Article by Gillian Behnke, with the scoop on what to do in Vancouver this week.
What to do in Vancouver: Thousands of Sparkling Lights
Every holiday season, the Capilano Suspension Bridge gets dressed up in thousands and thousands of sparkling lights. This magical scene is known as Canyon Lights. Spanning Capilano Canyon, the suspension bridge itself is a spectacular thing to see and experience at any time of year, but when hung with twinkling white lights it seems to extend off into a fairy land on the other side. The other side is actually Treetops Adventure, a tree house and hanging bridge set up in the rainforest canopy that evokes thoughts of an Ewok village. It too is lit for the holidays, adding some magic to what is already an exciting walk through the tree tops.
This year our kids are particularly obsessed with holiday lights so we jumped at the opportunity to take them for a visit. But Canyon Lights is so much more than lights. Yes, the kids were in awe of the colours and sheer number of lights strung throughout the property, but they also have Christmas music from the Holiday Band, gingerbread decorating, and a glassblowing demonstration where guests can learn how to make icicle decorations. The walkways from the entrance through to the bridge itself have a few photo opportunities of their own – literally. A large wooden “picture frame” has been hung with garlands and lights, perfect for a family photo, and if frames aren’t your thing then you can all climb atop a gorgeous red sleigh in front of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. (Note to self – go to Canyon Lights before sending out the family Christmas card.)
New Cliffwalk Attraction
New this year is the Cliffwalk attraction, an engineering marvel that has 20-inch wide walkways extending out from the granite rock face and over the canyon. It also has plexiglas sides and sturdy rails – no need to panic. For the season the cliffs are bathed in light, making the walk even that much more thrilling. It’s not exactly for the faint of heart, but even our four year old managed it with very little complaining. And as my ever-eloquent husband commented upon reaching the end of Cliffwalk, “It was badass!” When it comes what to do in Vancouver over the holidays, Canyon Lights definitely kicks things up a notch.
Canyon Lights is on until January 1st, 2012 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm nightly. The cost of admission is $25 per adult and $5 per child aged six to 16, but a family (two adults and two children age six or older) can get in for the family rate of $50. Kids under six are free. Proceeds from admission will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Canyon Lights is a great family activity for the holiday season, and a great option if you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver this week. I would allow yourself about two hours to fit it all in, which makes the family rate a pretty good deal when all is said and done. Go early as it does get busy and the more people on the suspension bridge the wobblier it gets. Happy holidays and enjoy!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
www.capbridge.com | Twitter | Facebook
3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Gillian Behnke is a blogger at Finding My Weigh, where she writes about the joys and challenges of motherhood and her quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gillian is also the marketing manager for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – BC/Yukon Region. She lives in North Vancouver with her husband, her four and a half year old son and two year old daughter.
