Quick Info
- Location: District of North Vancouver, BC
- Type: Metro Vancouver regional park
- Admission: Free
- Trail network: Roughly 26 km of hiking trails through Capilano Canyon
- Good for: Hiking, fishing, families, photography
- Nearby: Capilano Suspension Bridge (privately operated, not part of the park)
About Capilano River Regional Park
Capilano River Regional Park follows the Capilano River through a deep, forested canyon on the North Shore, just past the Upper Levels Highway. It is one of Metro Vancouver’s oldest regional parks and covers the stretch of river below Cleveland Dam, winding through old-growth cedar and Douglas fir down toward Burrard Inlet.
The park is a working landscape as much as a scenic one. Alongside the hiking trails, it is home to a salmon hatchery, a historic dam and reservoir, and a canyon that has drawn hikers, anglers, and photographers for generations.
Not the Suspension Bridge
A common mix-up: the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a separately run, ticketed attraction. It sits near the park and crosses the same river, but it is privately operated and does not fall within the regional park’s boundaries or trail system. The regional park itself is free to enter at any of its access points.
Trails Through Capilano Canyon
The park’s trail network adds up to roughly 26 kilometres, ranging from short interpretive loops to longer connector routes. Shorter options near the hatchery, such as the Coho Loop Trail and the Second Canyon Viewpoint Trail, run well under a kilometre each and suit families or anyone short on time. Both wind along the canyon rim with views down into the river below.
For a longer outing, the Capilano Pacific Trail runs south from the Cleveland Dam area toward Ambleside Park on the waterfront, threading through several kilometres of forest alongside the river. Trail surfaces range from packed gravel to sections of stairs and roots, so footwear matters more here than on a paved seawall walk.
Fishing and Wildlife Along the River
The Capilano River is a working salmon river, and anglers are a regular sight along its banks, especially where the current slows into deeper pools. Coho, chinook, and steelhead all pass through the system at different points in the year, supported in part by the hatchery upstream.
Beyond fishing, the canyon supports a mix of coastal wildlife typical of the North Shore, from songbirds in the forest canopy to the occasional black bear sighting near the water in salmon season. Standard park etiquette applies: stay on marked trails and keep a respectful distance from any wildlife.
Cleveland Dam and Capilano Lake
At the north end of the park sits Cleveland Dam, which holds back Capilano Lake, a reservoir that supplies a significant share of the region’s drinking water. The lake and its surrounding watershed are closed to public access, but a viewpoint at the dam looks out over the water toward the peaks of The Lions, and it is one of the more photographed spots in the park.
Capilano River Hatchery
Further into the canyon, the Capilano River Hatchery gives visitors a close-up look at the salmon that pass through the park, including a viewing window onto the fish ladder. It is free to enter and pairs naturally with a walk along the nearby canyon trails.
Ten minutes from downtown traffic, the canyon walls close in and the only sound left is the river moving over rock.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capilano River Regional Park free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the park, including the trails and the Cleveland Dam viewpoint, is free.
Is the Capilano Suspension Bridge part of this park?
No. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a separately operated, ticketed attraction near the park. It crosses the same river but sits outside the regional park’s boundaries.
Can you swim in Capilano Lake?
No. Capilano Lake is a drinking water reservoir, and the lake and surrounding watershed are closed to public access. It can be viewed from the Cleveland Dam lookout.
How long are the trails?
The park has roughly 26 kilometres of trails in total, ranging from short loops near the hatchery to longer routes such as the Capilano Pacific Trail.
Is fishing allowed in the park?
Yes, fishing is a common activity along the Capilano River, particularly during salmon runs. Provincial fishing regulations apply.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes. Several shorter trails near the hatchery and dam are manageable for families, though some sections of the wider trail network involve stairs and uneven terrain.
Plan Your North Shore Day
Capilano River Regional Park pairs well with other North Shore stops. Start with the North Vancouver hub and the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge.