A Walk to Capilano Suspension Bridge

What else can be more fun for a Family Thanksgiving Day than walking through the park and spending happy time together? So, we spent this day walking again to the spectacular bridges and rainforest-ways built at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Canyon of Capilano River

Started  as a simple bridge made in 1889 of hemp ropes and cedar planks, the bridge was upgraded many times over the years, nowadays being a very sturdy one, made by steel ropes anchored by concrete stairs at both ends.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

After we passed alongside the Story Center, Kia'palano and Totem Poles Park, before entering the bridge, we read the information about Capilano Suspension Bridge's dimensions on the plaques installed  nearby:

- "How high up is the bridge?":
" The bridge is 230 feets(70m) above Capilano River. This means if dinosaurs still ruled the earth, it would take a stack of four full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex to reach the bridge from the river. Yikes! Or, if you put the Statue of Liberty in the canion, the bridge would be at shoulder height."

- "How long is the bridge?" :
"It's very long! To be precise, Capilano Suspension Bridge is 45 feet (137m) long. In other words, it's just about as long as two Boeing 747 airplanes wingtip-to-wingtip. And it's just as aerodinamic!"

- "How strong is the bridge?"
" The bridge is supported by two thick steel cables, which together can hold more than 200,000 lbs (90,000kg) and sustain the weight of over 1300 people standing on it at the same time. You could parade 96 elephants across the bridge at the same time, no problem. At least it woudn't be a problem for the bridge. (Good luck with the elephants!) "

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Anyhow... we did not see elephants ;-)... It was a little bit alarming when the bridge was changed the rhythm of the sway because a group of high spirited persons tried their best on getting the bridge to swing to their steps ;-)  The best part was that we made it to the other side of the canyon and none of us felt any touch of fear ;-)

Treetops Adventure sign at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Our way continued with the "Treetops Adventure" along the rainforest trails where we breathed a sigh of relief as we walked high in the Hemlock, Red Cedars and Douglas Fir trees (enjoying their scent) to a series of suspension bridges above the forest floor.

Observation Deck and rope-bridges built high in the trees

Around the trees trunks were built various observation decks without damaging the tree in any way.



Overall, we and the kids really enjoyed our walking through Capilano Supension Bridge Park and the views of forest, the Canyon and the Capilano River were really amazing.

View from Capilano Suspension Bridge : Capilano River Canyon