Remembering Capilano Suspension Bridge

Last May, Kyle and I traveled to the Pacific Northwest for a week of leisure and to attend our friend’s wedding. Since then, I have only posted one – yes, ONE – blog entry featuring my photos of public markets in Seattle and Vancouver. For whatever reason, posting anything more about the trip has been a challenge for me – until now; I’m determined to finally share my stories and showcase pictures from the vacation.

Having done research prior to the trip, I figured that the week would be more relaxing than anything, because unless you’re a complete outdoors-junkie (I’m only half of one), it seemed that there were not a whole lot of other things to do in this densely-forested area of North America. I was wrong. Even with its diversity in terrain (we’re talking the Rocky Mountain range within miles of the Pacific Ocean, here), Vancouver’s natural-turned-manmade attractions were, fortunately for me, catered to the average tourist (and no, we did not attempt the Grouse Grind).

One of the better experiences that I had (not that they weren’t all amazing), and the only activity that sticks out in my memory of Vancouver like a sore thumb, was when we went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Nestled shallow in the mountains of the Canadian Rockies hangs the free-swinging, 450-foot long bridge, which crosses 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Capilano Suspension Bridge from a distance. May 17, 2011.

I stood at the overlooking base and watched as others made their way onto and across the bridge. I was eager to go, so I made my way toward it. “Get ready to use your sea legs!” exclaimed a wife to her husband just steps behind me. Even though she wasn’t talking to me, I embraced her advice and curiously stepped forward with caution.

A man grasps both sides of the bridge's railings as he walks further onto the Cap Bridge. May 17, 2011.

Okay, so it wasn’t so bad that you had to use your “sea legs,” but the bridge did noticeably sway. Actually, “sway” might even be an exaggeration. It more like…”bounced” slightly. Remember those bridges that you used to jump up and down on at the playground when you were a kid (or even now)? Well that’s pretty much what it was – the only difference being that the Cap Bridge was like, a gazillion times longer.

Kyle and I took our time on the bridge, walking slowly to fully immerse ourselves in our surroundings. We stood near the middle and looked down at the river (well, at least I did). We took pictures. We listened to the sounds of the river and the surrounding rainforest. We even tried to taunt everyone on the bridge by jumping subtly, during which I was forced to block any “what if” thoughts from entering my busy mind. (I figured that if the wires DID snap, I would just grab and hold onto the railing for dear life).

There's my babe on the bridge! May 17, 2011.

Soon enough, we were at the other end of the bridge and walking right into dense forest. I looked up and saw people strolling across even more bridges that were perched up in the giant Douglas firs. This would be our next event: the Treetops Adventure. We easily ventured across each short bridge that connected one tree to another without any fear or hesitation. The ambiance was oh-so peaceful and the cold, moist air on my face was refreshing. And unlike the main suspension bridge, these smaller ones weren’t as crowded.

Just a couple of the very tall Douglas firs on the other side of the bridge. Depth is kind of hard to perceive in this photo.

One of the short suspended bridges that make up the Treetops Adventure at Capilano. May 17, 2011.

That's me being a tree-hugger. Although not nearly as wide as a redwood, Douglas firs are still pretty large. May 17, 2011.

Kyle as he takes a picture of the main bridge from the other side. May 17, 2011.

Within two hours, we had experienced all the features that Capilano had to offer. It was a relatively expensive two hours ($30 per person), but I think that it was worth experiencing, especially because there are neither rainforests nor cool bridges where I’m from. If you’re afraid of heights, this might not exactly be the perfect activity for you, and even though I’m not, I must admit the first steps onto the bridge were somewhat agonizing. But in the end, it wasn’t at all bad. So if you like nature, architecture, and/or “cliche” tourist attractions, then I would highly recommend visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge if you’re ever in Vancouver. Your memory of it, amongst everything else, will stick out like a sore thumb