamish Nation.
Dining Onsite
You won’t go hungry. There are several options for food and drink inside the park.
- The Cliffhouse Restaurant: For a sit-down meal with spectacular canyon views. It offers a Pacific Northwest-inspired menu and is perfect for a relaxed lunch.
- Loggers’ Grill: A casual, quick-service option great for families. It serves burgers, hot dogs, and poutine in an outdoor setting.
- Dr. Wood’s Cabin Cafe: Offers specialty coffees, baked goods, and fudge for a quick energy boost.
There are limited breakfast/lunch options immediately outside the park, so planning to eat onsite is your best bet.
Accessibility & Practicalities
- Stroller/Wheelchair Access: Important: The three main attractions (Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure, and Cliffwalk) are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers due to narrow pathways and numerous stairs. The west side of the park, the Story Centre, gift shop, and main dining areas are largely accessible.
- Dress Code: There’s no official dress code, but comfort is key.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. You will be on your feet for a few hours.
- Dress in layers. Vancouver weather can change quickly.
- Bring a rain jacket, even on a cloudy day. The park is a temperate rainforest, after all!
- Baggage/Lockers: There are no locker facilities available. Pack light and carry only what you need.
V. Making the Most of Your Trip: Tips & Combos
A little insider knowledge goes a long way.
Nearby Attractions
- Combining with Grouse Mountain: This is the most popular day-trip combo. Grouse Mountain is just a 5-minute drive up Capilano Road. You can visit the bridge in the morning and take the Grouse Mountain Skyride in the afternoon for alpine views and grizzly bear sightings. While official combo tickets are rare, planning both on the same day is easy with the #236 bus connecting them.
- Other Nearby Options:
- Lonsdale Quay Market: A vibrant market at the SeaBus terminal. A great place to explore before or after your trip to North Vancouver.
- Stanley Park: Before you head over the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver, consider a bike ride or walk through Vancouver’s most famous park.
Top Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: To avoid the biggest crowds, arrive within the first hour of opening or visit in the last two hours before closing. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
- How Much Time to Allocate: Plan for 2 to 3 hours to experience everything without rushing.
- Weather Preparedness: Don’t be deterred by rain! The rainforest is incredibly lush and atmospheric in the mist, and crowds are often smaller.
- Best Photography Spots:
- The middle of the suspension bridge (be patient for a clear shot).
- The glass floor section on the Cliffwalk.
- From the main viewing platform looking out at the bridge.
- Among the giant trees in the Treetops Adventure.
Addressing Common Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge free? No, it is a private attraction and requires a paid ticket for entry. The nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a popular, lower-cost alternative, though smaller and with fewer amenities.
- Can you go bungee jumping at Capilano? No. This is a common point of confusion. Bungee jumping in the Vancouver area is offered by other companies in different locations, like Whistler and Nanaimo.
- Was “Virgin River” filmed here? Yes! While the show is set in Northern California, several scenes have been filmed in and around the Capilano Suspension Bridge park, taking advantage of its stunning British Columbia scenery.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: +1 (604) 985-7474
- Website: www.capbridge.com
VI. Beyond Capilano: A Quick Nod to Other Canadian Bridges
While Capilano is a unique forest attraction, Canada has other noteworthy bridges for thrill-seekers and sightseers.
- Golden Skybridge (Golden, BC): A direct comparison in British Columbia. It boasts Canada’s two highest suspension bridges, offering expansive mountain views in a more rugged, alpine setting.
- Royal Gorge Bridge (Colorado, USA): Often mentioned for scale, this is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world. It’s a full theme park, whereas Capilano is focused on a natural rainforest experience.
- Historic Covered Bridges (Eastern Canada): For a different kind of charm, regions like New Brunswick and Quebec are famous for their quaint, historic “kissing bridges,” offering a glimpse into a bygone era of travel.
Bridges like the Ambassador, Peace, or Confederation Bridge are impressive feats of engineering but serve as vital transportation and border links, not tourist attractions in the same vein as Capilano.
