While visiting British Columbia last month, I had the chance to check out the stunning Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. The bridge is a simple 136-m. suspension bridge dangling over the rushing Capilano River, 70 meters below. It was originally built in 1889 by wealthy landowners wanting access to the miles and miles of pristine, forested mountains that lay on the other side of the steep Capilano River gorge. Originally built from hemp and cedar, the bridge was rebuilt with steel cables. It has retained its original simple construction.
The area around the bridge has become a cultural center devoted to the aboriginal people of British Columbia, and the early pioneers who settled there and made the first modern efforts to live and work in those rugged, majestic and humbling environs.
Here are some snaps taken from an autumn 2010 visit to one of British Columbia’s most popular tourist attractions:
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- The Capilano Suspension Bridge, 450 feet long
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- … and 230 feet above the water
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- Its adjacent cultural center has one of the largest collections of native totems in Canada
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- The guide called them “story poles,” because of their role within the aboriginal cultures
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- I became a bit fascinated by them …
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- … obviously …
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- There are smaller suspension bridges threaded through the canopy treetops in the natural park surrounding the bridge
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- Treetop platforms. Very fun to traverse, notsomuch if you have the heightfear
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- If you think this leaf is big, you should see the tree it fell off!
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- Pretty North Vancouver
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- Steep gorge down to the Capilano River
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- The river takes its name from the Squamish term Kai’pilano, meaning “beautiful river”
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- C’est moi! Though the bridge is allegedly very secure, it sure did swing and bounce around a lot
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- Very old checkerboard and wooden pieces at the visitors’ center
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- Another totem
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- Autumn colors and colorful art
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- Autumn in North Van
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- Not all totems are poles!
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- *insert rushing water sound here*
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- Another view of the suspension bridge hanging high in the air.
