British Columbia has some amazing sites and the number of suspension bridges available to take you to areas with excellent views are many. With a variety of landscapes, there are opportunities to experience crossing both short and long bridges over rivers and canyons. Accessible by either hiking or visiting a tourist site, those who love suspension bridges will be easily able to find something to enjoy in the province.
Lynn Canyon
Lynn Canyon Park is home to one of the best suspension bridges in the Vancouver area. Hanging 160 feet above the canyon, the bridge is part of the trail system that makes its way through the park, to great spots like a swimming hole and a demonstration forest. The view from the bridge is incredible as you can view the whole canyon. Get your nerves up to cross this fun attraction!
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Buntzen Lake
This 50-meter long bridge spans a canal along the trail going between Buntzen Lake and McCombe Lake. The steel cable bridge cautions crossers to limit themselves to no more than four people at a time, probably because the more people that are on it, the more it moves! Hikers doing the loop around Buntzen Lake or the Diez Vistas Trail will cross this bridge.
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Capilano Suspension Bridge
Probably the best-known suspension bridge in the province, this site offers much more than just the bridge. The 450-foot-long suspension bridge hangs 230 feet above the river and is just one part of the attractions here. Along with a treetop adventure, sky walk and much more, the bridge attracts a large number of visitors each year. Plan to spend a good part of your day here enjoying the views of the gorge and the swaying walkway.
Cascade Falls
By Mission, the short walk to view the beautiful Cascade Falls is augmented by the suspension bridge where you can get some fantastic views of the water and the canyon. The bridge itself is 35-meters long and suspended 20-meters above the creek. Easily accessible, there is only about a 15-minute walk to get to the bridge and the falls, although there are quite a few stairs to go up and down each way.
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Norvan Creek Suspension Bridge
Another suspension bridge that is part of a hike in the North Vancouver region, this nifty bridge is along a trail that veers off from the main trail (that leads to Norvan Falls) and instead crosses to the trail that leads to Hanes Valley. This area is part of Lynn Valley Regional Headwaters and the trail is a long one, so if you are not a keen hiker, the bridge is best visited as a side trip to or from the falls.
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Yukon Suspension Bridge
The name of this site is a bit misleading, as it is actually located in British Columbia, not the Yukon. However, it is located in a remote corner of the province and only accessed through the Yukon or Alaska along the South Klondike Highway. The steel cable bridge is a fun, bouncy way of crossing the TutshiRiver and the class V rapids that are 65 feet underneath. The views are spectacular from the 180-footlong bridge, as you can see along the river, the surrounding mountains and even a glacier. The bonus of this site is that there is a full museum there as well. Plan to spend at least an hour enjoying the bridge and the site, longer if you take advantage of the on-site café.
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
Located in the Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area by Campbell River, the bridge hangs 64-meters over Campbell River and has a length of 60 meters. It was built for the 75th anniversary of the park. The bridge affords views of the canyon and is part of the trail system through the park. If you only want to get to the bridge and view Elk Falls, the walk will only take you about 30 minutes each way.
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Malakwa Suspension Bridge
This bridge spans the Eagle River and was originally built in 1915 for the farmers to connect their fields to the community. There is a short walk to reach the bridge from the parking lot and if you want to continue, there is a 4-kilometer loop that you can enjoy. The views of the tranquil river, forest and the mountains in the distance create a gorgeous setting to enjoy a quiet moment or two.
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Hells Gate Suspension Bridge
Part of the Hell’s Gate – Fraser Canyon attractions, the suspension bridge is accessed by the Air Tram from the main part of the site. The bridge spans the rapids that pass through Hell’s Gate Gorge, so take a moment and get the rush of viewing the turbulent waters through the bridge floor. If you are lucky, you may get a chance to see some rafters shooting through the rapids.
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Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
The spectacularly thrilling Sky Pilot bridge spans across approximately 100 meters, with a 360-degree view of the mountains and Howe Sound. This is one of the few suspension bridges which is both stroller and wheelchair accessible. You do need to get up to the access point though, either by the Sea to Sky Gondola or by hiking up the mountain. Check out the rates and hours on the website.
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The Old Bridge in Lillooet
This unique bridge is used to connect the town of Lillooet with Highway 99, crossing over the Fraser River. The history of bridges here is long, starting with a reaction cable ferry from 1860 to 1888, then being replaced by a truss bridge in 1889, which was again replaced by a suspension bridge in 1913. Originally built for road traffic, this is now a pedestrian only pathway which was restored in 2003. Another cool feature of this historic place is the bat houses that were installed when it was renovated.
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Monkman Provincial Park
One of the fun things about hiking is coming across a surprise suspension bridge. Somehow crossing a bridge in the middle of nowhere seems to be more of an adventure than those that are easily accessed. The 14-kilometer round trip Stone Corral Trail in this park will take you to this neat bridge that allows you to cross the river and explore the interior of the park near Tumbler Ridge.
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Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge
Located just outside of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, this fun bridge is actually part of the Trans Canada Trail, but you don’t have to hike far to get to it. If you just want to experience the bridge with its pretty views of the creek and canyon, it is an easy 1.2 kilometer walk each way. Otherwise you can continue on to explore the trail.
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Kelowna Mountain Vineyards & Bridges
This is a uniquely creative way of combining agriculture and tourism. With four incredible bridges to cross, including the longest in North America, you can experience a variety of landscapes along the way. The Earth Bridge spans 400 feet and reaches cliff to cliff over a natural educational ecosystem. The Sun Bridge is suspended 100 feet over an ice wine vineyard. At over 800 feet long, The Water Bridge is sure to make your heart race. The Vine Bridge takes to you to the Serene Koi Fish Pond. What an excellent way to experience the Kelowna area!
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Top Bridge Trail
Crossing over the Englishman River, this short suspension bridge is part of a 5-kilometer trail that provides you with pretty views of the area around Parksville. The fun aspect of this bridge is that you can not only cross it, but you can also head down to the river below to cool yourself in the waters or take some excellent pictures of the bridge itself.
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Loss Creek Suspension Bridge
Located in the provincial park of the same name, this suspension bridge is part of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, south of Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. Luckily the bridge is on a section that can easily be done as a day hike. You can enjoy the fantastic views down the Leech Fault towards the ocean as you cross the 100 foot long bridge.
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Koksilah River Bridge
In Bright Angel Park you can find a lovely little suspension bridge connecting the forested trails and giving visitors views of the beautiful Koksilah River. One of the popular spots in the Cowichan Valley, this park is home to some gorgeous old growth cedar and fir trees. Take a picnic and your camera and enjoy the day there.
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Gitwinksihlkw Bridge
There has been a bridge here for more than 400 years, so as you are crossing keep in mind that you are using a historical route. Spanning the Nass River, the wood and cable bridge gives access to the village of Gitwinksihlkw, formerly known as Canyon City.
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Cheewhat River Bridge – West Coast Trail Suspension Bridges
Part of the famous West Coast Trail, hikers will encounter a fantastic, high suspension bridge over the Cheewhat River. This is not the only suspension bridge along this 75-kilometer hike, but it may be the most memorable. There really isn’t any way of getting to this bridge unless you decide to do a long hike, so read the descriptions thoroughly and do a lot of training before you attempt it, but you won’t regret it when you finally make it.
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Crazy Creek Waterfalls Bridge
West of Revelstoke you will find the Crazy Creek bridge which takes you directly in front of the falls for some spectacular views. This is an easy access bridge as it is just off Highway 1. The bridge is 240 feet long, which gives plenty of room to view every aspect of the gorge and the falls. Keep in mind that this is a seasonal attraction which is open from mid-April until mid-November. There is an entrance fee to cross the bridge and view the falls.
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Cloudraker Skybridge
Experience exhilarating views of Whistler Blackcomb Mountain after taking a ride on the open Peak Chair lift. The Cloudraker Skybridge spans 130m from Whistler Peak to the West Ridge, crossing high above Whistler Bowl. Once you are there enjoy 360° views from Whistler’s Peak. Want more adventure? The cantilevered walkway extends 12.5m out from the West Ridge, with exhilarating views well above Whistler Bowl.
Golden Skybridge
Golden Skybridge features two expansive suspension bridges connected by forested trails at the edge of two iconic Canadian mountain ranges. Sitting at 130 and 80 metres high, the bridges offers dramatic 360-degree views of expansive alpine vistas, while showcasing a roaring 61-metre waterfall and serene mountain river in the deep canyon below.