Capilano Suspension Bridge, British Columbia, Canada

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 136 metres (446 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river. It is part of a private facility, with an admission fee, and draws over 800,000 visitors a year.

The bridge was originally built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver. In 1910 Edward Mahon purchased the Capilano Suspension Bridge. "Mac" MacEachran purchased the Bridge from Mahon in 1935 and invited local natives to place their totem poles in the park, adding a native theme. In 1945, he sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau. The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1956.

As well as the bridge itself and Treetops Adventure, the first venue of its kind in North America, the park also features rain forest ecotours, award-winning gardens, nature trails, North America's largest private collection of First Nations totem poles, period decor and costumes, and exhibits highlighting the park's history and the surrounding temperate rain forest. Guests can also witness a First Nations performance, featuring their traditional Regalia (ceremonial dress), masks, dancing and storytelling.

In 1999, a woman dropped her 18-month-old, disabled child off the bridge. The child was not seriously injured. The woman took legal action against the owner of the bridge, alleging negligence by the owner. In 2006, a 300 year old, 46 ton Douglas fir tree toppled during a heavy snow storm. The tree fell across the western end of the bridge. Park officials closed the bridge temporarily while repairs were performed. On June 2, 2012 a 30 year old tourist from Ontario died after falling from the bridge.

Carries: Pedestrians

Crosses: Capilano River

Locale: North Vancouver, British Columbia

Design: Simple Suspension

Total length: 136 metres (446 ft)

Height: 70 metres (230 ft)

Opened: 1889

Daily traffic: 800,000 per year

(Source: en.wikipedia.org)

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