Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain Day Tour

Summary

Walk high above Capilano River then ride up Grouse Mountain for wild views

You’ll cross Vancouver’s iconic Lions Gate Bridge before walking high above Capilano River on its famous suspension bridge. Watch salmon leap at the hatchery, then ride up Grouse Mountain for wild city views and maybe a glimpse of local grizzly bears. It’s a day that feels both big and quietly personal — especially with a guide who knows every story.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t look down,” someone joked as we shuffled onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge — but of course I did, because you can’t not. The river’s way below, all green and noisy, and the bridge wobbles just enough to make your heart skip. Our guide, Mark (born here, knew every tree), pointed out the old-growth Douglas firs and told us how locals bring their kids here to face their fears. I gripped the rope so hard my knuckles went white, but by halfway I was laughing at myself. The air smelled like cedar chips and wet moss — Vancouver’s North Shore just does that to you.

We’d started with a drive over Lions Gate Bridge, which honestly is worth it for the skyline alone. You get these quick flashes of Stanley Park and seaplanes skimming across Burrard Inlet — it’s busy but somehow calm too. At the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, we watched a few stubborn salmon fighting upstream (one kid next to me cheered them on in French). The tanks are cool and shadowy; I didn’t expect to get so caught up in fish drama, but there you go.

The best part? Grouse Mountain. We took the Skyride up — it’s steep, glassy, feels like floating into cloud. At the top you can see all of Vancouver if you squint past your own reflection in the window. Grinder and Coola (the resident grizzlies) were lounging in mud puddles; apparently they’re local celebrities now. There was this moment on Paradise Patio where everything went quiet except for distant city noise drifting up — I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on a crowded bus back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — North Shore nature and mountain tour

• Cross Lions Gate Bridge
• Visit Capilano Salmon Hatchery
• Walk Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Explore Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventures
• Ride Grouse Mountain Skyride
• See Grizzly bears and visit Theatre
• Enjoy views from Paradise Patio

Top questions

How long is the Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Vancouver day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included; exact times depend on your location.

What can I see at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery?

You can see different stages of Pacific salmon development and sometimes spot adult salmon returning upstream.

How high is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

The bridge is 230 feet (70 meters) above the river and spans 450 feet (137 meters) across.

Are there activities at Grouse Mountain year-round?

Yes, Grouse Mountain offers seasonal activities plus exhibits like resident grizzly bears and scenic viewpoints all year.

Is this tour suitable for young children or strollers?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed on this tour.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, an expert local guide provides live narration throughout your day trip from Vancouver.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most Vancouver locations, entry fees to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, guided visits at each stop including the salmon hatchery, plus tickets for the Grouse Mountain Skyride — all led by a knowledgeable local guide who keeps things lively along the way.