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.
