CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Description

Essentials about the Capilano Suspension Bridge in brief

With almost a million visitors a year, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s tourist highlights. It is a free-swinging, 136-meter-long cable bridge that spans the Capilano River at a height of 70 meters. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is part of an 11-hectare private park area in North Vancouver, bordered to the north by the Capilano River Regional Park, which is open to the public. In addition to the bridge, other exciting attractions include the Treetops Adventures (rope bridges in treetops) and the Cliffwalk (a trail on a bluff).

The history of the Capilano Suspension Bridge

The first bridge over the Capilano River was built by Scottish engineer George Grant Mackay. In the late 19th century, Mackay acquired 24 square meters of dense forest on both sides of the Capilano River and built a cabin directly on the steeply sloping western edge of the canyon. To make access to this cabin from the east rim of the canyon much easier, he stretched a rope bridge made of cedar planks and hemp ropes across the river with the help of local Indians and draft horses. Thanks to the rope bridge, the cabin soon became a popular destination for excursions. In the early 20th century, the rope made of hemp was replaced by a steel cable.

In 1910, Edward Mahon purchased the bridge and the surrounding area. The following year, he had a log cabin built from cedar logs that functioned as a tea house. In 1914, he reinforced the bridge with additional steel cables to improve its stability. In 1935, “Mac” MacEachran purchased the land with the rope bridge. He invited local Indians to erect their totem poles within the park grounds, giving it their own character. This became what is now probably the largest private collection of Native American totem poles open to the public.

In the 1950s, new owner Rae Mitchell began a worldwide marketing effort for the Capilano Suspension Bridge. He had the bridge completely rebuilt to ensure its durability and safety. In addition, under Mitchell, the forest trails on the west side of the bridge were expanded and the former tea house on the east side was converted into a gift store featuring mostly Native American crafts.

Attractions at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Under current owner Nancy Stibbard, the so-called Treetops Adventures were opened in 2004, seven rope bridges up to 30 meters above the forest floor, stretched between ancient giant Douglas spruces on the west side of the canyon. In 2011, another attraction was added to the park, the Cliffwalk – a spectacular steel, wood and glass walkway that climbs the bluff above the trees.

In addition to the three adventures of the Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventures and the Cliffwalk, the park also offers plenty of events, such as rainforest tours for children and adults, the permanent exhibition “Living Forest” and cultural performances by Native American groups.