How scary is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Honestly: moderately, and it depends entirely on you. The bridge is 137 m long and hangs 70 m above the Capilano River, and it moves under your feet, more so when it is full of people. One reviewer of the park ticket called it exhilarating if somewhat scary, which is the register I would use too. Nobody is going to make you cross, and there is no way round it either — the bridge is how you reach the rest of the park. Here is what the rest involves.

Bridge length137 m / 450 ft

Height above the river70 m / 230 ft

Crossing time5–15 min

Treetops platformsUp to 33 m / 110 ft

Cliffwalk heightAbout 30 storeys

Does it moveYes

The three things that frighten people

The sway. It is a suspension bridge, so it moves, and the more people on it the more it moves. The motion is side to side and gentle rather than sudden. Most people who stop halfway across and grip the cable are through it inside a minute.

The Cliffwalk. Opened in 2011, 213 m long, cantilevered off the canyon wall up to about 30 storeys above the water, with glass underfoot in places. It does not sway at all, and a fair number of visitors find that harder than the bridge rather than easier.

Treetops Adventure. Seven footbridges between Douglas firs on platforms up to 33 m above the forest floor. It is the gentlest of the three because you are among branches rather than over open water.

What helps

Go early. On the first slot the bridge is close to empty, it moves far less, and there is nobody behind you. Weekdays beat weekends in summer, and one reviewer noted arriving by 9.30 and finding no queues — timing is on this page. Look along the deck rather than down through it, and keep walking. Children under 15 need an adult with them anyway, which usually settles them faster than anything I can say.

Book an early time slot

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Capilano Suspension Bridge shake?

Yes. It sways gently from side to side, and it moves more the busier it is. That is normal for a 137 m suspension bridge hanging 70 m above a river. An early time slot means fewer people on the deck and noticeably less movement.

Is Capilano suitable if I am afraid of heights?

Many people with a mild fear of heights cross it and are glad they did — the crossing takes 5 to 15 minutes and the handrails and cables are chest height. If your fear is severe, note that the bridge is the only way to the rest of the park, so a large part of what the ticket covers would go unused.

Which is scarier, the Cliffwalk or the bridge?

It splits people. The bridge moves; the Cliffwalk does not, but it is narrower, has glass sections underfoot and stands up to about 30 storeys above the canyon. Treetops Adventure, at up to 33 m among the firs, is the mildest of the three.