Capilano suspension bridge: Day Trips and Tours from Vancouver

The heartbeat of British Columbia, beautiful Vancouver sits in the shadows of jagged mountain ranges, lush forests, and picturesque views.

If you're looking to get out of town and experience what Vancouver is most known for – its nature – then the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stands 70 meters above the canyon and dates back to 1889, is a must-see.

Whether you're an adventurer, nature-lover or first-time visitor, don't ignore the various Capilano Suspension Bridge day trips from Vancouver.

Here's all you need to know about the Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of the most exciting day trips from Vancouver.

How to get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver

There are a few different ways to get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver, including public transportation and driving. Some tour companies also offer transportation to the bridge as part of a guided tour package. Whatever method you choose, the journey to the Capilano Suspension Bridge is sure to be scenic and memorable.

From Vancouver to the Capilano Suspension Bridge by car

Getting to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver by car is a fairly straightforward process. First, take the Lions Gate Bridge across to the North Shore. After crossing the bridge, take a right onto Capilano Road and follow the road for approximately 5 kilometers until you reach the bridge.

If you are coming from downtown Vancouver, the drive will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Vancouver to Capilano Suspension Bridge by public transport

There are a few cost-effective options to reach the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver by public transit. You can take the Seabus from downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay, then transfer to the #236 bus, which will take you directly to the bridge. The entire journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take the #246 bus from downtown Vancouver to the bridge. This option takes just 30 minutes and doesn't require any transfers.

Guided tour to the Capilano Suspension Bridge

The most popular, hassle-free option is a guided tour. A guided tour takes care of all the logistics, such as transportation, tickets and parking, and provides the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area from a knowledgeable guide.

Depending on your tour, you may also get to visit other quintessential attractions in the area, such as Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – providing the best overall value for money.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Capilano Suspension Bridge cost?

The entrance ticket to the Capilano Suspension Bridge starts at around US$46 (CAD$63) for adults aged 18-64 and US$42 (CAD$58) for seniors 65+. Students get discounted tickets of around CAD$50.

Meanwhile, it costs US$35 (CAD$35) for 13-17 years old and US$18 (CAD$25) for children aged 6-12 years. Finally, children under 6 enter free.

Prices may vary depending on the time of year and any special events or promotions, so it's always a good idea to check the official website for up-to-date pricing information. You will also save around 5-10% by booking online and in advance.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical itinerary for a guided tour to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver varies, depending on the tour operator, length and any additional stops. However, generally, you'll be picked up at a central location in either downtown Vancouver or North Vancouver.

The journey to Capilano Suspension Bridge is usually scenic, depending on the route taken by your guide. You'll take a wonderful drive through Stanley Park, over the Lions Gate Bridge and along the North Shore. You might make a quick stop at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, where you can learn all about the fascinating lifecycle of salmon and observe them in their natural habitat.

Once you arrive at the bridge, you'll usually spend around 1-2 hours exploring the area and taking in breathtaking views of the canyon below. This is when you'll walk across the famous suspension bridge and explore the surrounding rainforest via a network of elevated walkways and bridges. Depending on your tour, you can join in on a handful of extra activities too, like the Treetops Adventure, the Cliffwalk or one of the guided nature tours.

After some time for lunch or snacks at one of the on-site restaurants or cafés, you'll likely pay a visit to the nearby Grouse Mountain, where you can take a gondola ride to the top for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. The enormous Cleveland Dam is around the corner too – often combined with the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Then, it's time to return to Vancouver, with drop-off at the original meeting point or your hotel. The exact itinerary may vary depending on the tour company and package chosen, but most guided tours offer a similar experience that includes transportation, admission fees and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the experience.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

There are several types of tours available to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver, from social group tours to private excursions and combination tours — there's something for every style of traveler. The most common options are listed in detail below.

Self-guided Capilano Suspension Bridge tours

Self-guided tours are an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. While you'll have to make your own way to the bridge, this serves as the most budget-friendly option.

Small group guided tour to the Capilano Suspension bridge

These tours are perfect for social, adventure-minded travelers. Small group tours offer a more interactive experience than the self-guided option, but are still quite affordable. Usually lasting around 5 hours, these tours usually include pickup, transport, entry to the bridge and a friendly guide.

Private guided tour to the Capilano Suspension Bridge

For those who want the utmost in convenience and personal attention, private guided tours are a great option. While more expensive, these tours allow you to customize your itinerary and take things at your own pace.

Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park combo tour

Thanks to their proximity, Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are often combined for a tailor-made experience. Lasting around 5-6 hours, this type of tour is ideal for those who want the full Vancouver experience in one day.

Vancouver City Tour Including Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you are on a tight schedule, these excursions are perfect as they offer a comprehensive tour of Vancouver and its beautiful surroundings, all in one day. Usually lasting around 6 hours and providing pickup at your hotel or downtown Vancouver, these tours often incorporate stops at Stanley Park, Chinatown and Grouse Mountain, among other popular destinations.

How much does a day trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver cost?

The cost of a day trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver starts at around US$50, but varies depending on the tour package and group size.

For a self-guided Capilano Suspension Bridge tour, which only includes entrance tickets, expect to pay around US$50 per person. A small group guided tour will cost between US$100 and US$200 each.

Tour packages that include Grouse Mountain or a city tour usually range between US$100 and US$150, while private tours cost upwards of US$300, however, these are often per vehicle, so the total cost may be less depending on how many people you travel with.

What will you see and do?

At the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you can expect to walk across a 140-meter-long suspension bridge high above the Capilano River. After crossing the bridge, you can explore the elevated walkways and bridges through the surrounding rainforest, learn about the area's history and culture and enjoy stunning natural scenery throughout.

Optional activities include the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. Ideal for thrill-seekers, the Treetops Adventure consists of seven suspension bridges connecting a network of centuries-old Douglas firs, with heights of up to 33 meters above the forest floor. The Cliffwalk is another popular activity — an impressive, 213-meter-long walkway that curves in a semicircle out from the granite rockface.

If you opt for a combination tour, there's a great chance you'll visit Grouse Mountain and the Cleveland Dam. The former hosts a gondola, zip line and offers stunning panoramic views of Vancouver, while the latter is considered an architectural marvel.

What are the opening times?

The opening hours for the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park depend on which season you visit. The exact dates and times are as follows:

• Spring (February 27 - April 28): 9 AM to 6 PM
• Summer (April 29 - September 4): 8:30 AM to 7 PM
• Fall (September 5 - October 12): 9 AM to 6 PM
• Winter (October 13 - October 31): 10 AM to 6 PM

When is the best time to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

The best time to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge is during spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summer is typically the busiest time, while winter in Vancouver tends to be rainy and colder – therefore, the bridge closes from November to the end of February.

As for the time of day, it's recommended to start your day tour in the morning so that you can have more time at each stop and avoid the crowds.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a raincoat or umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable in Vancouver!
• Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.
• Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid waiting.
• Finally, for the best value for money, consider booking a combination tour that also visits Grouse Mountain to experience the full beauty of the region.