January Adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge with our Little Explorers!
We visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge with our little ones in January, and it was a memorable experience with no queues and no waiting times. It's all about the timing and steering clear of the festive dates. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
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Atrium Hotel Vancouver - Appreciate the essentials, such as the refrigerator and microwave, available in the room - a must with little kids!
- Check-in: Atrium Hotel Vancouver
- Address: 2889 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A1, Canada
- 4 days, 3 nights: 347.92 USD
- Dining Options Across the Street
- Convenient Location: Just a short drive from grocery stores and only 10 minutes away from Downtown Vancouver
- Pay for Parking: Most hotels we looked into charged for parking; however, the parking fees at the Atrium Hotel were more reasonable.
- Attractions nearby: 15-20 minutes away from Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
We were looking for a quiet spot away from the bustling city center. The area was peaceful, and they gave a discount for dining at the restaurant in front of the hotel. The pho restaurant was excellent.
The highlights of our trip featured a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain. Read more: Vancouver, Canada, in January with Little Kids
The Perfect Time to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge with Young Children in January
- For an unforgettable light experience, plan your visit on weekdays,
- and aim to arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to see the lights illuminate the bridge.
Visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge was the standout moment of our trip. Saul took charge of all the research, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have him plan this special outing for our birthdays. To avoid the crowds, we chose to visit after New Year's. During winter, they host the "Canyon Lights" event, typically running from late November through January.
How to get there
- Address: Capilano Suspension Bridge Parking, 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
- Parking: It’s across the street and costs 9 CAD for three hours. You can extend your time using a parking app.
- Free shuttle from Downtown Vancouver.
Important Guidelines for Your Visit
- Kids under 15 need to be with an adult 18 or older.
- Reserve your entry time online before you come.
- Get there early for a smooth visit.
Parking
During peak season, parking can be quite hectic. If you're traveling from Downtown, consider taking the shuttle that’s included with your ticket. We chose to visit after the holiday chaos had settled, and as a result, parking was just right. We avoided long queues for the bridge, shopping, and dining, making for a much more enjoyable experience.
Smile! My little one is having a great time riding on Santa's sleigh. This is close to the souvenir shop before crossing the bridge.
"Canyon Lights" Tickets
- 2 Adult Tickets: 119.89 USD
- Interesting observation! We checked Viator, and the ticket price listed was higher at 139.26 USD. Be sure to visit the website to compare prices.
- Prices are higher during the Canyon Lights event, which usually takes place from late November to early January, as it turns the famous suspension bridge and park into a dazzling holiday wonderland.
Regular Capilano Suspension Bridge Ticket Prices
- Adult (18-64 years): 75 CAD
- Children under 5: Free
- Child (6-12 years): 28 CAD
- Youth (13-17 years): 49 CAD
- Student (18 years): 64 CAD
- Please note that prices may vary; check the Capilano Suspension Bridge Website for updates.
More Than 130 Years Later
The entrance is beautifully decorated, and here you will discover a brief history of the location. What was once a simple footbridge leading to a cabin has transformed into something much greater over the past 130 years.
The Name Capilano
The name Capilano originates from the Squamish language, meaning "beautiful river," and indeed, it truly is a stunning sight!
Totem Poles
Inside the park, you'll find totem poles that beautifully pay tribute to the culture of the Coast Salish peoples, honoring their rich Indigenous heritage.
Crossing the Bridge
Crossing the bridge with our little ones made me anxious, but the joy sparkling in their eyes, particularly my little man's adventurous spirit, overshadowed any worries I had. He was brave and loved the walk all the way to the end. It was even more exciting because they had a scavenger hunt designed for kids, which made looking around feel like an adventure.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Treetops Adventure
- The Capilano Suspension Bridge Treetops Adventure is for kids aged four and up.
- Each child gets a free scavenger hunt booklet, so they can solve puzzles and challenges on their own.
This fun activity keeps the kids busy as they explore the park and also teaches them about the rainforest.
Seven Bridges
Just take a look at that! Seven suspension bridges are soaring up to 110 feet above the forest floor. Standing there, I felt small in a world focused on money, taxes, chores, and endless to-do lists. Being up high made me realize there's more to life than what we experience below.
The "White Balls Over the Water"
This beautiful display is part of the park's winter festival, Canyon Lights, making a visit to this park truly worthwhile. There's plenty to see, allowing you to take your time, which I really enjoy. These white balls look like glowing orbs floating above the water, creating a magical sight!
Dining Options at Capilano Suspension Bridge
For Meals
- Cliff House Restaurant: Located near the Gift Shop, this venue offers a casual dining experience.
- Loggers' Grill: Situated close to the Gift Shop, it provides fast-service, family-friendly dining featuring classic BBQ burgers and more.
For lunch, we spent 55 USD on a beef burger and chicken tenders at Loggers' Grill. The burger was tasty, and the poutine was the star.
For Dessert
- Ice Cream & Fudge: Inside the Gift Shop, this spot is perfect for delicious ice cream treats.
- Beary Waffles: Found near Guest Services, enjoy freshly made house waffles here.
For dessert, I ordered Death by Chocolate Ice Cream inside the gift shop, and for 5 USD, it was worth it!
For Coffee
- The Cabin: Located after the bridge, this cozy spot serves specialty coffee and baked goods.
For Souvenirs
- Trading Post Gift Shop: Located before the bridge.
For souvenirs, we bought a fridge magnet for 8 USD and an Ice Wine Tea box for 14 USD.
This Is Where The Fun Begins!
I went out to get some items for the kids, and look at that! We went off-season, and it really made a difference; we didn’t have to queue up, and we got to enjoy all the attractions. The entrance already looks stunning. Just wait until you step inside.
I believe that merely walking across that bridge is a powerful way to face your fear of heights—it's truly worthy of a round of applause for yourself!
The Bridge at Night is Magical!
You have to stay till it gets dark, as the Capilano Suspension Bridge at night turns magical! The dancing and changing lights were dramatic and entertaining. The whole place comes alive in a whole new glow. Just make sure to bring extra layers as it gets colder at night.
Warming up while listening to live music.
3 Seasonal Events
Here are more events to watch for at Capilano Suspension Bridge:
- Canyon Frights: Mid-October to the end of October – A Halloween-themed celebration.
- Canyon Lights: Late November to mid-January – The iconic Christmas-themed event
- Love Lights: Early February to late February – A romantic celebration for Valentine's Day.
But Wait, There's More: Activities for Kids
Before leaving, we were able to do some games and art activities located near the Beary Waffles, and we got to keep the paper snowman Christmas ornament as souvenirs.
If you're looking for more adventure, take a trip to Grouse Mountain. We did this on our second day and even went snowshoeing with our little ones and had an absolute blast!
Travel Packing Checklist
Here's a tip to make travelling with kids easier: I use a Family Travel Packing Checklist to simplify packing and avoid forgetting essentials, which reduces last-minute shopping trips. This tool is crucial for stress-free travel with kids, helping keep our trips organized.
Tips for Families with Young Kids
It's much colder than Downtown North Vancouver, so pack layers for the whole family.
- I suggest starting with a base layer, then adding a Fleece jacket and a cozy puffer or winter jacket. (Fleece Women / Fleece Men)
- Bring extra clothes for your little ones. Make sure they have a base layer to keep them warm, add a Kid's Fleece Jacket as a second layer since it keeps heat in well, and a winter jacket.
- Don't forget a warm beanie and Gloves; my fingers felt chilly, especially at night!
- Opt for a waterproof jacket or bring a Poncho, as it tends to rain in Vancouver during winter.
- Wear Shoes with good traction, as the paths can be quite slippery. (Men's Shoes / Women's Shoes)
- Strollers are allowed, but not on the suspension bridge. There's a stroller parking area near the gift shop. We carried our 1-year-old in a Baby Carrier, and he was happy crossing the bridge with us.
- It can take 2-3 hours to see the whole park, so plan for nap times.
- There are diaper changing stations available in the restrooms, and they even feature toddler toilet seats, which I find incredibly useful. You never know when little ones might need to go—one moment they say they have to pee, and then something unexpected happens! Ahahaa!
- Avoid forgetting any winter essentials with a Family Travel Packing Checklist.
- Explore our Amazon Family Winter Travel Essentials for more recommendations.
Where To Go After: Just Be Aware
If you're with kids, it's advisable to avoid driving around East Cordova Street or walking in Japantown for safety reasons. There are many homeless individuals in these areas. I witnessed one person shouting at a car and exposing themselves. East Hastings and Main Street are also not favorable with young kids.
Dinner at Pho Don Restaurant
Afterwards, we went back to the Atrium Hotel, which was conveniently less than 20 minutes away. Since it was raining, we decided to have pho. Good thing, there’s a restaurant right across from the hotel. We got a 10% discount on our meal because we stayed at the Atrium Hotel, and the Pho was delicious and satisfying.
You can also explore North Vancouver after the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Here's my recommendation:
The incredible flavors at Tamarind Hill made me long for my days living in Singapore!
Exploring North Vancouver: Where to Eat
Visit Edgemont Boulevard
If you’re coming from Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain, check out Edgemont Boulevard, just 5 minutes away from the bridge. A mountain village area in north Vancouver with lots of small shops, cafes and restaurants. Also notice the candy-cane designed lampost. We visited in January, and the street was very festive.
Dinner at Tamarind Hill
- Tamarind Hill
- Address:1440 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J1, Canada
Dinner at Tamarind Hill, 10 minutes away from the Capilano Suspension Bridge - this is definitely a hidden gem in Vancouver! They serve Singapore-Malaysian food; we hadn't had any, and it’s nice to find a really good one. We met a hiker on Grouse Mountain, and she recommended this place. It's small, but very worth finding. Hidden gem unlocked? I believe so!
Stroll around Lonsdale Avenue
Afterwards, we walk around Lonsdale Avenue, which is a long stretch of endless shops and restaurants.
The walk ends at a waterfront, and if you have more time at night, check out Lonsdale Quay. Here you’ll see the city lights by the water; this one reminds me of my trip to Hong Kong’s Waterfront Promenade.
Milk Tea at Bluemoon & a Sweet Surprise!
- Bubble Tea Bluemoon
- Address: 2035 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2K4, Canada
To end the perfect night, we had Milk Tea at Bluemoon, 10 minutes away from the Tamarind Hill restaurant, and they have the best Warm Ube Milk Tea ever! It wasn’t too sweet and just the right amount of flavor. That night, I was converted to loving warm milk tea, and once in a while, I get one at Happy Lemon in Washington. The staff at Bluemoon was really sweet and gave me a macaroon when they found out I was celebrating my birthday; it was the sweetest thing!
We passed by the popular CoCo that sells really good milk tea, two wonderful options if you love milk tea. After this, we went back to our parking spot, which was quite a walk, and by this time, our little ones were tired.
When visiting Vancouver, Canada, with young kids, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain are great and easy options. These places made my birthday extra special. Even though my little baby might not yet understand the excitement of celebrating his birthday outdoors, I hope the photos we took and the feelings in his heart show the wonderful experience we had. Until next time, Vancouver! We had a fantastic time, and we felt so lucky that it only rained on our last day.
Read full itinerary: Vancouver, Canada, in January with Little Kids
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Travel Packing Checklist Notebook: Say goodbye to "Oops, I forgot!" moments and last-minute shopping sprees!
Explore Ontario, Canada: Drives from Toronto
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- My next adventure will take me to the Sunny state of California, USA! Discover the best of Los Angeles with our Top To-Do List.
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