Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 752

North Vancouver & West Vancouver

Accessed from downtown via SeaBus or the Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore com-
prises the commuter community of North Vancouver plus posh 'West Van.'

Capilano Suspension Bridge PARK
( www.capbridge.com ; 3735 Capilano Rd; adult/child $34.95/12; 8:30am-8pm; ; 236 from
Lonsdale Quay) As you walk gingerly onto one of the world's longest (140m) and highest
(70m) suspension bridges, swaying gently over the roiling Capilano Canyon, remember
that its thick steel cables are embedded in concrete. That should steady your feet - unless
there are teenagers stamping across. Added park attractions include a glass-bottomed
cliffside walkway and an elevated canopy trail through the trees.
From May to September, Capilano makes it easy for you to get here from downtown
by running a free shuttle from Canada Place and area hotels. Check the website for de-
tails.

WHERE BRITISH COLUMBIA BEGAN

Little Fort Langley's tree-lined streets and 19th-century storefronts make it one of
the Lower Mainland's most picturesque historic villages, ideal for an afternoon
away from Vancouver. Its main historic highlight is the colorful Fort Langley Na-
tional Historic Site (

604-513-4777; www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley ; 23433 Mavis Ave; adult/child

501, then C62) , perhaps the region's most important old-

$7.80/3.90; 10am-4pm;

school landmark.
A fortified trading post since 1827, this is where James Douglas announced the
creation of British Columbia (BC) in 1858, giving the site a legitimate claim to being
the province's birthplace. With costumed re-enacters, re-created artisan work-
shops and a gold-panning area that's very popular with kids - who also enjoy char-
ging around the wooden battlements - this is an ideal place for families who want
to add a little education to their trip.
If you're driving from Vancouver, take Hwy 1 east for 40km, then take the 232nd
St exit north. Follow the signs along 232nd St until you reach the stop sign at
Glover Rd. Turn right here and continue into the village. Turn right again on Mavis
Ave, just before the railway tracks. The fort's parking lot is at the end of the street.

Activities