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Capilano River 
To be used on the Video section of MV website
Park Features at a glance
Drinking Water Public Phone Picnic Shelter Group Camp Fish Hatchery Fishing (see below) Canoeing / Kayaking Transit 
Trail Information
Hiking / Walking 26 km  Horseback riding 0 km  Cycling 2 km 
Reservable Facilities:
 Camp Capilano – a group overnight facility with two dorms
Maps and Directions
There are many points of entry to the park trails. First-time visitors are recommended to begin at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.  From either the Lions Gate Bridge or Highway 1, get on to Capilano Road in North Vancouver. Head North and turn left onto Capilano Park Road just beyond Edgemont Blvd. Continue to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Location Map
Park and Trail Map
Park Hours
In general, parks are open during daylight hours. For specific hours see PDF below.
  Park Hours 
Fishing
Fishing
The river above the rail bridge has limited access points for freshwater fishing. Please be aware of the possibility of rapidly rising water levels due to water being released over Cleveland Dam.
 
Fishing in GVRD Parks is subject to regulations set out by the Provincial Government for fresh water and by the Federal Government for tidal waters.

The BC Ministry of the Environment can provide information about freshwater fishing regulations and acquiring the correct licenses.

The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans can provide information about fishing in tidal waters and acquiring the correct licenses.
Dog Information

Seymour-Capilano Water Utility Project 
 Current projects 
   or call the project information line at 604-451-6654.

Dog Information

Dog Management Pilot Program
After receiving public input, a dog management pilot program was developed and will be in place from Sept. 29, 2011 to Mar. 31, 2012. The pilot program aims to strike a balance between the needs of various park users, as well as the need to ensure sustainable recreation while protecting ecological values. Leash optional trails, leash required trails and seasonal no-dog trails are now in effect. Click for a map showing the location of these trails.
PDF Capilano River Regional Park Dog Management Pilot Program

To provide feedback to Metro Vancouver on the dog management pilot program, click here.

Dogs
Leash-required and leash optional trails are available in the park. Please see the map above and signs in the park for details. Please show courtesy to other park visitors by removing your dog’s poop.

Accessibility
Accessiblility
Picnic, parking and toilet facilities at Cleveland Dam and Capilano Hatchery are wheelchair accessible.
 
Trails
Second Canyon Viewpoint Trail and Cable Pool Bridge are at least 1.5 m wide, with a firm surface, and gentle grade changes. Second Canyon Viewpoint offers a view of the Dam from below.

Capilano Pacific Trail is paved with gentle grades from Ambleside Park to Taylor Way.
Park SafetyUsing the Park Safely:
Prepare for your visit to a regional park before you leave home. more...
Parks Field Trips and School Programs

Experience, discover and explore . . . natural wonders and heritage sites.
Engage all senses in direct experience with actual places, objects and life systems in your outdoor classroom. Participate in physically active, outdoor learning. Choose from over 16 parks and select popular customized programs related to park features and your group’s interests.  Through our diverse selection of programs we can:

  • enhance elementary or secondary school curricula
  • provide captivating workshops for parents and teachers  
  • assist and train recreational programmers  
  • explore Guide and Scout badge topics  
  • expand the vocabulary of ESL students  
  • enhance nature appreciation for adults and seniors  
  • develop outdoor exploration and survival skills for teens

We provide quality flexible programs because of:

  • optimum ratio of participant to leader
  • expert instruction
  • hands-on experience
  • customized programming

All programs are curriculum connected and satisfy the new Environmental Learning and Experience framework published by the B.C. Ministry of Education.

Programs are usually two hours long, with a maximum of 15 participants per interpreter. The minimum fee for one interpreter is $70.  Each additional hour costs $35 per interpreter.

Fishing

Choose from these Popular Programs

PRIMARY

  • Nature Explorers
    Awaken curiosity and engage the senses while exploring nature and the changing seasons. 
  • Investigating Invertebrates
    Search for clues to the hidden lives of spiders, slugs and bugs.  Evidence of their important roles as pollinators and decomposers abound for those who know where to look.

INTERMEDIATE

  • Forest Communities
    Discover the diversity of plants and animals in a temperate rainforest and trace their complex relationships.
  • Navigating the Night (available after sunset)
    How do bats, owls and other nocturnal animals survive in a world without light?  Tune up your senses, listen and adjust your night vision to find out.
  • Stream Searchers
    Dip into rippling waters in search of fascinating stream life and learn how to protect these fragile habitats.
  • Salmon Connections
    How are aquatic creatures like salmon connected to the forest and people?  Learn about this intricate web and how you can help keep it healthy, while watching salmon struggling upstream to their spawning grounds.

Contact Us
The calendar fills quickly so please call two months in advance of your preferred date. For more information and teacher resources, call 604-224-5739, e-mail icentre@metrovancouver.org.

Park Partners
To learn about the variety of ways to get actively involved in regional parks, contact the Community Development Coordinator at West Area. Phone (604) 224-5739.
For Information, Questions, or Comments
Metro Vancouver Regional Parks West Area Office: 604-224-5739
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Resources

Fire Danger Rating Advisory
as of May 22, 2012
Current Rating: LOW

Due to recent rainfall the fire danger rating is currently in LOW. Visitors are asked to obey posted signs and check back for regular updates as conditions and restrictions can change quickly.

 Watch video clips

see more videos

Fast Facts

  • The salmon hatchery in Capilano River Regional Park is open year-round and operated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. For more information, call 604-666-1790.

  • Visitors in Capilano River Regional Park need to be aware that it is sometimes necessary to release water over the dam, resulting in rapidly increasing water flows and levels in the Capilano River. Use caution around the river's edge and be alert to changing water levels.