Christmas Lights in Capilano Canyon

For some local families, crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge when the Christmas lights are illuminated is a yearly ritual. They were among some of the dozens of people who ventured out on the bridge over the pitch black canyon the night the Christmas Canyon lights were officially turned on.  It’s a thrill to cross over the swaying planks, your hand clutching the steel cable as you sway  across, 230 feet above the canyon floor, your heart beats quickening. But don’t be afraid. Hang on! You take a deep breath of the cedar-scented rain forest air with each lurching footstep and marvel at the view.

I crossed just before the official illuminating of the Christmas lights with the bridge lit by strings of tiny white bulbs.  A mist was rolling down the canyon from the mountains giving the scene a mysterious aura.  I thought of the past stories I’ve heard about the canyon, related by the Squamish chief, Joe Capilano (Kia’palano)  to the Mohawk poet/writer Pauline Johnson as told in her ‘Legends of Vancouver.’

Lots of adventures await you at the Canyon including the Treetop Adventures and nature trails.  At the Story Centre you’ll learn about the pioneers and First Nations people who first lived here.  As well as a display of photographs from the canyon archives, you’ll see the many totems that tell the First Nations people’s story.

The original bridge was built in 1889 to access prime forest lands.  It was suspended on hemp ropes.  Today’s bridge has 2 inch steel cables and can support two fully-loaded 747′s.

Enjoy some hot mulled cider and festive treats as you wander the pathways illuminated by 250,000 twinkling coloured lights.  Even the Treetop Adventures are lit with white lights allowing visitors to enjoy this new attraction.

You’ll get a totally new perspective of the forest in the dark.  And you can participate in other Christmas activities like carol singing, making gingerbread cookies, watch glass blowing demonstrations and enjoy music by a Christmas band.

I’ve visited the Canyon many times in the past but being there the night the Christmas lights were turned on was a special thrill.

Capilano Suspension Bridge – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver (map)

Dates: Canyon Lights 2010 runs until January 2, 2011 (closed December 25)

Time: 5 pm – 9 pm daily

Admission: Adult $15: Family $35 (2 Adults, 2 Children)

Public Transit:  From downtown Seabus terminal, ride the Seabus to North Vancouver.  Take #236 bus to Capilano Suspension bridge.

Note:  Capilano Suspension Bridge provided a media entrance pass for this visit.

Photo credits: Capilano Suspension Bridge