Vancity Vibes | DAY 4: (Pt. 1) Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

​With the days leading up to the trip being exhaustive for the both of us, majority of our plans had stemmed from last-minute proposals (her) and quick Googling (me). The Thai ahgase and I had briefly discussed tourist destinations of interest. Her proposal of Lynn Canyon had originated from persuasion from friends, yet ultimately denied by yours truly, for I would going exactly one week later with a member of 2020's Van Nam Nation. She was disappointed, repeatedly expressing a desire for the Sea to Sky gondola, which was honestly too far to be enjoyable for two tourists without a car.

​Costliness was another factor for consideration: the ticket and shuttle package for Sea to Sky was about a hundred before tax.

​She accepted Capilano as the ultimate decision, and we called an Uber for her last full day in the province.

Given that we had received a five dollar voucher from spokes the previous day, we were keen to redeem it towards our park tickets. A quick call to the park confirmed that the voucher could only be used in-person. Without pre-paid arrangements made online, we were illegible for the complimentary shuttle service operating from the downtown district, though it hadn't mattered as we had planned to Uber anyways.

As she munched away at her long-awaited Starbucks breakfast sandwich and Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, I assembled the trio of cameras - excluding my smartphone in this instance - for the day's use.

​Our ride request was answered around 10 AM, a navy Tesla that would take us 20 km north, into North Van.

Riding in a Tesla was a first for us both. The vehicle featured wireless charging accessible from the driver and passenger seat, and charging ports facing the back. The roof, while covered, providing a breathtaking view of the skies above by being transparent and tinted for UV ray filtration. It was an unexpectedly wonderful addition to our ride, especially when traversing over Lions Gate Bridge. Never before had I experienced a 360-degree view of the crossing! Further contributing to the excitement factor was the additional perspective since our two-wheeled adventure underneath the very bridge the previous day.

​We arrived at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park just before 11 AM. Tickets were procured the desk at that point without issues. Then, we joined the lineup for touristy photos and commenced our adventure.

View the full album HERE !

​There were a few attractions available for perusal within the park, the most notable being none other than the signature suspension bridge, of course. It was easily accessible from the park entrance and served to connect visitors to the park's other areas for exploration.

​Descending onto the bridge from several wooden steps made for quite the surprising transition. Sturdy were the stairs, yet shaky was the bridge. Core strength kicked in for stability. For those less confident in their balancing aptitudes, the railing could be grasped for helping traverse across the Capilano River. Younger visitors could grip the gated edges of the bridge.

Gorgeous was our view of the mountains against the beaming blue backdrop. Peeking down below would reveal rushing teal waters and lush greenery.

A series of photos took place on the bridge, naturally. Passing visitors would request to have photos taken of them, then the favour returned for us.

​A vast majority of the park entrants would be unmasked, with the exception of perhaps more crowded attractions.

​Our initial perception was of the suspension bridge being the only POI in the park. Yet, only after crossing over did we discover a plethora of other activities awaiting us.

Crossing to the west of the bridge saw educational panels depicting the property's geological composition, inhabitants of its lands and waters, as well as construction sketches for the bridge in an all-too-familiar format.

​A quick-service kiosk for snacks and "Beaver Balls" was spotted nearby, along with a seated dining area.

Instead of resting, we proceeded towards the Nature Boardwalk. A neatly arranged wooden walkway would weave about creeks, tropical shrubbery commonly associated with organisms of the rainforest floor, around a pond of shockingly clear waters, beneath the Treetops Adventure, and back to the suspension bridge crossing. Areas of nonuniformity were, interestingly, rectified with small, thin patches of copper to ensure an enjoyable trek for all ages. Rickety parts were reinforced with planks, then regraded for non-intrusivity.

The walkway was positioned underneath thin, lofty trees for maximum shade and breeziness. A hint of dampness could be felt in the rainforest-y section, at which point moss was spotted flourishing on nearby branches and triangular fungi from a distance.
Information boards informing guests of rainforest trivia appeared throughout, diverting attention from photo-taking to forest familiarization. The suspension bridge and vigorous waters could be seen at various points along the way as well.

The Nature Boardwalk was absolutely beautiful! It showcased the vast wonders of nature in a clean, tranquil format, all without the mosquito clouds, forgotten Timmies cups, and rocky, ankle wellness-threatening sections of southern Ontario hikes - a kind introduction to outdoors skeptics. Sighting of a flittering hummingbird was an added bonus.

We then transitioned to the Treetops Adventure, introduced by a humourously cautionary "ATTENTION: EXTREME NATURE AHEAD".

It was unlike the Treetop Trekking I had engaged in last month, for it neither entailed extra charges nor strain of the mind and body to complete each challenge. Rather, it served to provide an elevated view of the scenery below via wooden channels. The passages were as stable as could be.
Observed affixed on the tension cables were hooks similar to those used for Treetop Trekking, yet the experience was much more sightseeing-centric than survival-esque. Wrapped around certain sections of the suspended pathways were bulb lights, reminiscent of Christmas but intended to constitute part of the Canyon Lights exhibit in the colder months of the year, when periods of natural illumination are limited. These lights could also be seen in parts of the Nature Boardwalk as well.

Commenced towards the beginning of the Treetops Adventure was scavenger hunt by the name of Dr. Woods' Rainforest Explorers. The pamphlets were, as expected, geared towards children, yet still amusing enough for children at heart. Through the numbered activity panels spotted about the park, participants would learn to record data based on presented information, match footprints to the corresponding animal, and relate one's height and wingspan to that of naturally occurring tree and winged species of the rainforest.

I found much pleasure in completing the passport, as it was my key to a self-guided educational journey. What fun it was! We both concluded. Populated passports could either be handed over to park staff for recycling, or kept for memory's sake. (Obviously, I did the latter.) The completion prize was a strip of seeds that one could submerge within soil and foster into various flora. Being more likely the owner of a bruised knee than a green thumb, I offered my seeds to the Thai ahgase, knowing I wouldn't have the patience to seek out soil and water them to fruition.

Once we had completed the activites on the west side, back we trekked over the suspension bridge. To its north was the gift shop and main dining area, inclusive of patio seating and fire pit.

Variety in merch magnets was severely lacking. The bulk of the store spanned t-shirts, Indigenous artwork, maple syrup, and generally Canadian souvenirs. There was a decently cool selection of beanies though, from fitted ones to looser waffle knits.
Both of us had a tough time choosing, but, by the time of departure, a few magnets had been obtained, along with a keychain and flavoured nut mixes by the Thai ahgase and a red waffle knit beanie by myself. Skinny, fruit-rollup-like sized strips of salmon jerky were also obtained for $1.99 plus tax.

​We sat outside briefly as I munched on my salmon jerky. While the Thai ahgase complained of heat, I found the temperatures quite enjoyable. The jerky would serve to appease a grumbling stomach until we would return downtown for the "proper sitdown meal" requested by my partner-in-crime.

The Cliffwalk was the last venture of the day. Just a few steps from the gift shop was a spiraled stairwell leading down to the curved pathway.

Once again, the suspension bridge was in clear view from afar. In contrast to the bridge, Cliffwalk enabled a sturdy path above the waters, sighting of a distant waterfall, and a scenic photo spot with glass panels for a seamless background. For those with slippery phone cases, it is advised to either zip the device within a bag, or grip tightly - for when it is gone, it is gone.

​The Thai ahgase and I attempted different shots at capturing the sight. Being a tourist attraction, it was anticipated that each party await their turn fair and square - and with courteousness, if not at least decency. Instead of adopting this approach, an elderly couple hesitated not in interrupting our time with frustrated demeanours and a curt "Come on guys", complete with glare and grimace. We were both taken back by the lack of disrespect, for they simply marched into our frame with the intent of removing us from the lookout for their own photo. Needless to say, we waited for our turn yet again, once they had departed the vicinity.

​Truthfully, the lookout point was less scenic than the likes of other points along Cliffwalk. Backlit and at an angle incapable of capturing neither the river nor the mountains, we made several attempts to capture the moment before ascending up to a serene area filled with educational info boards.

​As with the rest of the park, any grade differences and discontinuities had been clearly identified and patched for safety of all visitors.

​My favourite installation was a glass bench depicting a cross-section of river wildlife. Constructed of three layers, each revealed the assortment of aquatic organisms living at varying depths within the water.
The Thai aghase, on the other hand, was more amused by an interactive fixture exhibiting the growth timeline of Pacific salmon.

​Cliffwalk would terminate at the gift shop and dining area. It was here that we re-evaluated our immediate options for sustenance. The Thai ahgase, insistent that we get "good food downtown", prompted suppression of my own cravings. We hovered about the snack bar briefly, where I witnessed the staggering prices of sweet treats such as frozen yogurt and smoothies.

​By this resting area were water fountains contained within rocks, with a smaller one for kids.

​I gave my new friend a quick half-hug before we hurried over to the shuttle area.
The shuttle - or tour bus, rather - would deliver visitors back to downtown at no additional charge.

Just before leaving, I neared the reception desk once more. At hearing a man request thirty completion certificates, I poked my head in the direction of another member of staff.
​"How do I get one of those?!" I excitedly inquired, "How much are they??".
"Free!" The man next to me glanced over with a smile.
"Free!!!" I exclaimed, before requesting two certificates for the Thai ahgase and I.

A recurring buzz emerged on my watch, at which point I darted back to meet my travel buddy. "The shuttle just left!" she wailed.

But the next one was only five minutes away.

Read Part 2 HERE !