2025
.jpg)
New Wildlife-themed 3D Experience Shines at Canyon Lights
An original 2025 story sponsored by Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
A huge great horned owl spreads its wings, a pair of deer peer out nervously and a keen-eyed wolf surveys the scene before bounding back into the forest. I’ve been to Canyon Lights––the spectacular seasonal illuminations at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park––many times over the years. But this is the first time I’ve seen any tooth-and-claw wildlife beyond the occasional inquisitive chickadee.
Not that I need to worry. These critters are among the stars of a cool new feature at the park for 2025: a 3D projection installation that brings B.C.’s amazing fauna to life––in elephant-sized scale––on a large screen. And once the sunlight fades, that screen dissolves from view, leaving just the animals floating like magical apparitions before they disappear into the park’s real-life temperate rainforest.
It’s an impressive hi-tech achievement. But it’s also incredibly moving to see the beauty and variety of our West Coast wildlife. I watch mesmerized as the cavalcade of animals––complete with snorts, snuffles and spine-tingling howls––parades before my eyes. There are coyotes, black bears, barred owls and even a Godzilla-sized squirrel that looks ready to eat much more than peanuts.
Eventually, I pull my gaze away from the animals and head off to explore the rest of Canyon Lights. Capilano’s grand holiday illuminations––running from now until January 18––are a must-see annual tradition for me and countless other locals and visitors. And now that I’m back, I’m keen to slow down, immerse myself and reconnect with every sparkling feature of the 27-acre park.
.jpg)
Outstanding illuminations
Heading back to the park’s entrance, I start in the plaza area, where glowing red and white lights adorn the foliage like shimmering wintertime fruits. Next to the log-built Trading Post gift shop, there’s also a small corner stage where live holiday music is performed every night. On my visit: a rosy-cheeked young guitarist crooned charming versions of classic Christmas songs.
Next, I descend the spiral staircase of Cliffwalk, a suspended steel trailway that hugs the rock face and is studded with white lights. It doesn't wobble like its illustrious sister, but it makes you feel like you’re walking on air in the inky darkness with massive trees growing alongside you. The river rushes past noisily below, and on my visit I even hear some bald eagles screeching nearby.
Speaking of that iconic sibling, Cliffwalk also provides an exciting first glimpse of the fully illuminated, 450-foot-long Suspension Bridge, stretching across the canyon like a gigantic glittering necklace. During Canyon Lights, the celebrated span looks better than ever––alive with countless computer-controlled bulbs that pulse, twinkle and gently change colour throughout the evening.
Legendary bridge
Ready to experience the park’s star attraction, I soon join the festive throng on the famously swaying crossing. If you haven’t traversed Capilano Suspension Bridge before, it’s worth noting that although it gently wobbles and wavers over the canyon, it is relished by visitors of all-ages. In fact, as I slowly crossed I could see the jelly-legged joy on the faces of kids, seniors and adults alike.
Selfies are de rigueur on this wibble-wobble wonder (don’t hold up the other walkers too much, though!) and once you get your bearings, you’ll also glimpse the feast of additional lights and grand installations waiting for you on the park’s west side. These start as soon as you reach the end of the bridge, where a large illuminated Christmas tree (with pine cone “roots”) hangs overhead.
.jpg)
Glowing creativity
After the bridge, I turn left along the wooden boardwalk toward the Ponds area. During Canyon Lights, these mirror-calm pools are accented with dozens of shimmering spheres that appear to float over the water. They’re joined by a gaggle of glowing Canada geese figurines perched on logs. Tip: lots of visitors shoot photos here, but be sure to master your nighttime camera settings first.
After a pit stop at some handily located washrooms, I continue along the wooden walkway, gently descending towards the roiling river on the Nature’s Edge Trail. Surprisingly, it feels much quieter in this part of the park, which makes communing with all the magical lights a much more intimate experience.
There are some lovely features to slow down for here, including glowing coloured orbs that look like they could hatch magical creatures at any moment. There’s also a swirly-patterned walk-through light tunnel that resembles an oversized illuminated slinky. A few steps away, I’m mesmerized by what looks like a billion-strong bee swarm of tiny multicoloured lights dancing in the forest.
This feature is located near the new animal-themed 3D installation. On my second visit of the night, there’s now a crowd watching the projected critters and gasping when new ones pop-up on the translucent screen. I would recommend that you head straight to this new feature as soon as you arrive at the park, although not until the sun has fully set.
Towering Christmas trees
A few more steps along the boardwalk brings me to a stand of humungous Douglas fir trees, stretching up to 350-feet into the night sky. But it’s not just the height of these mammoth wonders that impresses. It’s the fact that they’re adorned from their sprawling roots to their neck-cricking canopies with cascading lights that shimmer and twinkle like fine jewellery adorning a gathering of West Coast tree royalty.
These decorated trees have been among my favourite Canyon Lights features for several years. But you don’t just get to gaze at them from afar. Soon, I’m walking between the trunks at mid-height on a series of elevated walkways known as the Treetops Adventure. It’s a great way to get really close to what must be Canada’s grandest Christmas trees.
Now feeling fully festive, I re-cross the bridge for a hearty bowl of warming seafood chowder at the park’s ever-friendly Cliff House Restaurant. Energy restored, I conclude my Canyon Lights visit at the Trading Post gift shop. Perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping, I check out some unique local-made jewellery, several great B.C. books and a gaggle of plush animal puppets that would be perfect for recreating the evening’s 3D wildlife parade at home!
​
If you go:
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge is open daily until January 18, 2026. All the park’s attractions are included in your admission, with online-ordered tickets ranging from $28 for children (aged 6 to 12) to $75 for adults. Note: B.C. residents purchasing tickets also qualify for an annual pass, enabling them to return anytime and as much as they want for the next 12 months.