Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park—home to the eponymous suspension bridge that is one of B.C.’s top attractions—has just unveiled its newest, thrilling attraction: the 700-foot long (213 metres), 300-foot high (91 metres) Cliffwalk.
Cliffwalk is the brainchild of John Stibbard, Capilano Suspension Bridge’s VP of Operations. John knew that he wanted to create another exciting attraction—one that would bring visitors closer to the Capilano River—but it wasn’t until he was rappelling down the east face of Capilano Canyon that he had his epiphany: what if there was a way to build a walkway in that exact spot that would give visitors a chance to share these breathtaking views and heart-stopping sensations?
From left to right: Kent LaRose, Duncan Wylie, John Stibbard, Nancy Stibbard and Marc Luc Lalumiere cutting the ribbon on Cliffwalk, June 2, 2011. Photo: Dana Lynch
John conceived of Cliffwalk that day, but it took four years and $4.5 million to see that vision realized. On June 2, 2011, John joined the other project runners and his mother, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park CEO and Owner Nancy Stibbard, to cut the ribbon on this dream walkway.
Cliffwalk, with the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the background. Photo: Dana Lynch
After that ribbon cutting, I got a chance to traverse Cliffwalk myself, and I promise: it definitely lives up to the hype. Long, narrow and anchored to the rugged canyon wall, Cliffwalk delivers sights that—without rappelling yourself—you would never be able to see. To your right, toward the cliff face, there is the dense foliage, moss, ferns, and majestic trees of the rainforest; on your left, there are the pulse-pounding views of the canyon, river, and—in the distance–the Suspension Bridge itself. And all the while, there you are, walking on a suspended path that’s just 20 inches (50 centimetres) wide, with nothing between you and the air except (very strong) woven-steal and glass sides! It’s exhilarating and beautiful at the same time.
The narrow walkways of Cliffwalk. Photo: Dana Lynch
Cliffwalk's glass-enclosed viewpoint over the Capilano River. Photo: Dana Lynch
The very first guests on Cliffwalk were Ms. Young’s Grade 5 & 6 students from North Vancouver’s Cleveland Elementary. If their verdicts are anything to go on—Aidan, aged 10, told me it was “way cooler” than the Suspension Bridge–Cliffwalk promises to be the hot attraction for summer (and beyond).
Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park opens June 3, 2011. Admission is included in the general park admission.
Experience Cliffwalk for yourself and then come back and tell us what you think; I’d love to hear from you!
Getting to Cliffwalk: There are free shuttles to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park that leave destinations throughout Vancouver every 15 minutes from 9am – 4:30pm daily.
9:13 am
Looks awesome, absolutely, but with one glaring shortfall that I see time and again. It’s not accessible for those in wheelchairs, but of course those folks don’t need to see anything special. ‘Nuff said.
11:48 am
Don,
You’re right, Cliffwalk isn’t accessible to wheelchairs and it’s not appropriate for people with mobility issues either (there are many stairs).
There are many great things to do in Vancouver for wheelchairs, though, which isn’t to suggest that new attractions needn’t be accessible, only to let you know that such things exist:
Top 5 Vancouver Parks for Strollers & Wheelchairs
On Wheels: Sightseeing in Vancouver Without Walking
10:18 am
What a great idea! With the promise of “breathtaking views” and “heart stopping sensations”, how can any of us resist??
I really can’t wait to experience this gorgeous walk.
Love BC!
11:14 am
My wife (Pam) and I were invited to the grand opening of the CLIFFWALK last night (June 2nd). It has been 5 years since our last visit and we were very impressed. As owners of Granville House B&B (Vancouver’s only 5 Star B&B) and Hycroft Suites (S Granville luxury suites), we constantly refer guests to this attraction, but as a born & raised Vancouverite I was blown away. We will be back with guests, friends & family. Congratulations CSBP!
4:18 pm
It’s amazing! Got a sneak peak of it last week. I especially love the fern garden with the misters.
10:05 pm
Noticed the full page ad in the Vancouver Sun, and thought I might like to try this one on my way through Vancouver (I live on Texada Island) this week to throw a little fun in an other wise busy schedual, however ther is nothing posted about the time of day it opens and closes or the price of admision. The ad in the paper was vauge to say the least.
4:16 pm
I survived the Cliifwalk on Sunday 5th June – was a bit scary but AWESOME, what a view, loved it!!!!
Mary
4:18 pm
Cliffwalk and suspension bridge are awesome – worth coming from Scotland for the experience of them both!!!
Pingback: Cliffwalk Opens at Capilano Suspension Bridge « Emily Carr Recruit
7:03 am
Me and my wife went on it 5 days after it was opened, awesome!