Is the Stunning Capilano Suspension Bridge Worth It? 3 Visitor Tips

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Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge worth it? I won’t keep y’all in suspense (no pun intended). Yes! Living in the PNW, Vancouver, BC (Canada) is a pretty convenient weekend trip, but it’s also a great destination all on its own as well. One of the most popular things to do in both Vancouver and ALL of British Columbia is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park…but is it worth the price tag? That’s what this post is all about.

I will say it’s been a while since my last trip to Vancouver (2021), but no worries, I’ve enlisted the help of a new blogging friend (and fiction author) Michelle of Travel HerStory! I visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge with friends, but Michelle is a champion of solo traveling and I felt her perspective could really round-out the post.

This will be a super short and sweet post just focused on one attraction, but if you have a few days in VanCity, check out this 3 days in Vancouver guide because…I haven’t written one yet lol. But really, it’s a fantastic city! Make sure you go to Cafe Medina – and get there early because it can get PACKED.

HOW TO GET TO CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Assuming you’re in Vancouver, you can take the shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. They have pick-ups at Canada Place, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the Blue Horizon Hotel. It’s FREE and year-round! If you aren’t staying at one of those hotels, be sure to check the pick-up times and get to the hotel of your choice in time to hop on.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served so make sure to arrive early if it’s during busy season. Finally, and attraction that keeps the budget travelers in mind!! When I visited the park, I had driven up from Oregon so we had a car. It however was not free 🙁 Parking at their paid lot is $8.00 CAD for three hours and only accepts credit cards (visa, mastercard, amex), though you can also pay at the entrance with debit/cash as long as you know your license number.

RV parking is extremely limited so definitely make sure you arrive probably BEFORE opening time if you’re visiting with an RV. Speaking of limited parking, the lot often fills up later in the day during the busy season. If that happens, the park usually organizes overflow lots nearby (that are free) and will have a regular shuttle to help get people to the park.

If you choose to get a rideshare or taxi, the prices usually range about $22 CAD one-way.

How Much is It?

Honestly, this is the only “con.” The Capilano Suspension Bridge is un poco takai desu neee….she’s expensive, okay? And I know everyone’s budget is different and that’s amazing if you drop thousands on a weekend trip…

But ya girl is not one of those people. So let’s get into the prices (in CAD).

As of 2024:

	Adult (18-64yrs)	Senior (65+ yrs)	Student (18+ valid ID)	Youth (13-17yrs)	Child (6-12yrs)
Online	$71.95	$66.95	$59.95	$42.95	$24.95
In-Person	$74.95	$69.95	$61.95	$44.95	$26.95
Evening	$56.21	$52.46	$47.21	$33.71	$20.21

Whew…that hurt even to write out. Yes…those are the 1-day passes to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which has a sliding scale based on age category. I recommend buying your ticket online because the price will be $3 CAD cheaper than buying your ticket at the gate. If you choose to visit later in the day (5pm-closing), then you can also get a significantly cheaper ticket, however depending on the season you will have limited sunlight.

Also kids under 5 years old get in for free so…if you are visiting with young kids, then that helps with the bill.

Also also, visitors in wheelchairs also receive complimentary admission into the park but…the actual suspension bridge in the park and other attractions such as “Treetops Adventure” and “Cliffwalk” are not wheelchair accessible.

If you are a resident of British Columbia, then your 1-one day’s regular admission ticket also grants you the park’s annual BC Residents Annual Pass which includes free admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for one full year including seasonal events! There’s also a free extra goodies like 10% off the gift shop and restaurant and 15% off admission for one guest.

Now make sure to double check the website because prices are subject to change. The prices nearly doubled since the last time I visited so that brings me to the big question…

IS THE CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE WORTH IT?

That was a lot easier to answer years ago when it was like $20 CAD cheaper haha. So I’ll start by saying this.

I had such a wonderful time. The park really is like a mythical woodland wonderland, surrounded by powerful towering evergreens. And when that fog rolls in??

Truly magical.

If you’ve ever been to the Redwoods National Park in California, I got that same feeling of overwhelming awe from being amongst these giants. It’s a remarkable view and if you are new to the Canada or the Pacific Northwest region in general, then it’s a pretty incredible experience.

Michelle is afraid of heights, and even then she thoroughly enjoyed the park. The bridges are VERY safe and stable – and no one will make you feel bad or silly for going over them slowly.

That said…for $72 CAD…it is pricey. If your budget can swing it, then I do think you get a good experience out of it and for a lot of people it is a completely unique atmosphere. You will not regret it. However, if it’s at the top of your budget…a free option would be to visit Pacific Spirit Regional Park to explore the old growth forests there. Sure, there’s no suspension bridge that lifts up above the ground, buuut it’s free and has free parking and easily accessible via public transit.

THE HISTORY OF THE CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The Capilano Suspension Bridge was initially built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver. The original bridge consisted of hemp ropes with a deck of cedar plants, which was replaced by a wire cable bridge in 1903. In 1935, its new owner invited local First Nations representatives to place totem poles in the park, giving homage to the land’s original stewards – the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Entirely rebuilt in 1956, it’s next owner added Treetops Adventures, which consists of seven footbridges suspended between old-growth Douglas Fir trees on the west side of the canyon. These bridges create a walkway up to 98 feet (30 meters) above the forest floor, providing “a unique squirrel’s eye perspective of the forest.”

In June 2011, a new attraction, Cliffwalk, was added to the park. Cliffwalk is a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon.

Things to do at Capilano Suspension Bridge

The first thing to know is that all park attractions are included in the price of admission! I mean…at that price, they better be hahah. In addition to Cliffwalk and the Treetops Adventure, there is a Story Center, guided nature tours on offer, a Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program, and a Living Forest exhibit that enhances this unique rainforest encounter. 

You can also enjoy seasonal musical entertainment, check out the Raptors, and experience the First Nations’ history with a glimpse into their culture. Then you can top it off with a visit to the gift shop full of merchandise from all over Canada and great homemade fudge!

A CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE CHRISTMAS

Now, if you’re lucky enough to visit Vancouver during the winter, then you should definitely check out the Canyon Lights, which is a Winter Festival held from late November to late January. Illuminated by hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park, it is a magical experience. The Capilano Suspension Bridge during Christmas turns the Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest, and canyon into a world of festive lights and visual magic.

The 30-ton Douglas firs of Treetops Adventure are lit, making them the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world! Who wouldn’t want to have a Capilano Suspension Bridge Christmas?

They also have a Snowy Owl Prowl, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band. The Capilano Suspension Bridge lights are a must-see event if you’re in Vancouver during the holidays. Looking for even more magical winter experiences? Check out the Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful time in the Vancouver area! Personally, I found the Capilano Suspension Bridge to be worth it, but it is not a very budget-friendly attraction. And if you are traveling as a family with kids…yeah, you might have to save up. And then check out these top 10 things to do in Vancouver to keep the fun going!

For what it’s worth though (no pun intended), it is a lovely park with beautiful views. I want to also close out with thanking Michelle for helping me out with this post and giving some insight on what it’s light to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge with a fear of heights! You can keep up with her on Instagram, Pinterest, and Threads – and keep an eye on her channels for announcements on her next novel!

Have you been to the Capilano Suspension Bridge? Did you think it was worth it? What do you think of the new prices??? Let me know in the comments below!

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