Vancouver Sightseeing Tours with Larry Harrop
 

The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia

By J Bugg

Does swaying on a narrow, shaky bridge suspended over 225 feet above a canyon floor sound like something that would appeal you? Visit one of Vancouver's most famous landmarks and tourist destinations for an unforgettable adventure at Capilano Bridge.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver's oldest and one of its most popular tourist attractions, was built in 1889. The appeal of the suspension bridge is undeniable to thrill seekers worldwide - standing on a shaky bridge 226 feet above the canyon floor, attached only by small cables, still delivers the same heart pounding excitement that it did over one hundred years ago. The beautiful British Columbian scenery also provides an added bonus to the suspension bridge experience. The Capilano Bridge Canada is set in the picturesque 20-acre Capilano River Park which is an easy, 25 minute car trip across the Lion's Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 135 meters (443 feet) long. Its design is that of a footbridge made of long cedar plank and steel cable. Far below the bridge runs the Capilano River where observers, as they tediously cross the shaky bridge, can see kayakers or salmon in the waters below. A relatively recent attraction in Capilano River Park is the "Treetops Adventure" which is similar to the Capilano Bridge Canada, but much bouncier and attached to giant tree trunks 80 feet above the forest floor.

Apart from the Treetops Adventure, many other attractions have been added to make the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver an all encompassing tourist destination. At the carving center, one may observe Native wood carving demonstrations. There are also a number of totem poles on display in Totem Park that show off the First Nations artwork. Other attractions include a lesson in the region's natural history, two nice restaurants to have a meal at, and guides in frontier costume that tell stories of Vancouver's history and old days. There are guided nature tours, the Kid's Rainforest Explorer program and the Living Forest exhibit. All of these attractions are included in the entrance fee (except meals in the restaurant).

If you don't want to pay the entrance fee and simply want have an experience similar to that of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, try the equally beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. No entrance fee is charged and it has many of the same thrills as the Capilano bridge. Upstream from the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a salmon hatchery with free access to the public free and very educational for the entire family. The hatchery is usually open daily, although the hours differ in summer and winter. The salmon hatchery is a provincial operation created to help salmon spawn approximately two million fish per year.

Directions to the Capilano Suspension bridge from Vancouver are as follows: take the Trans-Canada Highway west, exiting at #14, the Capilano Road exit. If you are taking public transit, ride the Seabus from downtown Vancouver and take the #236 bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Enjoy your visit the Vancouver, BC. For more information on additional Vancouver destinations, please visit our website listed below.

GoingtoVancouver.com

http://www.goingtovancouver.com


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