Lynn Canyon Park in Vancouver, BC
North Vancouver's Second Suspension Bridge and Park is a Worthy Trip
Dec 17, 2007
North Vancouver has the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and brings a vast amount of tourists to flock over to hang 70 metres in the air. Close by, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is the baby brother, and not only has wood and cable holding you up from up high, but parks and walks on both sides.
Vancouver sports some of British Columbia’s greatest attractions around their temperate rainforests. Some hunt around the world for that perfect place of serenity and tranquillity. Residents of Lynn Valley don’t realise how lucky they are with a backyard like this one.
Lynn Canyon
Opened back in late 1927 and sporting a huge 250 hectares in total, Lynn Canyon has become North Vancouver’s spot for tranquil walks and family picnics.
Only a ferry and bus ride from downtown Vancouver will drop you off at Lynn Canyon. The beauty of the canyon is that there is no admission to walk around. That’s right, no ‘troll taking the toll’.
The suspension bridge hangs high at a whopping 50 metres from Lynn Creek, and is built solid. Safety only becomes problem if you happen to drop cameras over bridges.
Ecology Centre
At the park’s beginning there is the Ecology Centre, an environmental museum created to teach children about the environment and keep the park in order. From the way trees are grown to importance of recycling, the colourful displays are accessible by a small donation.
Tours are made for schools, and those wanting to give their kids a bit of an education as they explore the paths around the canyon. A tour guide isn’t necessary, as your own two feet can be enough to see the vast array of 100-year-old trees and landmarks, conveniently labelled on plaques close by.
The park nearby is also perfect for a family picnic. There are a number of hotspots to find and set up your own platter of food after walking the healthy stroll. Maps are available as well to keep track on where you’re heading, and more importantly, how to find your way back.
Crossing the bridge, your path splits in twain, and your options for the many trails open up. Walks ranging from a nice half an hour stroll to a four hour stride will keep walkers of any distance happy, after crossing the bridge.
30 Foot Pool
A 10-minute walk from the bridge will bring you to 30 Foot Pool, a deep circle of clear water with a horseshoe enclosing. Its isolation from the surrounding streams trickling down the small waterfalls make for an easy moment’s peace in the morning. It’s also a great place to go for a dip when Vancouver’s weather actually acts like summer.
If you’re lucky, you can spot wildlife living their daily lives. They can be shy, but it puts a smile on your face when you see a squirrel nibbling on some food, far away from the suburban noise. Even better is seeing the little critter’s reaction to their new visitor of the woods.
When you finally leave the park and back to the asphalt roads and towering high-rise buildings, you feel like you’re walking from one jungle to the next.
How To Get There
By car, the Trans-Canada Highway #1 into North Vancouver will bring you to exit 19 named Lynn Valley Road. Drive north-east and turn off onto Peters Road and drive east until you find the parking lot.
By public transport from Vancouver, take the Seabus across to Lonsdale Quay. Buses 228 and 229 from Lonsdale Quay will transport you to the park via the Peters Road stop.
The park's opening hours from 7am go until 6pm in Winter, and stretch to 9pm in Summer. Entrance is free.
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