Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver

The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a free pedestrian bridge that sways 50 metres above Lynn Creek in North Vancouver's Lynn Canyon Park. It has crossed the canyon since 1912, and it is the best-known free alternative to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Around it, 250 hectares of rainforest hold waterfalls, swimming holes, an ecology centre and some of the North Shore's most popular short hikes.

About the bridge and the park

The bridge was built as a private venture in 1912, the same year the park opened to the public. It hangs about the height of a 15-storey building above the creek, and it moves and bounces as people cross, which is half the fun. Unlike Capilano, there is no admission fee, so it is busy on summer weekends.

Lynn Canyon Park is the largest park run by the District of North Vancouver and draws more than a million visitors a year. It sits in Lynn Valley, on the unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam Nations.

Things to do at Lynn Canyon

• Cross the suspension bridge: the bridge is a few minutes' walk from the main parking lot and the Ecology Centre.
• Twin Falls: a short walk east of the bridge leads to a viewing platform over a two-tiered waterfall, with a sturdier bridge across the creek below it. Expect stairs on this loop.
• 30 Foot Pool: a green swimming hole downstream from the bridge, popular on hot days. The water is very cold and the currents are strong, and there have been several drownings here. Jumping from the cliffs is dangerous and is not allowed.
• Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre: a free interpretive centre with displays on the rainforest, local wildlife and Lynn Creek, plus family programs. Donations are welcome.
• Longer hikes: the Baden-Powell Trail runs through the park, and trails connect to Rice Lake and Lynn Headwaters Regional Park. Strong hikers can continue to Norvan Falls.

Getting there

• Driving: The main entrance and parking lot are at the end of Peters Road in Lynn Valley. Parking is paid from March to October, with a three-hour limit in the main lot, and the lot fills early on summer weekends.
• Transit from downtown: Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then bus 228 to Lynn Valley Road and Peters Road and walk about 15 minutes down Peters Road. The 227 community shuttle between Phibbs Exchange and Lynn Valley Centre stops a five-minute walk from the park.
• Hours: The park is open from dawn to dusk. Check the Ecology Centre's website for its current hours.

Tips for your visit

• Go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds on the bridge.
• Wear shoes with good grip. Trails can be wet, muddy and steep, even in summer.
• Dogs are welcome on leash.
• The Ecology Centre, café, washrooms and covered picnic area are wheelchair accessible, but the suspension bridge and most trails are not.
• The Lynn Canyon Café near the bridge is handy for a coffee or a snack.

Lynn Canyon or Capilano?

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has a longer, higher bridge plus treetop walkways and a cliffside walk, but it charges admission. Lynn Canyon is free and less polished, with more natural trails, waterfalls and swimming spots. If you are visiting on a budget or want a real forest walk, choose Lynn Canyon.

Nearby

Make a North Shore day of it. Grouse Mountain is about 20 minutes' drive west, Quarry Rock in Deep Cove is a short drive east, and Lonsdale Quay Market is on the way back to the SeaBus. For more ideas, see our North Vancouver city guide.

Quick facts

• Location: Lynn Canyon Park, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver (main entrance off Peters Road)
• Height: 50 metres above Lynn Creek
• Built: 1912
• Cost: Free (paid parking in season)
• Park size: about 250 hectares

New to local place names? See the Vancouver glossary.