A quick search for Vancouver sight-seeing, day trips, or Vancouver suspension bridges inevitably yields Capilano Suspension Bridge as one of the city’s must-see. It’s certainly impressive, but our vote for the best suspension bridge in Metro Vancouver is in Lynn Canyon, easily accessible by transit or car in the District of North Vancouver. Since there is no entry fee to Lynn Canyon Park, save yourself the whopping $42.95 (2017) charge to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and get high above the tree tops with your need-to-know guide to the Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge.
Overview
Lynn Canyon Park, home of the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, first opened in 1912 and boasts over 600 acres of forest trails, swimming holes, and gorgeous natural landscape waiting to be explored. With a forest of west coast evergreen trees averaging 80-100 years old a mere 25 minutes from the city, a day trip to Lynn Canyon Park is city escapism at its finest.
Numerous trails connect the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge with 30 Foot Pool, Twin Falls Bridge, and the Ecology Centre. See them all within an hour’s walk. For those looking to head out a little further afield, the 48km Baden Powell Trail flanks the east side of the park and provides a challenging yet simple to navigate out-and-back hike of any duration you choose.
Getting There
15km by road from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is accessible by car via the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore. There is free parking on site, though on busy days you may need to park outside the main park’s entrance and walk in.
For those without a vehicle, catch the SeaBus across beautiful Vancouver Harbour to Lonsdale Quay, and hop on the #229 or #228 bus to Lynn Valley Centre – a 15 minute walk from the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance. If you would rather save your steps, the #227 bus will connect you from Lynn Valley Centre to the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance so your walking shoes are ready to go inside the park.
Hours
The park is open summers from 7:00am to 9:00pm PST, spring and autumn from 7:00am to 7:00pm PST, and in the winter from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
As with any forested outdoor activity, be sure to keep your visit well within dawn-to-dusk hours.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
The park’s main attraction, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, remains a locals’ true hidden gem. It’s narrow, springs a little with each step, and gives breathtaking views of the waterfalls and forests below. You will be 50m (164ft), or about 16 stories, above the raging river so take your camera and get ready to capture some incredible shots!
If the suspension bridge is your only priority in Lynn Canyon Park, it is easily accessible off the paved parking area for those visitors who are less mobile.
What to Bring
The trails at Lynn Canyon Park are a combination of wood plank boardwalk and dirt trail. Wear your day hikers as Vancouver is notoriously rain-city, so the trails may be wet. We believe there are no bad days, only bad gear, so with a decent rain coat and shoes you’ll be set no matter what the day’s weather brings.
There are numerous swimming holes in Lynn Canyon, though we’re talking mountain-top runoff and very fresh water… so it tends to be chilly! Even so, on a summer’s day a crystal-clear fresh water swim just can’t be beat so pack a towel, picnic, drinking water and snacks and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a full day in west coast paradise.
Any of the accessible swimming locations are a minimum 15-20 minute walk from the carpark / suspension bridge. Mind the signs pointing out the swimming locations and do not jump a fence. It’s incredibly steep in some locations with unforeseen drop offs. Stay safe, and enjoy the park!
Learn
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre offers young visitors of any age the opportunity to learn about the variety of plants and animals they may see in the park. There are numerous galleries to explore and with only a $2 suggested donation for entry, is easy on the pocket book.
Après
No doubt you’ll be ready for a bite after your visit to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, so we’ve compiled a few of our favourite North Shore vegan and vegetarian friendly hotspots for a great post-hike meal on your way back to the city.
- Tao Organics Café. Raw/Vegan. 210-150 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
- Burgoo. Soups/Stews/Comfort Foods. 3 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
- The Workshop. Vegetarian Japanese. 296 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver
- Bluehose Market & Cafe. Organic/Local. 4342 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver
Did we miss your go-to veggie friendly restaurant? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Baden Powell Trail Marker
We hope you enjoy your day at the beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge as much as we do! It’s a locals’ hidden gem, and unlike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visiting is completely free. So grab your shoes and camera and head out for a gorgeous west coast adventure just half an hour from the city lights. Bon voyage!
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