Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge – Vancouver, Canada

One of the main things I wanted to see and do while we were in Vancouver was checking out Stanley Park and Lynn Canyon Park. This amazing park features a suspension bridge that sways 50 meters above the canyon. This was the attraction that had me wanting to visit and explore the park. The canyon also offers a selection of walking and hiking trails that connect to other parks in the region such as Lynn Headwaters, Rice Lake, and Inter River Park. It is huge and very beautiful.  We were there in early May of 2016 and it wasn’t hot yet, so it was a perfect day to talk a walk on the bridge, lol.

It was so huge in fact that my husband (who is usually really good with directions) actually had a little bit of trouble finding the bridge in the park. Needless to say, we had a fun time being “lost”. There are several species of animals that can be found both within Lynn Canyon Park as well as other surrounding regions such as Horseshoe Bay and the local mountains. I kept my eyes open but didn’t see anything too exciting.  Black bears are often found in areas such as Lynn Canyon Park, so it was probably a good thing I didn’t see anything too exciting, lol.

What I did find exciting was the history of the park and the area. When the park officially opened in 1912 it was only 12 acres (4.9 ha) in size, but it now encompasses 617 acres (250 ha). The park has many hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. The Baden-Powell Trail passes through the park crossing over the Suspension Bridge.  Lynn Creek and Lynn Valley area are named after sapper John Linn, a Royal British Engineer who was granted land at the mouth of the creek in 1871. The Linn family name was often misspelled “Lynn”. By the turn of the century, Linn Creek had become Lynn Creek.

As far as the bridge itself, designs for the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge were created by civil engineer and architect, C.H. Vogel. The construction of the bridge was completed in 1911. Lynn Canyon Park and the suspension bridge were officially opened at the first Lynn Valley Days celebration on September 14, 1912. As a private operation, the Suspension Bridge costs 10 cents per person to cross. Later the fee was reduced to 5 cents, but the bridge fell into disrepair and was finally closed. The District of North Vancouver made repairs to the bridge and reopened it, free to everyone.

Eventually, we found our way to the bridge and found parking. It’s close to the bridge, but there are a lot of stairs so I wouldn’t suggest it for those that have issues climbing stairs.  I couldn’t even see the bridge yet and I was totally excited because I heard the yet unseen waterfall as well. I finally got my first glimpse of the bridge and was thrilled. Before our trip, I knew I wanted to do this, but was a little afraid I might be scared. Nope, like I said I was thrilled and could wait to walk across it.  Even though It didn’t take very long, we lingered taking pictures and admiring the incredible waterfall.  You can see a short video of it above.  Heads up it’s shaky, but hey, we were on a swaying bridge, lol.

It was a fun walk even if it was swinging a lot. There were a few kids walking too, but the best part was watching the dogs slowly walking across. It was so cute.  After we spent a few minutes talking to a few other visitors, we left the bridge and walked around the area a little. It was so peaceful and we are extremely glad we spent time checking out this park.

We were there mostly for the bridge, but there are so many other things to do in the park. Here is a link to their website with more information about the park and its other attractions. Here are just a few of them:

Twin Falls Bridge

Sad we missed this one as it is only a short walk from the Suspension Bridge. If you are in the area, please check it out and send pictures. It sounds amazing.  The bridge crosses the river and you can apparently see two breathtaking waterfalls. Two of my favorite things in nature. Still bummed we didn’t do this. Hopefully next time we are there we see them.

Pipe Bridge

Apparently, the Pipe Bridge is an additional entrance to Lynn Canyon Park. Neither of us realized that either while there. 🙁 From what I read, Pipe Bridge is a bridge that was built over top of a pipe that crosses the canyon. I think that may have been cool to see. Maybe next time.

The 30 Foot Pool

If you want to see this huge pool, you have to make your way to the Pipe Bridge. To see this pool you will have to climb up a long wooden stairwell to the top of the canyon. You can see the pool for the top at the lookout point. Personally, I’d rather be in the water, than view it from a lookout point, lol.

We had a great time visiting, however, I wish we had planned it better and spent a lot more time exploring the area. I really hope to make it back there sometime in the future. If you have been, please comment and share your adventure with me. I would love to hear about it. In the meantime, here is some important park info.

Lynn Canyon Park Visitor Information

Address:

3690 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3K2, Canada

Phone:

1 604-990-3755

Hours:

Lynn Canyon Park is open daily all year. During the winter months, dusk falls very early. Use extreme caution and allow plenty of time to return to the park entrance before dark. We saw lots of signs stating what time the park entrance closes.

Price:

Free

Directions:

Traveling by Car

If you are driving, take upper levels Trans Canada Highway 1 until you reach exit 19. Follow Lynn Valley Road North East past the Mountain Highway intersection, and then continue to Lynn Valley Road.

Watch for the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre sign on the right-hand side of the road. Turn right onto Peters Road, and you will find the main entrance at the end.

Parking at Lynn Canyon Park

For up-to-date information on parking please refer to the North Vancouver District website here.

There is lots of parking at the entrance to Lynn Canyon Park however in the summer months it fills up extremely fast! Arrive early to ensure yourself a parking spot, or take public transit.

Traveling by Bus

Lynn Canyon Park is located East of North Vancouver in Lynn Valley. The park is easy to find and accessible by bus.

If you are traveling by bus there are various routes to take depending on your location. From Downtown Vancouver take the sea bus across to the Lonsdale Quay bus loop and take either bus #228, or #229.

Bus #228 will take you to Lynn Valley Center, which is about a 15-minute walk from Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance. Bus #229 will also take you to Lynn Valley Centre. You then have to transfer to Bus #227 to be taken directly to Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance.

It is suggested to walk the 15 minutes to the park entrance as Bus #227 is a smaller community shuttle.

If you are traveling from East Vancouver, Burnaby, or Metro Town area take any bus to Phibbs Exchange. The most common busses are #130 via Metro Town, #28 via Joyce Station, #210 via Downtown Vancouver.

From Phibbs Exchange take bus #227 which will take you to Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance.

For more information on public transit visit translink.ca or ask your bus driver.