Just over the Lions Gate Bridge, nestled amid an ancient gathering of old growth trees, lies one of Vancouver’s best date nights. With stunning views, enticing dining options and an enchanted forest vibe, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a year-round destination for families, friends and sweethearts.
The 130 year-old landmark is open to guests throughout the winter and hosts a winter lights festival, Canyon Lights, to illuminate the park after dark. The festival runs from November 22, 2019 to January 26, 2020, trimming the forest pathways with dazzling light displays. The event also features live music, and a Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt.
Bundle up with your special someone for a romantic, light-filled walk across the suspension bridge, around dramatic cliff sides and up among the treetops. The park boasts a friendly team of staff there to educate and entertain, as well as a selection of West Coast inspired cafes and restaurants. Here are all the reasons why we’re shipping this as the ultimate winter date night in Vancouver.
CONTEST: Win FREE Passes To Canyon Lights
Romantic Atmosphere
Romance is in the air and so are you! Take your date to adrenaline-pumping heights. The suspension bridge hangs 230 feet in the air over the Capilano River and extends 450 feet from one bank of rainforest to another.
The bridge offers a unique vantage point to experience a winter sunset peeking through the rainforest canopy. It’s not a bad backdrop for a cute selfie, either.
Table for Two at the Cliff House Restaurant & Bar
Choose from a variety of small food venues and new on-site restaurant to share a meal together. The options exceed any expectations we had about the type of fare available at a park. At the Cliff House Restaurant & Bar, you can enjoy a sit-down meal and a cocktail and watch the sun go down before the lights turn on for the evening. The Cliff House serves up a seasonal menu of locally-sourced ingredients, including Ocean Wise seafood, and a selection of BC wines.
Dog-Friendly Date Night
Do you have a furry third wheel you’d like to have tag along? Canine park-goers are welcome as long as they remain on-leash.
The Tallest Christmas Trees in the World
And now for the main event. The Canyon Lights festival transforms the park into a veritable winter wonderland. The 250 year-old Douglas- fir trees that make up the Treetops Adventure elevated path network will get what they call “the star treatment” and will be lit from the trunk up, over and beyond the collar.
The light festival also decks out the bridge, Cliffwalk, and the surrounding rainforest, canyon and river in twinkling delights.
Deals for BC Residents
If you’re a resident of BC, this date spot is an even sweeter. For the price of one day’s regular admission, locals get a free annual pass to the park. The BC Residents Pass is good for up to one year from the date of your visit. It also grants you free entry to Canyon Lights. This pass even gives you discounts in the park as well as 15% off admission for your guests.
You can purchase the annual pass online or in person on the day of your visit. All you have to do is show a piece of valid BC ID with your address on it at the Bridge House or Guest Services.
Getting There
Getting to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a breeze. The park is located up the north end of Capilano Road in North Vancouver. You can travel there on transit by taking a 15-20-minute bus ride on the #236, which leaves from the SeaBus station at Lonsdale Quay.
To make matters easier, there’s a free shuttle that leaves daily from multiple locations in Downtown Vancouver, including Canada Place and Library Square.
Put Canyon Lights on your list of date night hot spots this winter and experience the magic for yourselves! It’s an outing that gets you away from the city for a bit to experience something unique, whether you’re hanging off the side of a cliff or clinking glasses on the patio at sunset.