02 The story
Along the Capilano River
The Capilano neighbourhood takes its name from the river that runs down from the mountains to Burrard Inlet, a name that traces back to a Squamish chief. Capilano Road is the spine of the area, climbing from the shops and services on Marine Drive past quiet residential streets and into thick forest near the top.
For many visitors, this is the North Shore’s main attraction strip. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has operated since a bridge was first strung across the canyon in 1889. Today’s bridge stretches about 140 metres and hangs some 70 metres above the river, and the privately run park adds treetop walkways and a cliffside path. It charges admission and is busiest in summer and during its winter light displays.
Rainforest, salmon and Grouse Mountain
Just north, Capilano River Regional Park is free and offers forest trails along the canyon. The Capilano Salmon Hatchery inside the park lets you watch salmon through viewing windows, and the Cleveland Dam at the top has wide views over the Capilano Reservoir.
At the end of the road, Grouse Mountain is reached by the Skyride gondola or, for the fit, the steep Grouse Grind trail. The mountain offers skiing and snowshoeing in winter and hiking and viewpoints in summer.
Closer to Marine Drive, the lower part of the neighbourhood is more practical, with apartments, grocery stores and quick access to the Lions Gate Bridge and Park Royal across the river in West Vancouver. Capilano suits people who want to be close to downtown and the mountains at once. Traffic on Capilano Road can back up on busy weekends, so transit is often the easier way to reach the attractions.
