17 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Skip to Content

17 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge

17 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

If you’re looking for breathtaking views and exciting activities all within easy reach of Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the perfect destination. This is easily one of the best things to do in Vancouver with its unique combination of nature and culture that makes for a great day out – and it’s only 15 minutes from downtown. Even if you only have 2 days in Vancouver, you’ll want to stop here!

Visiting a bridge may not sound like the most exciting activity, but the Capilano Suspension Bridge will change your mind. There’s so much to explore and the views are stunning. When we went, we immediately understood why over 1.2 million people visit the bridge every year!

Vancouver is one of our favorite cities, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of its most beautiful attractions, so we’ve put together this guide containing everything you need to know before you go.

Table Of Contents
  1. 1. About Capilano Suspension Bridge
  2. 2. Where is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  3. 3. How do you get to Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver?
  4. 4. Is there parking at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  5. 5. When is the best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  6. 6. When is Capilano Suspension Bridge open?
  7. 7. How much is the entrance fee to Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  8. 8. Can you visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge all year round?
  9. 9. What facilities are at the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  10. 10. What are the highlights of the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  11. 11. What are the best tours from Vancouver that visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  12. 12. How long do you need to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  13. 13. What to wear/bring when visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  14. 14. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge suitable for kids?
  15. 15. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge wheelchair accessible?
  16. 16. Are dogs allowed at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
  17. 17. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge worth visiting?
  18. Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver
  19. Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
  20. Thanks for reading!
  21. Why We Book Tours with Viator
  22. Renting a Car in British Columbia

1. About Capilano Suspension Bridge

People walk accross the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Capilano is one of the most iconic attractions in Vancouver!
The Capilano Suspension bridge above the river in Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 140-meter (460-foot) long bridge that is suspended 70 meters (230 feet) high over the Capilano River. It first opened in 1889, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in Vancouver.

The bridge was originally made of hemp ropes and cedar planks, which were replaced with wire cables in 1903. Then, it was sold in 1935 to Mac MacEachern who invited local Indigenous carvers to place totem poles in the park to recognize their connection to and influence upon the area.

The suspension bridge was rebuilt again in 1956, and then in 1983 Nancy Stibbard purchased the park – and she still owns it to this day! Stibbard began developing the park and transformed it into the popular tourist attraction that it is today, earning herself a place in the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame.

Today, there are a ton of attractions in the park beside the bridge itself, including a cliff walk, a Treetops Adventure, and an Indigenous cultural center. You can experience all of these activities with your general admission ticket! The park is also filled with old-growth Douglas Firs, cedar forests, and lush rainforests, making it a great place for nature lovers. 

There are several other suspension bridges, walkways, and exhibits to explore at your own pace, and you can learn a ton along the way – we certainly did. You don’t just go to Capilano to walk across a bridge but to experience Vancouver’s unique culture and breathtaking natural beauty.

2. Where is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

The bridge is inside Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is in North Vancouver, making it an easy day trip option. It’s 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of downtown Vancouver, across the Lions Gate Bridge – which is only a 10-15 minute drive… depending on traffic of course!

The park is close to Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain, so it’s easy to combine a visit to the bridge with other popular tourist attractions. If you need help figuring out an agenda for your time in Vancouver that combines all of these stops, check out our guide on how to spend three days in Vancouver!

3. How do you get to Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver?

Lions Gate Bridge - Vancouver, Canada
The Lions Gate Bridge is the gateway to Capilano!

Free shuttle (Best option)

The best way to get to the bridge is by taking the free Capilano Suspension Bridge shuttle. This runs every day between Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It also stops at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Blue Horizon Hotel along the way, which is super convenient if you’re staying there or nearby!

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens at different times throughout the year, usually at 8:30 am during the summer and as late as 11 am during the winter months. The shuttle times change accordingly, but the first bus usually departs Canada Place 30 minutes before the park opens and then leaves every 15-30 minutes throughout the day after that.

The last shuttle to the park is usually an hour before the park closes, but that would cut your visit really short – we were there for hours!

Uber

It’s also a fairly quick Uber ride from downtown Vancouver to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. An UberX should cost you between $17-$20 CAD, although prices do tend to surge when the roads are busy, so bear that in mind when budgeting. If you’re keen to get to the park nice and early, we recommend scheduling a ride the night before so that you don’t end up waiting for ages in the morning!

Drive

Renting a car in Vancouver gives you the freedom to explore surrounding areas, like hikes around Van or the Capilano Suspension Bridge!

It takes just under 15 minutes to drive from downtown Vancouver to Capilano Suspension Bridge, and it’s a pretty easy drive. Take Highway 99 North and merge onto the Lions Gate Bridge, then follow Capilano Road until you reach the park. 

While we do think the free shuttle is the best way to get there, driving might be more convenient if you’re planning on exploring other nearby attractions after your visit to the bridge.

Related Read: The waterfront area of Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver is nearby and worth exploring. You’ll find a pier, parks, restaurants, shopping, and even a waterpark!

4. Is there parking at Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Walkway at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver

Yes, but you’ll have to pay for it! Parking costs $8 CAD for three hours, and bear in mind that the parking meters only take credit cards. If you want to pay by cash or debit card, you can do so through the ticket agents at the main entrance to the park, but to be honest it’s a lot easier to just bring your credit card and save your spare change for another time.

You can also pay using the PayByPhone app, which is really convenient, it lets you see how long you have left before your parking expires. Nothing ruins your day like returning from an awesome adventure only to find a parking fine slapped across your windshield. The location number is 4536, but this is displayed in the parking lot so there’s no need to memorize it.

Parking is pretty limited, so if you’re driving yourself it’s best to get there early before the lot fills up. There is free overflow parking available during peak seasons, so if you get there and the main lot is full, staff will direct you to the alternatives. This will be either Handsworth School, where you can park for as long as you like, or to the 6-hour parking lot in the Connaught Building in Edgemont Village. From either lot, you’ll be able to take a quick free shuttle ride back to the park’s main entrance.

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

Close up of a Totum Pole at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Two Totum Poles at capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver

This is a really popular attraction, so it’s best to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge early in the morning or later on in the afternoon. It’s much easier to enjoy the beauty of the bridge without the crowds, and arriving early also means you’re more likely to get a spot in the parking lot if you’re driving yourself.

We went early in the morning and were able to enjoy the bridge without any crowds, which made our visit extra special! If you’re visiting at peak times the bridge can get crowded, which slows you down and makes it difficult to take photos.

The bridge is quieter during winter in Vancouver and the park is somehow more stunning when it’s lush and green, so this is an ideal time to visit. It also makes a great rainy day activity as it’s actually very atmospheric to visit when it’s raining, so don’t be put off by the threat of a little wet weather. The lack of crowds really ups the “peaceful escape” factor.

6. When is Capilano Suspension Bridge open?

Capilano Suspension Bridge during the Christmas Lights in winter
Capilano Suspension Bridge during the Canyon Lights in winter

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day, but opening hours do change according to the season.

Usually, from late November until January, the bridge opens from 11 am until 9 pm for the Canyon Lights. We’ll go into more detail about this later on in the blog, but if you’re visiting during these months, it’s definitely worth visiting Vancouver to try to catch this event! 

From February to the beginning of May, the hours change to 9 am – 6 pm and then extend to 8:30 am – 7 pm for the busy summertime in Vancouver. In the autumn, the bridge opens from 9 am – 6 pm until the festive season rolls around once more!

Since they change hours so frequently, it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date information before you go.

7. How much is the entrance fee to Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge!

Prices vary by season, you can purchase tickets for the Capilano Suspension Bridge for:

  • $66.10 to $80.72 CAD for adults aged 18-64
  • $61.37 to $75.34 CAD for seniors
  • $37.75 to $48.42 CAD for 13-17 year-olds
  • $28.30 to $29.03 CAD for 6-12 year-olds
  • Free for all kids under 6

It’s actually cheaper if you buy your tickets online ahead of time than at the park! Plus, purchasing tickets on Viator already includes the tax, so the price you see is the price you pay, unlike on their website. We almost always buy our tickets on Viator because they allow you to change or cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance along with the book now, pay later option!

This is a huge advantage when it comes to the Capilano Suspension Bridge since it is an outdoor, weather-dependent activity.

When you buy your ticket, you’ll need to select an arrival slot, which is a 30-minute window during which you can enter the park. This helps to keep crowds down, so be sure to plan accordingly and arrive on time. There’s no limit to how long you can spend in the park, as long as you leave before closing time, but you can’t leave and come back later.

Your ticket includes admission to all of the park’s attractions, like the Treetops Walk and the Living Forest Exhibit, so although it seems a bit pricey at first, it’s definitely worth the money if you plan to make the most of all that the park has to offer!

If you’re visiting when a special event is being held, like the Canyon Lights or Love Lights events we mentioned earlier, then admission to the event is included in the price of your ticket, so it won’t cost you anything extra – yay!

If you are a BC resident, you can buy an annual pass for the price of one admission – what a steal!

8. Can you visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge all year round?

Bailey on the treetop walk during the Canyon lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Canyon Lights during the festive December in Vancouver!

Yes, you can! Capilano Suspension Bridge Park only closes on Christmas Day, so no matter which time of year you visit, the bridge will be open and ready for you to explore. 

We found that visiting the bridge was actually a great winter activity in Vancouver, too. The sights and sounds of the forest are different in winter, and it is much quieter than during the summer. Plus, the river flow is more powerful at this time of year. 

Related Read: For more winter fun, make the drive from Vancouver to Whistler and explore the best snowy activities Whistler has to offer – think skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and even winter ziplining!

9. What facilities are at the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

The Cliff House Restaurant
Photo credit: Capilano Suspension Bridge

There are quite a few places to eat and drink inside Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, including the Cliff House Restaurant where you can eat locally sourced seafood on a patio overlooking the canyon. They also have some great craft beer here too – our favorite!

There’s also the Loggers’ Grill, which is perfect for a quick bite, and a cafe where you can grab some coffee or a light sandwich. Across the suspension bridge is The Cabin, where you’ll find hot chocolate and baked goods, such as their Beaver Balls. These are mini pancakes smothered in maple syrup. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that!

The park has four sets of toilets, some near the entrance and more on the far side of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. There’s also a gift shop where you can grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit, and there’s free WiFi available so that you can post all of your Capilano selfies in real time!

10. What are the highlights of the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Cliffwalk at Capilano suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Photo credit: Ronniechua Depositphotos

Of course, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the star of the show, but all the experiences below are included with your admission ticket which works out to a pretty sweet deal!

The Bridge

This is likely what you came to see and the suspension bridge delivers on views that’s for sure! It’s 70 meters (230 feet) above the ground and stretches over a river canyon, so you can expect fantastic views of the treetops and the rushing river below. The bridge is narrow and bouncy, so crossing it might get your nerves jangling a little bit, even though there’s a chain-link fence on either side. It’s not daredevil-level excitement, but it’s still a pretty unique experience!

The Treetops Adventure

The Treetops Adventure is a series of seven suspension bridges and several viewing platforms that are attached to centuries-old Douglas Fir trees in a way that doesn’t restrict their growth. At the walk’s highest point, you’ll find yourself 33 meters (110 feet) above the ground, which gives you some pretty sweet views of the forest canopy and floors. In fact, we think that the Treetops Adventure is just as good as the Capilano Suspension Bridge itself!

Cliffwalk

Built in 2011, the Cliffwalk follows the curve of the granite cliff face and offers a completely different perspective of the Capilano River Canyon. The walk is 213 meters (700 feet) long and 70 meters (230 feet) high, so you can expect spectacular views.

The Cliffwalk is pretty narrow and consists of bridges, stairs, platforms, and even some glass planks that allow you to stare down into the canyon below. The walk definitely got our adrenaline pumping a bit, but it can support 45 tonnes (100,000 pounds), which is equivalent to about 35 killer whales, so don’t worry – it’s totally safe!

Kia’palano

Kia’palano Educational Center is a great place to learn about the area’s traditional Indigenous culture. It’s located close to the park entrance and you can even sign your name in the guest book beside the Millennium totem pole – if you have a flick through, you might even spot ours!

The Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations have a strong connection to Capilano – in fact, the word Kia’palano means “beautiful river” in Squamish. At the Kia’palano Center, you will learn many local Indigenous stories and see some amazing artwork, including the collection of giant totem poles that have been carved in the park over the past eight decades.

The Birds of Raptors Ridge

Raptors Ridge is an educational facility that focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey. It’s located on the far side of the bridge, and here you’ll find more than 15 species of native birds, including owls, falcons, and hawks. Their main facility is in Maple Ridge, but from May to October every year, they bring a selection of birds to Capilano, so you can get up close and personal with them.

The birds return to the main facility every night where they enjoy an open environment in which they can freely fly and hunt, and no birds are brought to the park two days in a row.

We learned so much during our visit to Raptors Ridge, and it was awesome to see so many majestic birds of prey up close. It was also really special to learn about the conservation and rehabilitation efforts the facility undertakes on a daily basis. Plus, the handlers are super knowledgeable and can answer literally any question you might have.

Seasonal Events

Bailey looks at the Canyon lights at capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
The Canyon Lights are beautiful!

The Capilano Suspension Bridge loves to host events, and they are honestly so fun! If you’re visiting during spring, check out their Hoppy Heights for easter egg-themed activities. During Halloween, they host Canyon Frights, and February is the Love Lights event. However, my absolute favorite special event at Capilano is the Canyon Lights!

The Canyon Lights is an awesome annual event from late November until late January when the bridge and the Treetops Adventure come alive after dark with a multicolored light display. There’s also live music, a scavenger hunt, and a hot chocolate station to help you warm up. There’s a great atmosphere and it’s a magical way to experience the park – we highly recommend it!

If you’re visiting from the end of November through mid-January, we love this tour that takes you to see the highlights of Vancouver, and the Canyon Lights! You’ll tour through the city’s coolest neighborhoods, beaches, and forests before heading to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park as it starts to get dark to enjoy the Canyon Lights. This is one of the top Vancouver city tours if you’re short on time and it’s a fun all-around experience! Admission to the park, roundtrip transport, and your local guide are all included in the $144 CAD price tag.

Living Forest

The Living Forest is an exhibit in the West Coast Rainforest on the far side of the bridge, close to Raptors Ridge. It’s a walkway with information points and interactive exhibits that teach you all about the local forest ecology. Some of the trees in this forest are over 1,500 years old, so it’s really cool to learn more about their history, and how everything in the forest works together to create a thriving ecosystem.

Nature’s Edge

The Nature’s Edge boardwalk is right by the Living Forest and the Treetops Adventure, and it’s easy to walk along so it’s great for all visitors. It’s basically a chance to soak in even more of the park’s stunning beauty – you’ll be able to take in views of the river and surrounding forests, as well as learn more about the local flora and fauna.

11. What are the best tours from Vancouver that visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Top of the Grouse Grind where the gondola is at Grouse Mountain, Vancouver
Grouse Mountain!
Bailey walks on a log in Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park on a rainy Vancouver day!

Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour

This full-day tour starts by taking you to Gastown, Granville Island, and Chinatown, all of which are some of our favorite parts of urban Vancouver to explore. You’ll get to ride up the elevator to the top of the Vancouver Lookout and then, you’ll head to Capilano Suspension Bridge to explore the natural beauty that lies just outside of the downtown area.

You can arrange to be picked up from either Vancouver or Richmond if you call ahead of time, or meet the tour bus outside of the Georgian Court Hotel. The entire day is only $167 CAD and includes admission to Capilano and the Vancouver Lookout.

Vancouver City Tour (with Stanley Park)

In addition to taking you through downtown Vancouver and to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, this half-day tour also includes a visit to Stanley Park, which is an incredibly beautiful urban park on the edge of downtown.

You’ll get to explore its gardens, trails, and beaches, and take in the gorgeous coastal and forest views. We love this area so having this stop included is like getting a bonus Stanley Park tour in addition to the awesome suspension bridge!

With over 1,000 reviews on Viator, this tour is certainly a hit. It includes admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and your local guide for $144 CAD.

Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Nature lovers, this one’s for you! On this North Shore day trip, you’ll visit Capilano Suspension Bridge and then make your way to Grouse Mountain, which is another of our Vancouver favorites.

You’ll take a cable car up the mountain for fantastic views of the city and the surrounding wilderness. Plus, you’ll get to see the two resident grizzly bears that live on the mountain and see lumberjack and bird shows. Typically, riding the cable car up Grouse Mountain is an additional expense, so we love that both experiences are included for $238 CAD.

One thing to note is that this tour only runs from May to October because Grouse Mountain is more of a skiing and snowboarding destination during the winter.

Seaplane Tour with Admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A seaplane flight over Vancouver is an incredible way to see the city and the surrounding mountains and forests. And with this tour, you’ll get to take a 20-minute seaplane flight as well as visit Capilano.

We LOVED our seaplane ride over Vancouver and this is actually a relatively affordable way to take one since you’ll get a seaplane ride and your entrance to Capilano for only $209 CAD per person.

A 20-minute ride doesn’t sound very long, but time seems to slow down when you’re taking in the aerial views! Our pilot was great at pointing out landmarks, which made it even more immersive. Once you land, you’ll be shuttled to Capilano and can hang out there as long as you’d like, so this tour can last all day or just a few hours.

Private Tour: Vancouver Sightseeing

What we love about private tours is that they allow you to tailor the experience to your own interests, so if there’s room in your budget, this private Vancouver tour is definitely worth considering. You’ll get to check out some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods and then enjoy a private tour of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (with skip-the-line access!) to learn more about the history and engineering of the bridge.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Vancouver and have five hours to enjoy the best sights with a friendly local guide to answer all your questions and take photos for you! You’ll need a minimum of four people for this one and it’s on the pricier side at $450 CAD each, but if you’re after a memorable way to see Vancouver, this is it!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

12. How long do you need to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Treetop walk at capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Treetop walk at Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

You’ll need around four hours to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, including transport there and back. There’s a lot to explore in the park and if you want to take your time and enjoy it, four hours is a good amount of time.

Ideally, we recommend going early in the morning and using the other half of your day to check out one of Vancouver’s many other awesome attractions.

13. What to wear/bring when visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

A lady on the Cliff Walk at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Be prepared for the rain in Vancouver!

The most important thing to remember is to wear closed-toe shoes, especially for the Canopy Walk. Shoes with a decent grip are also a good idea, as the park gets a fair amount of rain and the walkways can be a bit slippery. And needless to say – absolutely no heels!

You’ll definitely want to bring something like a waterproof jacket to protect you from the rain – even if you’re visiting during summer, dry weather is never a guarantee.

And on the topic of changeable weather, we recommend bringing a light layer or two with you, even in the summer. If you’re visiting in the winter, layers are a must – it can get pretty chilly up on the bridge, but at the same time you might get warm after a while from all the walking you’ll be doing.

A water bottle is also a good idea, and you’ll definitely want to snap lots of photos, so don’t forget your smartphone or camera

Plus, if you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to bring a credit card for the parking lot unless you plan to use the Pay-By-Phone app.

14. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge suitable for kids?

Capilano Suspension Bridge walkway
Capilano Suspension Bridge Walkway

Yes, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is an amazing place for kids to explore! 

Lots of the displays and exhibits are geared toward kids, and none of the walking is too difficult. However, children with a fear of heights will definitely struggle on the bridge, the Treetops Adventure, and the Cliffwalk, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Strollers aren’t allowed on the attractions in the park, but there is an area where you can securely park them while you explore the bridge and other attractions. Babies need to be in a carrier that’s below railing height, and for safety reasons, shoulder carriers are not allowed. So all in all, it’s a very family-friendly place as long as you’re prepared.

Related Read: Other family-friendly Vancouver destinations that are worth a visit include the Vancouver Aquarium and the Richmond Night Market!

15. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge wheelchair accessible?

Bailey on the Capilano Suspension Bridge during the Canyon lights around Christmas in Vancouver
Bailey on the Capilano Suspension Bridge during the Canyon Lights around Christmas in Vancouver

Three of the park’s top attractions – the Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure, and the Cliffwalk – are not wheelchair-accessible. However, that’s not to say that those in wheelchairs shouldn’t visit Capilano.

There are still several attractions to enjoy, including the Kia’palano Educational Center, and you get beautiful views of the canyon from the entrance. And since visitors with mobility aids can’t experience the full extent of what Capilano has to offer, they receive free entry to the park.

16. Are dogs allowed at Capilano Suspension Bridge?

Yes – with a few conditions in place. Number one: your pup must be well-behaved. Number 2: they must be on a leash. And, needless to say, you’ll be required to clean up after your furry friend if nature calls, so make sure to bring some poop bags with you!

17. Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge worth visiting?

A walkway at Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Yes!

Yes, absolutely. We love it here and think it’s one of the most beautiful places in Vancouver – which is a pretty dang beautiful place! There’s so much to explore and the scenery really does take your breath away. Plus, it’s so close to the city center that it’s easy to fit into a busy Vancouver itinerary. And if you still aren’t convinced, read our honest review of the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

But when you do head there, make sure you have your ticket and you’re all set. Happy exploring!

Related Read: If you can’t get enough of wandering through the treetops, don’t miss visiting Lynn Canyon and walking across the suspension bridge there too!

Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver

View of False Creek from a sea plane in Vancouver
View of False Creek from a seaplane in Vancouver
Bailey poses for a photo at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Welcome to Kitsilano

Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, don’t miss out on some of the top attractions and activities:

  • Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee you’ll see whales!
  • Ride in a seaplane – If you can’t book the seaplane and Capilano tickets together, you can still enjoy this seaplane experience! Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $168 CAD. You can even take a seaplane to get from Vancouver to Victoria!
  • Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-to’s. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour that takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants in the area of Gastown.
  • Explore Kitsilano – One of our favorite areas in all of Vancouver is Kitsilano. This suburb is super trendy and has many cute stores, cafés, and restaurants that are well worth checking out. On top of that, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver and the perfect place to relax. It’s also our favorite place to watch the sunset.

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure one of the top places to stay in Vancouver.

Here are a few great hotels in Van that we love:

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

The Hyatt Regency is situated right between Gastown and Stanley Park, so right in the heart of Van’s action. As you can imagine, this is a luxury hotel stay at a well-known hotel chain, so you know your stay will be top-notch.

With a 42″ flat-screen TV is provided in every room. free Wi-Fi, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, the views of downtown Van don’t get much better than this. The Mosaic Bar and Grill serves some truly amazing food, and if you fancy something a bit stronger, the Grain Tasting Bar has some awesome signature cocktails. Book a luxurious stay here online.

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park you can’t pass over the Times Square Suites. Toeing the line between affordability and comfort, it’s very hard to fault this hotel and its location in Vancouver’s west end is nothing short of perfect!

We stayed in their one-bedroom suite, and I’ve got to say that I had the most restful sleep in that bed than I’ve had in weeks! Rooms here start at $224 CAD per night and can be booked over on Booking.com.

The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $

If you’re traveling on a budget, look no further than The Cambie Hostel. It’s located in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants, and there’s also a great bar attached to the hostel too.

It can always be a bit of a gamble trying out a budget hostel, but from our own experience, this one is a real gem! While the bathrooms are a little bit cozy, the rooms are clean, there’s free Wi-Fi and the staff are really happy to help you out with anything you need. Private rooms here start at $100 CAD or bunks in dorm rooms are more around the $50 CAD mark. You can book your stay over on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

A rural road with Mt Currie in the background
Road trips are the best way to explore Canada!

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey on the Capilano Suspension Bridge during the Canyon lights
Thanks for reading!

It’s easy to see why the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the top attractions in BC! I mean the views are unbeatable and we love all the little extras like the Cliffwalk and of course the Canyon Lights. No matter what time of year you visit, this is the perfect way to escape the city for a few hours.

While you’re planning your Vancouver trip, make sure to read through our other West Coast blogs for more inspiration. You’ll find lots of info and guides on how to explore this beautiful province.

5 BEST Boat Tours in Vancouver, BC (Chosen by a Local!)

30 Completely FREE Things to do in Vancouver, BC

The Best Vancouver Private Tour – Our Review of a Top-Rated Tour

Guide to Visiting Yaletown, Vancouver + 11 BEST Things to do!