Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This park isn't a new, unknown thing to do in the PNW, but it is a beautiful park that people of all ages can enjoy year round in Vancouver, BC. 

The Capilano Suspension Bridge was first built in 1889 (yep 1889, I definitely wouldn't have walked across this canyon before modern engineering) by a Scottish engineer. He had built a cabin on the edge of the canyon and needed a way across, so he took some rope and some wood and made himself a bridge (people were so resourceful back then). The bridge has had many owners and modifications since then; the bridge you walk across today was built in 1953. 

Now Capilano Suspension Bridge sits in the middle of a huge park and is one of a few attractions you get when you pay for entry (Adults $39.95, Children, $12.00). You not only get to walk across the giant swinging bridge (the thought that you are about to plummet to your death will cross your mind, just go with it), you also get to walk in the treetops on mini suspension bridges and the newest attraction, the Cliffwalk, where adventurers can hike along the cliff face on small walkways that jut out over the Capilano River. 

In addition, the park offers a lot of history in photos and stories in various locations about the park and the First Nations people who are connected to it. And it goes without saying there are places for you to spend additional money (gift shop and a cafe). 

Insider Tips: 

• In the summer this park is a hot spot. It fills up fast and can definitely impact your happy-time fun levels. Go before 11 AM to have a little more space to explore. 
• This summer they are also offering "Twilight Rates" if you go after 5 PM. Tickets are 20% off. The sun doesn't set until around 10 PM, so this gives you ample time to explore and save a few bucks!
• In the winter they drape all nine different species of trees with Christmas lights! It makes visiting the park magical. Walking in the trees filled with twinkling lights will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale! 
• If you want to avoid the lines and the price tag altogether, Lynn Canyon Park is nearby and also boasts a suspension bridge you can cross for free. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Capilano, but it is a nice alternative. 

Don't look down!

Grouse Grind: That Time Our Legs Stopped Working

You know those people who work out and enjoy it? Well, we aren't those people. But we recognize that in order to experience all the cool stuff this planet has to offer we have to be fit enough to climb at least moderately high mountains and stuff. We also never back down from a challenge. So when someone told us about an epic mountain climb in Vancouver, BC, that will kick your @*s and then provide you with the most amazing views + a grizzly bear refuge, well we just couldn't pass that up. 

Cue The Grouse Grind. 

To the left, to the left.

Grouse Mountain sits just north of Vancouver and is home to ski runs and ice skating in the winter and hiking and ziplining in the summer. There is this really nice gondola that can take you up to the lodge but only the weak take this route to the top. Those of us that hope to survive the zombie apocalypse/impending water wars/American Gladiator take The Grind. 

Remind us of this at the 3/4 mark.

The Grouse Grind is a grueling 2.9 kilometer hike (for all the Americans that is 1.8 miles), where you will ascend 2,800 feet, the majority of which is gained by climbing giant, evil, body-hating, wilderness stairs.

The hike is one way, up. You either make it to the top or paramedics carry you down. Don't worry though, most people make it. Just bring water, snacks, and someone to support you when you want to give up. It will happen, but we believe in you. And when you make it to the top and breathe that sweet, triumphant air you will smile and know you are the champion of the world.

It starts off gradual enough but don't let that fool you.

Never-ending stairs.

Once you are at the top, grab a celebratory drink at the bar in the lodge and visit Coola and Grinder at the Grizzly Bear Refuge. If the Beaver Tail stand is up and running grab one of those too, you deserve it. 

Additional Fun fact: The Vancouver Canucks use The Grind every year as a training exercise for their new recruits. Personally we feel like this is their version of The Hunger Games and only the strong who survive will be chosen to take the ice...but they claim it's for bonding. Yea, surrreee. 

We love the grizzlies at the top! They're friendly right?

Just like a teddy bear.

Amazing chainsaw carvings.

The view is so much sweeter when you work for it.

The best part is the gondola will take you down.

Hidden Gems Northwest: Bastyr University + Saint Edward Park

Welcome to Bastyr

Campus details

Recently the sun has been shining more and our deprived Seattle brains have been genuinely freaking out to be outside soaking up that Vitamin D. Which leads us to exploring new things. Which lead us to Bastyr University! You may not know about this small university northeast of Seattle, but you should! It is nestled up against Lake Washington and because it is a university that educates on holistic medicine their campus is refreshing and in touch with the nature that surrounds it. 

Our recommendation is to go visit on an empty stomach, you can visit the school cafeteria (trays and all!) and get lunch. The cafeteria includes a large salad bar, hot items, baked items and packaged snacks (they also update items daily and you can see that here). The great thing about the food is that it’s all healthy and all of the dishes list out every ingredient that goes into it. Some of the food ingredients are harvested from the campus’ organic vegetable and herb garden and what isn't grown there is shown to you on a board in the cafeteria that depicts the location of the farms where all the other ingredients come from! 

A bulletin board in the cafeteria tells you what farms supplied your food.

After you are nice and full head out to the grounds. They have an incredible herb garden with over 350 herbs. This is where they grow a lot of the herbs they use to make medicines on campus. 

Bee Balm is used to treat colds, headaches, and nausea.

Along with the herb garden they also have a relaxing courtyard near the dining common where you can sit and have thoughtful thoughts about things. If you are running low on deep, life questions that day there is also a turtle pond for you to enjoy with over 20 turtles.. and who doesn't love turtles??

Bastyr's turtle pond

After you finish up on campus you can walk into Saint Edward Park, which borders the campus. This 316-acre park has a ton of walking trails (most under 1 mile in length) that lead you down to Lake Washington. What really sets this park apart from others in the area is the old Catholic Seminary that sits on the grounds. This stunning old building is surrounded by picnic tables and can also be rented out for events! Be sure to bring your Discover Pass if you want to visit the park (or you can purchase a day pass for $10 in the parking lot).

Welcome to Saint Edward Park!

The Catholic Seminary, which sits on the park grounds.

Seminary details.

Picnic tables line the grounds.

Saint Edward park walking trails.

Vancouver Outdoor Art

Art. 

Everyone has their opinions, us included. Sometimes staring at that white canvas with paint splattered on it just doesn't do it for you. We get it.

BUT.

There is also some really cool art out there that even the most cynical can appreciate. We like to try to find the fun, whimsical stuff that everyone can see and have it sparks a smile. Take a trip around Vancouver, BC with us to find some of their best outdoor (which equals free) art exhibits! 

Digital Orca - Douglas Copeland

What do you get when you merge technology with nature? Well a digital orca of course! Overlooking the Burrard Inlet this leaping, lego-like sculpture takes something we are familiar with and offers a surprising double take. 

The Drop - Inges Idee

This steel sculpture is supposed to represent the power of nature. It is the moment when a raindrop hits the ground, multiplied by like a trillion times in size. Because, science.

This is a great one to see at night as well! 

The Words Don't Fit The Picture - Ron Terada

When you first stumble upon this work of art you say, "Oh wow, look at that." and then you read the sign and immediately wonder what the heck it means. We read up on it and we think the Terada himself explains it best:

“Taken within the context of a public library, the work touches upon – in a very poetic way – the use of words and language as boundless and imaginative, as a catalyst for a multiplicity of meanings.”

People flock to these sculptures to imitate the poses of hysterical laughter. 

Try not to crack a smile when you see these guys. Pure joy.

A-maze-ing Laughter -  Yue Minjun

These shirtless, laughing men live as a permanent installment by English Bay. They cost a pretty penny (1.5 million) but we think it was worth it for all the joy they bring the people of Vancouver.

Bright and completely out of place, but at the same time they seem to fit right in.

Love Your Bean - Cosimo Cavallaro

These giant jellybeans sit along the False Creek Seawall in Charleston Park. You can't miss them as they are, well, giant jellybeans sitting in a field of green. 

A map for your art viewing pleasure!

You don't have to visit all these in one day, but if and when you do visit them you'll find them at the places marked above. The Digital Orca and The Drop are both located at Canada Place.