Daring to Venture Out Across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, BC, Canada
If you are the adventurous type and aren’t afraid of heights, one place you must visit is North Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Why? Well, that’s where you’ll find the incredible Capilano Suspension Bridge. It’s one of Vancouver’s hottest tourist attractions and if you are daring enough to venture out, the Capilano Suspension Bridge will give you a whole new perspective on the lush forest and river below, from about 230 feet up.
Image By wikimedia
The original bridge was built back in the late 1800s after a gentleman named George Mackay bought some property in what is now known as North Vancouver. He proceeded to build a small cabin on the edge of a canyon wall, but needed a way to get across the canyon. So, being the civil engineer that he was, he built a simple suspension bridge from hemp rope and cedar planks.
That particular bridge lasted until the early 1900s when it was replaced by a wire cable bridge. Over the years, the bridge was sold a number of times and was rebuilt completely in just 5 days, back in 1956. Today the bridge is 450 feet across and is made of reinforced steel anchored into 13 tons of concrete on each side of the bridge. Needless to say, it’s more than strong enough to handle the 800,000+ visitors that cross it every year.
Due to the fact that the property, and bridge, were such a hit with friends and family of the various owners, many additions were added over the years to further interest and attract people to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park.
One of the first additions, the totem poles, were added around 1935. These totem poles were put in place by local First Nations’ natives, at the request of the owner of the bridge and park to help give the area an authentic native theme. Other authentic native totems can be found at the Stanley Park Totems.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park really took off after being purchased by Nancy Stibbard back in 1983. Annual admission to the park quadrupled and today over 3/4 of a million visitors are able to enjoy the bridge and park every year. Some of the features visitors can enjoy include: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Treetops Adventure, Totem Park, the Story Centre, the First Nations’ Cultural Center, The Rainforest and more.
The newest addition to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park is set to open in Spring 2011. It’s called “Cliffhanger” and is a series of suspended walkways that extend out over the river through areas visitors have never seen before. Not only is the walkway narrow, but in some portions of the walkways, the only thing between you and the canyon floor far below is a glass (very strong glass).
I’d say it’s time for a trip to North Vancouver, BC Canada and the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Won’t you join me?
Image By Hyougushi
Image By jim.rocco
Image By wikimedia
Image By superciliousness
Image By ***roham***
Image By addicted Eyes
Image By Petirrojo
Image By ***roham***
Image By Arrr!
Image By Razvan Marescu
Image By Tjflex2
Image By Razvan Marescu
Image By nuanc
Image By Arrr!
Image By Tjflex2
Image By miss604
Image By miss604
Image By hernandezfisher
Image By hmerinomx
Video By virtualcanada
