North Vancouver Tour: Capilano Bridge & Grouse Mountain
Suspension bridges and mountain, 20 minutes from downtown.
Cross the bridge and Vancouver changes pace. In half a day you'll walk across the canyon on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, ride the gondola up Grouse Mountain for a view of the whole city, and end at The Shipyards, the waterfront plaza in Lower Lonsdale.
Overview
Itinerary
- 1
Horseshoe Bay (optional)
A coastal village with a ferry terminal to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, waterfront cafés, and views of the Howe Sound islands. An optional stop at the start of the tour.
- 2
Capilano Suspension Bridge
1.5 hoursSuspension bridge over the canyon, the Cliffwalk along the rock face, and treetop walkways.
- 3
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
A salmon hatchery on the Capilano River, with underwater viewing windows to watch fish swim upstream during spawning season, in the fall.
- 4
Grouse Mountain
2 hoursSkyride gondola to the summit, a lookout over the city, and an optional grizzly bear refuge visit.
- 5
The Shipyards
A former shipyard in Lower Lonsdale, now a waterfront plaza with a market, restaurants, and a straight-on view of downtown Vancouver across the bay.
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Highlights
- Capilano Suspension Bridge, 70 meters above the canyon
- Grouse Mountain Skyride gondola with a view over all of Vancouver
- The Shipyards, the waterfront plaza in Lower Lonsdale
What's included
- Van transportation from Canada Place
- Guide in Spanish or English, whichever your group prefers
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain admission tickets
- Guided visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
- Stop at The Shipyards
What's not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Safety & accessibility
The Capilano Suspension Bridge sways with wind and foot traffic and sits 70 meters above the canyon; if heights are a real concern, the nearby Cliffwalk and treetop walkways are lower, more sheltered alternatives. Grouse Mountain sits at higher elevation, so it can be noticeably colder than downtown Vancouver even on sunny days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the North Vancouver tour a full day or a half day?
It runs about 6 hours round-trip from Canada Place, so it pairs well with a relaxed morning or afternoon in downtown Vancouver the same day.
Are Grouse Mountain gondola and Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets included?
Yes, both admission tickets are included in the tour price. The itinerary includes about 1.5 hours at Capilano and 2 hours at Grouse Mountain, including the Skyride gondola.
Is Capilano Suspension Bridge safe for kids or people afraid of heights?
The bridge is well-maintained and crossed by thousands of visitors daily, but it does sway and sits 70 meters above the canyon — if heights are a concern, the nearby Cliffwalk and treetop walkways are lower, more sheltered alternatives.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a light jacket — Grouse Mountain sits at higher elevation and can be cooler and windier than downtown, even on a sunny day.
Can I get lunch during the tour?
Yes, The Shipyards has plenty of food stalls with local options, and there are cafés at both Capilano and Grouse Mountain.
How do you get to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver?
By public transit, take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station, next to Canada Place, to Lonsdale Quay, then bus #236 straight to the base, about 25 minutes total. By car it's roughly 20 to 25 minutes from downtown via the Lions Gate Bridge and Capilano Road. Snow Peak's North Vancouver tour handles this leg for you, with the Skyride gondola ticket already included.
Where is Grouse Mountain located?
Grouse Mountain sits in North Vancouver, across Burrard Inlet from downtown, about 20 to 25 minutes away by car over the Lions Gate Bridge, or by SeaBus and bus from Waterfront Station.
How long should you spend at Capilano Suspension Bridge?
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to cross the bridge, walk the Cliffwalk and the treetop walkways, and see the salmon hatchery. Snow Peak's tour allots exactly that, 1.5 hours, before moving on to Grouse Mountain.
How do you get to Capilano Suspension Bridge from Vancouver?
By car it's about 20 minutes from downtown via the Lions Gate Bridge. Capilano also runs a free shuttle from five downtown stops, including Canada Place, roughly every 30 minutes, for anyone who already has an admission ticket. A private tour, like Snow Peak's, covers this leg along with the ticket itself.
What's the difference between the public tour and the private tour?
It's the same tour in two formats. On the public tour you travel with a small group of other travellers and share the experience. On the private tour, the vehicle is just for your group. You choose whichever fits your pace, your travel style, and your budget.
How does the price work?
Both are priced per person. The public tour is the most affordable option. The private tour, for now, costs the same per person as the public one, so it's a great time to book it.
Can I choose the date and time?
The public tour runs on fixed schedules. The private tour is arranged around you, on the day and time that work best for you.
Are there always public tour departures?
It depends on the season. In low season we open fewer public departures, so you might not always find an available date. If that's the case, the private tour is a great option, since it's arranged for the day and time you want. You can also message us and we'll let you know about upcoming departures.
What language is the tour in?
On the public tour, the language depends on the departure. On the private tour, you choose: Spanish or English.
How many people can go?
Either format fits up to 11 passengers per vehicle.
What if we're more than 11 people?
No problem. Message us and we'll adapt the service for your group.
Which one is right for me?
The public tour is ideal for solo travellers and couples who enjoy meeting people along the way. The private tour is perfect for families, groups, and special occasions, though you can also book it if you're travelling solo and prefer a tailored experience, with your own schedule and language.
