5 wonderful bridges in Vancouver

Originally built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay with cedar planks and hemp rope, the 140-metre-long 70-metre-high suspension bridge was completely rebuilt in 1956 into the wire cable style it is now. Keep your blood pumping by checking out the Treetops Adventure and the Cliffwalk. Canyon Lights, a beautiful winter lights festival, runs from mid November to the end of January.

Standing 50 metres above a raging river, this lesser-known bridge opened to the public in 1912 and cost 10 cents to cross. Today the bridge is free and is a great alternative to those not up for paying the Capilano Suspension Bridge fee. The centre of the bridge offers impressive views of the canyon and the park is full of trails, waterfalls and swimming spots.

Officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, the Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing the First Narrows of the Burrard Inlet. Opened in 1939, Lions Gate refers to The Lions peaks of the North Shore Mountains. Prospect Point in Stanley Park offers good views of the bridge and aerial views of the Sea Wall can be found by walking its south side.

Spanning False Creek, the Granville Street Bridge is one of the major thoroughfares connecting the peninsula of downtown. From above, the bridge provides a good look of downtown, the inlet and the other bridges. Better yet is the view of the bridge from Granville Island, which the bridge covers. From here you can see the belly of the beast and some hidden street art.

One of the many attractions found at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge has 360-degree views of Howe Sound, the Coastal Mountains and surrounding forests. Despite being at the top of a mountain, the 100-metre-long bridge is open year-round, so bring your snow boots in the winter!