In Vancouver, college friends reunite for a daredevil outing

When I was in Vancouver recently, my former college classmates and I attempted to relive our younger years by going to the historic and famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Located just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, the 132-year-old park is one of Canada’s oldest tourist attractions, best visited in the fall when the weather is nippy but comfortable.

As our guide gave us the lowdown on what to expect, I stood in awe of the tall trees by the entrance. We had 15 minutes to cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, another 15 to navigate the Treetops Adventure and 30 to take on the Cliffwalk. Could we muster the energy to complete the challenge on time? Could I, who cannot even look down a stairwell without feeling nauseous, overcome my fear of heights?

First stop was the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Originally built in 1889 and completely redone in 1956, it hangs 70m above the Capilano River and draws over 1.2 million visitors each year. Some in our group chose not to cross the bridge due to vertigo and other health issues, but I pressed on despite my fear. I daringly pulled out my phone to take photos as my friends and I walked the 137m span across greenery and mountains. My knees shook and wobbled, but I carried on. The cables that I was holding on to were thick, cold and textured, so I was careful to avoid scuffing my palms. Upon reaching the middle of the bridge, we stopped briefly to take in the view below and snap photos of the trees, brook and mountains.

Could we complete the challenge on time? Could I, who cannot even look down a stairwell without feeling nauseous, overcome my fear?

Next was the Treetops Adventure, where, like squirrels, we went from tree to tree – the course consists of seven suspension bridges attached to eight 250-year-old Douglas firs. The bridges hang from varying heights – some as high as 30m – with stairs and observation platforms. At each stop are posters listing trivia about the trees and animals in the forest, along with tips on what we can do to save them.

The final challenge was the Cliffwalk: a series of high and narrow suspended walkways that jut out from a cliff above the river. With a fence high enough to keep kids safe, it’s child-friendly while offering taller adults unblocked views of the forest from as high as 90m above the ground. At some junctions, though, only glass separates adventurers from the canyon – it felt like we were scaling a mountain!

At the end of the tour, I received a certificate declaring that “I made it!” That was easy, I thought, thanks to the friends who were with me throughout the journey. Knowing that I had company reassured me and made the experience so much easier. We took each other’s photos and survived all three attractions by sticking together, making sure we did not scare one another and cheering each other on. It was a good way to celebrate our friendship – scaling mountains and staying suspended in the arms of nature.