Finding the best time of day to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge isn’t rocket science.
In fact, given it’s one of the most beautifully unique attractions in the world, the answer may just be whenever you’ve got the time.
That said, the big green elephant in the room – Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge – might have something to say about that. So let’s break this question down a bit further.
⚠️ Warning (07/24/23) ⚠️ Prime entrance slots (9:00 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm) are already sold out for many dates in August.
Make sure you lock in your Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets in advance online or risk missing out.
Best Time to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
First, let’s clear up the most important factor in the play here.
The much-vaunted Capilano Suspension Bridge is found in North Vancouver, a suburb on Vancouver’s picturesque North Shore. For a quick visual, check out the map below:
Due to its location, unless you’re living/staying on the North Shore, you will need to cross either the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge to visit.
In my article about how to get to Capilano Suspension Bridge, I was very clear: you’re going to want to avoid these bridges like the plague during rush hour.
This means you should be putting your car keys or transit passes away between about 7:45 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Related: Capilano Suspension Bridge vs. Sea to Sky Gondola: Which is Better?
The Best Time Slots to Visit
Capilano Suspension Bridge is open between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. So naturally, whether you consider the traffic or the lighting. A Capilano Suspension Bridge night time visit will be quite a different experience than a trip during peak hours.
If you’re asking how long to spend at Capilano Suspension Bridge, know that a typical visit lasts 2.5 hours, which creates a bit of a schedule sweet spot:
- Timeslots between 9:30 am to 11:30 am: easier traffic, avoids peak crowds, still OK light for photography, a trip back before rush hour
- Time slots between 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm: easier traffic, great photography light in autumn/winter, most slots have a trip back before rush hour
Speaking of time slots, it’s mandatory to select your date and time, and you can do so using the tool below:
Best Time of Day to Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge: Your Time Slots
Whether visiting during peak hours or not, you should book online in advance – especially if visiting Vancouver in the summer.
As you can see above, showing up without booking in advance means you could be showing up when Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets are already sold out.
In this case, as entrances are limited to create less wear and not overload the bridge, you could be asked to come back to a later time slot – or another day altogether.
Always book in advance to lock in your spots.
Planning this as part of a Vancouver vacation itinerary?
When booking your Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets via Tiqets, you can get a free shuttle from downtown Vancouver. Better yet, it’s located right in front of the Vancouver Cruise Terminal.
Of course, the rush hour rule still applies here (even if you can kick back and have a little snooze). So make sure you’re booking during the suggested time slots above.
Looking to see Grouse Mountain too? Consider a Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.
Related: How to get from Capilano Suspension Bridge to Grouse Mountain
Still not sure about the best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge?
For me, the best time of day to go to Capilano Suspension Bridge is between 9:00 am and 11:30 am. But maybe you’ve got different ideas.
Still not sure? Feel free to write me in the comments your situation. I’d be happy to give you some custom advice!
| Curious yet? Read honest Capilano Suspension Bridge reviews from recent ticket buyers.
? Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge on holiday? Save up to $15.00 with the Vancouver Attraction Pass.
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