Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights: A Magical Vancouver Holiday Experience

A vortex of red and green lights almost instantly swallow me as I step onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Its wooden planks tremble beneath my feet as a steady stream of people gingerly walk across the bridge dozens of meters above the river cutting through the deep ravine. In front of me, a family of three encourage each other as they carefully navigate the wobbling bridge. Behind me, a woman tells her partner, “This is beautiful.” And she’s right: the forest is a cathedral of color tonight. Massive evergreens glow in colorful lights against the dark canyon like constellations hung too low.

A cold breeze blows, brushing my face as I grip the railing and follow the slow sway of the bridge. The air smells of a Pacific Northwest winter scent that’s faintly reminiscent of cedar and cold rain. Halfway through the span, the world narrows to nothing but lights, forest, and the increasing number of people on the bridge. Despite the crowd, the whole experience of crossing the bridge at this time in this season feels like a ritual Vancouver in December, when the canyon below disappears into darkness and the bridge itself becomes the only thread connecting you to the world.

Suspended between two cliffs and surrounded by all that glow, I understand why people keep coming back here every winter.

In daylight, the Capilano Suspension Bridge reveals its full height, suspended above a sweeping canopy of old-growth evergreens.

Even in the fog, the Cliffwalk, floating above the treetops along the canyon’s rugged cliffs, delivers sweeping rainforest views.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions—a 140-meter (460-foot) footbridge stretched 70 meters above the Capilano River in North Vancouver. First built in 1889, it spans a lush temperate rainforest filled with towering Douglas firs, cedar, and hemlock. What began as a simple private crossing has evolved into a full-fledged park, complete with forest trails, a cliff-edge walkway, Indigenous cultural exhibits, and elevated treetop platforms that let you wander among the canopy. It’s beautiful during the day, but every winter it transforms into Canyon Lights, a holiday spectacle where the bridge and the surrounding forest explode into color.

It’s these lights that pull us in one sunny weekend while we’re in Vancouver. With Joseph and Karthik both at work, and my dad nursing a headache back at our place, it ends up being just me, Yanyan, my mom, and Ate Lita making the drive to North Vancouver. The farther we go, the more the city thins out, with the glass towers giving way to dense evergreens and a cold that seeps in the moment we step out of the car. By the time we reach the entrance, the sky has already slipped into golden hour, and the parking lot is filling with families bundled in layers, all chasing the same winter glow we came for.

After paying for our tickets, we step into the park and are immediately greeted by towering totem poles, with their carved faces standing solemn and majestic among the trees. As early evening chill comes, we are drawn towards the warmth of the restaurant tucked at the back of the souvenir shop. We settle in and order a bowl of creamy seafood chowder to thaw our bellies. And just because we’re in Canada, I can’t resist also ordering poutine topped with pulled pork and barbecue sauce.

While waiting for our food, I excuse myself to try the Cliffwalk, a narrow, suspended walkway clinging to the granite canyon walls. The path curves along the cliff’s edge, jutting over the forest below, providing dizzying glimpses of the Capilano River far beneath. Even in the late afternoon glow, I can sense the grandeur of the forest canopy stretching endlessly on either side. Strings of Christmas lights already decorate the walkway, but in the waning daylight they haven’t yet reached their full magic. I tell myself I’ll return after sunset, when the last rays of winter light fade and the lights truly come alive.

Returning to the restaurant, I dig into the chowder and poutine, letting the warmth seep back into my hands and belly. Tummies satisfied, Yanyan and I finally make our way across the bridge toward the other side, eager to claim our spot for the night’s illumination. The cold nips harder than we expected, and Yanyan, teeth chattering, retreats back to the restaurant, leaving me alone to wait.

At twilight, the bridge becomes a spectrum of color, glowing above the canyon during Capilano’s Canyon Lights festival.

The Cliffwalk offers one of Capilano’s most dramatic perspectives—an elevated, light-lined path clinging to the edge of the canyon.

In the heart of the park, a glowing forest chandelier hanging above the festive plaza adds a magical touch to the winter atmosphere.

The rainforest comes alive after dark as Capilano’s boardwalk transforms into a glowing tunnel of blue and white lights during Canyon Lights.

As the sky turns to a much darker shade of blue, the lights finally flicker on. The entire bridge and forest instantly transform into a glowing wonderland as red, green, and white bulbs cast their glow on the planks beneath my feet and the evergreens towering around me, reflecting in the river far below. I cross the bridge once more to return to the other side, where a much longer line has formed, with families and couples eager to span the bridge as well.

The magic I had expected of the rainforest following the Cliffwalk comes to life as lights fill every corner of the park, and it’s even more mesmerizing than I imagined. The trail leading back to the main area has taken on a new life in the evening glow. Strings of blue, purple, and white Christmas lights drape over the trees and line the pathways, turning the forest into something almost enchanted, like stepping through a page of a holiday storybook. I take my time, letting each curve of the trail reveal another pocket of glittering light. I stop every now and then to admire the way the bulbs catch on frosted branches.

Eventually, the path winds me back to the souvenir shop, where my mom, Yanyan, and Ate Lita are already seated. Their faces are lit by both the crackling fire and the soft, colorful lights outside the window. I join them, grateful for the warmth, letting the magic of the evening sink in before venturing to the parking lot.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Travel Basics

Timing

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is open all year except Christmas (December 25). However, the Canyon Lights event runs from mid-November through mid-January (November 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026).
For the Canyon lights, the best time to visit is in the evening, after sunset, when the lights are fully illuminated.
Weekdays are less crowded; weekends see peak visitor numbers.

Access

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is in North Vancouver, BC.
To get there by transit:
- Take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station (downtown Vancouver) to Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver). This counts as a 2‑zone trip, and the fare is about CAD 4.85 (cash or single‑ride Compass Ticket) or CAD 4 if using Stored Value on a Compass Card.
- From Lonsdale Quay, take the bus line #236 to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The bus ride reportedly costs about CAD 4.00.
- The park has a free shuttle bus service that leaves from downtown Vancouver (near Canada Place) and returns from the park, though proof of admission ticket is required for the return ride.
To get there by car, use Waze or Google Maps for most efficient routes. Parking available onsite at the park entrance. Arrive early on weekends for easier spots.

Admission

Ticket prices:
- Adults: CAD 59
- Seniors (65+): CAD 54
- Children (6–12): CAD 29
- Children under 6: Free
Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.

Activities

Cross the Suspension Bridge to experience breathtaking views of the river and canyon below.
Explore Cliffwalk, a narrow, cantilevered walkway along the cliffside, suspended over the forest canopy. Best visited at sunset for the lights.
Stroll along the trails, which are illuminated at night with colorful holiday lights.
The park has ample photo opportunities, including festive displays, totem poles, and themed decorations.
The souvenir store has local crafts and holiday gifts.

Food

The onsite Seasons Café Restaurant features a cozy spot to warm up and enjoy hearty meals after exploring the park.
For snacks and treats, the park also offers hot chocolate or mulled wine, along with poutine, burgers, and chicken wings. These seasonal favorites are perfect for enjoying while sitting by the fire and soaking in the warm, festive atmosphere of Canyon Lights.
If you’d rather eat before or after your visit — or skip the potentially busy park restaurants — there are a few nearby places worth checking out. Notable ones include Tap & Barrel Shipyards (casual spot in North Vancouver’s Shipyards district offering comfort‑food classics and craft beer) and Arms Reach Bistro (located a short drive away, specializing in Pacific Northwest dishes with Mediterranean flair).
For lighter (or more affordable) meals, snacks or coffee, there are other small cafés and eateries around the North Shore / Lonsdale‑Quay / Edgemont‑Village area.

For more information on hours, ticket prices, and special events, visit the official Capilano Suspension Bridge Park website.

The Tourist Gaze