Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Cruise-ship days and summer afternoons bring the biggest crowds and queues on the bridge. Arrive at opening, or come in the last two hours before closing, when tour groups have gone and a twilight ticket may be available.

The park runs a free shuttle from downtown, with stops at Canada Place and several hotels. It saves the parking fee and the Lions Gate Bridge traffic; check the current schedule and stops on the official site.

The park warns against third-party websites selling fake tickets. Buy online from the official site or at the gate, and look for combination deals only through trusted sellers such as official city passes.

If the price is too much, Lynn Canyon Park has a free suspension bridge 50 metres above Lynn Creek. Next door to Capilano, Capilano River Regional Park is also free, with forest trails down the same river and the Cleveland Dam at its head.

The bridge and Treetops Adventure are walkable for most young children. Strollers are allowed on the main bridge but not on Treetops Adventure or Cliffwalk, where there is stroller parking at the entrance. Raptors Ridge shows birds of prey in the warmer months and is a favourite with kids.

The bridge moves, and the cliffwalk has glass sections over the canyon. Everything is fenced and safe, but if you have vertigo, hold the cables, look ahead rather than down, and let faster walkers pass. Wear shoes with grip in the rain.

From late November into the new year the park is lit with a huge number of lights, and the bridge at night is a completely different experience. Dates change each year; check the official site.

Most visitors stay downtown and use the free shuttle. Staying in North Vancouver near Lonsdale Quay puts you close to Capilano, Grouse Mountain and Lynn Canyon, with the SeaBus to downtown.