Walking Among Trees in Canada

One of the highlights of our visit to the ranch in Sumas, Washington was an afternoon drive over to Vancouver, Canada.  Choosing to be outside and enjoying warm weather, we decided to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, located in Northern Vancouver.

There were two attractions at the park we wanted to enjoy.  First, the Suspension Bridge and second, Treetops Adventure.   There were gardens, a restaurant, a gift shop (of course) and lots of lovely paths to walk, too!  There is a You Tube video of the suspension bridge if you would like to hear more about it.

At first glance I thought walking across the bridge would be a piece of cake.   Like maybe a "cakewalk!"  My first try across the bridge was not too good.  I surprised myself with my reactions.  Once I stepped down on the bridge, I could feel it swaying up and down and back and forth.

We had waited in line (very popular tourist spot) and when it was our turn to start down the stairs and on to the bridge, I could feel the bridge wiggle beneath my feet, it felt like it would break apart and I would fall down.  I took three or four steps forward, grabbed the rail on the side and stopped dead in my tracks.  Frozen.  Couldn't move...and I started to panic.  

I CAN'T DO THIS!!!! 

I decided to turn back...and didn't mind saying so to everyone behind me!  "I can't do this!"  Now, I'm pretty adventurous and willing to try something new...but the swaying back and forth of the bridge and the bumpy feel of each step forward was scary.  We turned around and headed for the steps leading back off the bridge.  

We walked around the park enjoying the beauty of trees and gardens.   I thought long and hard about the experience I was missing crossing the bridge to the other side of the park.  We paid $30+ admission...and I decided I wasn't going to let my fear get the best of me and not enjoy crossing over the river.  We got back in line and before I knew it, we were back on the bridge.  It still was a little scary, but I convinced myself that if all the people ahead of me and all the people behind me could do it - so could I!  There were people of all ages crossing along with me - young and old!

I think I can...I think I can....

Before long I was across and feeling pretty darn happy that I decided to get back on and cross over.  Halfway across I tried to look down and see the river below...but quickly decided I really didn't need to do that - I knew the river was down there - why look?  It wasn't a quick walk across...the bridge is 460 feet long and 230 feet above the river.  It took about 10-15 minutes to walk across.

Next on the visit was an excursion around the treetops, the Treetops Adventure.  Walking up a couple of staircases, thru the park, we arrived at the top of the stairs and the walkway that would lead us around the trees, to enjoy the Treetop Adventure.   This was truly amazing!  

The view from the top was fantastic!  This walkway in and around the trees was much more stable...and steady.  I was more comfortable walking around from tree top to tree top.  In between there were little platforms around the tree where we could stop and catch our breath as we walked from tree to tree.

Definitely a big tourist attraction in the area - but it was worth it! When do you get the chance to walk high in the sky between trees?