Capilano Suspension Bridge

Happy Birthday Ando!

When we were much younger, my brothers and I sailed with my dad on his ship across the strait from Victoria to Vancouver to see the sights. Back then, I was too terrified to attempt the crossing at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but the time had now come for me to face my fears. Ando, his wife Teedz, and my two nieces, Tego and HG, decided to attempt the bridge while we were out west, and the Pie and I thought we would tag along. I’m really glad we did. In recent years, the rainforest surrounding the bridge has been turned into a huge educational conservation area, with lots of interesting stuff to see and do. Admission is pretty steep ($28 for us students), but it’s worth it.

Right off the bat, you head across the 450ft (137m) bridge, suspended from cables 230ft (70m) above Capilano River. The Pie told me that the bridge would support 96 elephants, so I was not to worry about falling. As long as there were no elephants around.

Tego continually watched me for my reaction every time the bridge bounced under the feet of the hundred or so people crossing it at the time.

The view of the river (a little low at this time of year) from the middle of the bridge.

Once across, there were tons of things to see and do to get kids (and grownups) more in tune with the nature around them. One such activity was to test out your wingspan. HG was not pleased to be ONLY halfway between a raven and a great horned owl. She’s trying to make herself longer in this shot.

Tego was happier to be a great horned owl, almost a goose.

And the Pie broke the mould by being a giant, and an eagle at the same time.

We were surrounded by so many ancient and massive trees, cedars and firs and all sorts of things. It was quite a shock to come from Newfoundland, where trees are maybe the height of a house and live for about 40 years, to see things like this Douglas Fir, which was 205ft tall, 20ft in diameter, and about 1300 years old.

Tego learned quickly what it means to be a tree hugger.

HG didn’t find the tree’s height all that impressive.

We also took part in the relatively new Treetop Adventure, which I actually found more nerve-wracking than the big bridge.

Teedz, Ando, and HG were happier than me.

But we got some great views and learned a whole bunch of stuff.

Then we crossed back over the bridge …

And went on the park’s newest attraction, the Cliff Walk, which is a wee construction sticking out from the side of the Capilano gorge.

Tego watching to make sure I don’t freak out.

Because the floor is made of GLASS in some parts.

HG again was unconcerned.

In fact she ran ahead while I clutched the rails.

Once our ordeal was over, the Pie and HG were pleased to accept their certificates for having completed every activity station in the park. What you can’t see (because it matches his shirt too well) is the Park Explorer button that HG won for completing the Tree Top adventure. She gave it to her uncle because it didn’t go with her outfit.