Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge that crosses over the Capilano River. It is on 3735 Capilano Road in the Upper Capilano area of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is 70 metres (230 ft) above and is 140 metres (460 ft) long. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver, with over 1.2 million people visiting the bridge every year. It was first started in 1888 by George Grant Mackay after he bought 6,000 acres of land on both sides of the Capilano river and then built a cabin there. He had help building the bridge from future Squamish chief August Jack Khatsahlano in which the area and bridge is named after. They had originally built the bridge out of hemp rope and cedar planks. McKay had only wanted the bridge as a way to get from one side of the river to the other and not as an attraction for tourists. He sold the bridge to Bruno Stelzer two years later after seeing the rise in people coming to see the bridge. Stelzer turned the bridge into a tourist attraction and charged a 10 cent toll to cross it. After replacing the rope bridge with a wire one in 1902, it became the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time with 200 feet and 450 feet across. In 1911, Stelzer decided to sell the bridge to British baronet Edward Mahon. Mahon continued to make improvements on the bridge and built the tea house. "Mac" MacEachran, a former forest ranger, bought the bridge from Mahon in 1945 and allowed the local first nations to place totem poles in the park. During the winter season between November and January, the bridge hosts Canyon Lights where the entire bridge is covered and lit up in lights. References Other websites Official website