CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

North Vancouver, British Columbia
by Susie Lee

Vancouver, British Columbia has every reason to boast about it's world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. It attracts close to eight hundred thousand visitors each year to behold and walk across this engineering marvel.

FIRST NATIONS CULTURAL CENTER

The first thing I noticed when I entered the Capilano Suspension Bridge is that this attraction is more than just the bridge. I was pleasantly surprised to see a First Nations’ Cultural Center where visitors can learn about the First Nations’ people of the West Coast. At the long house replica, it was really neat to be able to talk to some master carvers and historians about their rich native culture as they exhibited their traditional carving and weaving techniques. It was also great to be able to take pictures with some beautiful Totem Poles as I walked towards the suspension bridge.

SPECTACULAR SUSPENSION BRIDGE

I was anxious to cross the greatest suspension footbridge in the world. I stepped onto the bridge wobbling my way across the wooden planks. I passed through a sea of people, some looked visibly hesitant while others were bouncing with excitement to make it to the other side. I began to breathe faster as I realized I was suspended so high above the spectacular canyon. I also got a sensational feeling in the pit of my stomach as I looked through the wired fence and saw the river rippling over the boulders down below. The bridge is 450 feet long, 230 feet high and is securely anchored by thirteen tons of concrete on either side of the canyon. Apparently, this bridge is strong enough to hold a fully loaded 747 airplane. I can boldly say I made it across to the other side! I was pumped with adrenaline for my next adventure into the treetops.

TREETOPS ADVENTURES

Treetops Adventure started with a seedling vision, it was watered by action and grew into reality. The owners of Capilano Suspension Bridge were concerned that the high volume foot traffic would eventually damage the delicate forest floor. As a result, they came up with a vision of an elevated forest walkway in order to preserve the rainforest environment.

Today, there are seven mini suspension bridges connected to eight magnificent Douglas Fir trees. I definitely got a squirrel's eye view above the forest canopy as I was walking thirty meters above the forest floor. It was such a fun and unique experience to be able to venture from one Douglas Fir tree to another! This is truly a one of a kind West Coast experience

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Treetops Adventure was custom-designed with an ingenious compression system which safely secures each tree's observation platform using only twenty pounds of force per square inch, that's the same amount of pressure exerted by pressing your thumb firmly on a tabletop. These platforms were designed to easily support visitors standing shoulder to shoulder on every platform and every bridge, without causing any damage to the tree. What I found unbelievable was that not a single saw-cut, bolt or nail into any tree was required to construct this design. This remarkable engineering feat allows people to enjoy nature while preserving the delicate environment of the rainforest.

FINAL THOUGHTS

“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.” - Joel Barker

Capilano Suspension Bridge was the result of a vision and a passion to preserve the natural beauty of the rainforest. With this vision, millions of people from around the world have been able to enjoy this West Coast experience. This adventure has sparked in me a desire to learn more about our environment and how to preserve that which is life-giving and beautiful. This adventure will inspire a different message for each person and the results may not necessarily look the same, but collectively, it will make a positive impact on our world.

FUN FACTS

• George Grant Mackay, the Scottish civil engineer who built the original suspension bridge in 1889, was the Vancouver City Parks Commissioner responsible for setting aside the land now known as Stanley Park. (Source: Capilano Suspension Bridge)
• The original suspension bridge used hemp rope. Today 2 inch steel cables are used.

ADVENTURE TIPS

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a big and beautiful attraction which attracts hundreds of visitors each day. Having been there numerous times, it seems to be the least crowded around dinner time. The attraction has extended visiting hours during the summer time so if you arrive at around 5 or 6 PM, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the park without too much crowd and big tourist groups. Give yourself about an hour or two to explore this attraction.

While you are in the area, be sure to check out the nearby, Cleveland Dam (It’s free!)

You may also want to visit the other main attractions in this area, Grouse Mountain and The Capilano Salmon Hatchery. You can make a full day trip out of it!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Road,
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: (604) 985-7474
www.capbridge.com

+ Part 1: CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE
+ Part 2: CAPILANO HATCHERY
+ Part 3: UNDERWATER HOCKEY

+ Download PDF One-sheet
+ www.capbridge.com
+ Cleveland Dam