I Made It!

On our second day in Vancouver we set off for the shuttle to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  We did indeed stop first at the Tourism Bureau for our discounted tickets, and then crossed the street just in time to board the shuttle.

The shuttle took us to North Vancouver, and to Capilano Canyon.  Capilano is significant to First Nations people, and their artists have brought story poles (totem poles) and placed them here.  

For those who do not know, the suspension bridge is 450 feet (150 metres) long and 230 feet (80 metres) above the river at the bottom of Capilano Canyon.  Because of the length of the bridge you need your "train legs" to walk across as the bridge sways as people traverse it.  The crossing is further complicated by those who step out on the bridge and then freeze with a white knuckle grip on the railing.  They are in in direct contrast to those who prance a distance and then stop and pose, demanding that other members of their party take their picture.  At times it felt like an obstacle course!  But we made it safely to the other side (obviously!)

Capilano Canyon is breath taking, with its huge trees, walks, information boards, and photo spots.  You can follow trails, or, if you picked up your passport as you entered, you can follow a map that takes you to a variety of trails.  Of course, since we were there we decided to explore all of the trails.  One of us (not me) was much more intrepid about walking among the treetops, but we both collected all of our 'stamps' in order to collect our certificates.

Once you've crossed the canyon, you have the opportunity to embark on the "Treetops Adventure" -- "a series of bridges suspended between tree-friendly platforms that reach as high as 10 storeys."  We accepted the challenge and set out to explore, and to enjoy both the views and the close proximity to higher levels of the trees than walking on the ground would offer.

Once we travelled back across the bridge we had the opportunity to go on the Cliffwalk.  

 At the end of our Cliffwalk we came to a quiet spot - well, except for the people in a hurry to move on ...

Before we left we took our Capilano passports, with all six stamps from the stations throughout the trails, and collected our "I Made It" certificates which give us bragging rights for the next two years!

When we got back to downtown Vancouver we stopped for a visit at the Anglican cathedral.  We left out cameras tucked away while we were inside, but there is a small meditation garden just outside the doors, and we did stop there to enjoy the Celtic cross memorial that was there.

 
Tomorrow we leave for Victoria!