Halloween is over, which means it's officially acceptable to start blasting Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey's Christmas hits without judgment! For some of us, anyways.
Whether you agree with that statement or not, the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner—but you'll still have to wait another month until one of Vancouver's favourite holiday attractions reopens for business.
Amid news that several of the city's annual festive traditions won't be taking place this year due the COVID-19 pandemic—including the Santa Claus Parade and Coquitlam's Lights at Lafarge—the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is offering up a light at the end of the tunnel. The Park recently announced its Canyon Lights holiday display is set to return on Dec. 1 for its 15th year.
Referred to as "one of the most spectacular holiday lights displays in the world," Canyon Lights will see the already-magical North Vancouver attraction step it up a notch with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the iconic suspension bridge and surrounding rainforest.
The popular Cliffwalk will transform into a mesmerizing “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel, while the park will once again become home to the eight tallest Christmas trees on the planet. Visitors can check out those towering evergreens while strolling along the Treetops Adventure, a set of suspended footbridges offering dazzling views from 110 feet above the forest floor. Families can also participate in a Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt during their visit.
Though Canyon Lights has become an annual holiday tradition for many Vancouver families, this year will function a little differently.
Tickets and annual passes will only be available for pre-purchase online, and will only be valid for a specific date and time in an effort to limit contact and reduce capacity. Current passholders will also be required to reserve their time online prior to visiting. Tickets will be sold in 30-minute arrival time slot intervals to maintain appropriate physical distancing, while face masks or coverings will be required within the park.
Some tips as you start planning your trip: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park staff recommend visiting on a weeknight before Friday, Dec. 18, and warn that strollers are not allowed on the attractions. Guests should dress for an outdoor experience and wear appropriate footwear.
A portion of the proceeds from Canyon Lights' admission is donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, which subsequently help support burn survivors and their families, and provide fire and burn awareness in schools throughout the province. To date, Canyon Lights has raised $381,000 for the fund.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: Adults (18-64) $54.95; Senior (65+) $49.95; Student (17+ with ID) $41.95; Youth (13-16) $29.95; Child (6-12) $18.95. Children under 6 are free and do not require a timed entry ticket.
Timed-entry tickets will be available online in the coming days. B.C. residents can show proof of residence to recieve an annual passes, valid for one year of unlimited admission from the date of purchase, for the same price as a single day's regular admission. Family passes can be purchased, and are valid for two adults and up to two children between six and 16 years old.
