For immediate release
February 28, 2005

Capilano Suspension Bridge reaches new heights with top tourism award

Awe-inspiring Treetops Adventure lauded for outstanding innovation, earning Capilano its fifth major award in as many years

Vancouver, B.C. - The B.C. tourism industry has honoured Capilano Suspension Bridge with the prestigious Outside of the Box tourism award, marking the spectacular West Coast attraction's fifth key award in recent years.

Held in conjunction with the 12th Annual B.C. Tourism Industry Conference at the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina in Vancouver last week, the Sixth Annual British Columbia Tourism Awards honours the individuals and organizations leading B.C.'s rebounding tourism industry. Tourism British Columbia and the Council of Tourism Association of B.C. established the Outside of the Box award to recognize forward-thinking companies that introduce innovative new tourism products that lead to business success and benefit the whole tourism industry.

Capilano Suspension Bridge received its most recent industry recognition for Treetops Adventure, the first attraction of its kind in North America. Launched in May 2004, Treetops Adventure transports visitors 30 metres above the lush rainforest floor, leading them from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven suspension bridges. Since the opening of this thrilling forest walkway and eco-tourism experience, Capilano Suspension Bridge has enjoyed a 40-per-cent increase in admissions, further enhancing its reputation as a premier visitor destination in B.C. Treetops Adventure has also given local residents a new reason to rediscover Capilano Suspension Bridge.

"We are incredibly proud of Treetops Adventure and are thrilled to receive the Outside of the Box distinction from our tourism industry peers," said Nancy Stibbard, owner and general manager of Capilano Suspension Bridge. "Treetops Adventure was a big investment during a downturn in the global tourism industry. However, in order to grow tourism in our province, the entire industry has a responsibility to constantly provide spectacular experiences for visitors."

Treetops Adventure grew from the vision of John Stibbard, Capilano Suspension Bridge's project manager. He dreamed of building an exhilarating and environmentally respectful forest walkway in the Park that would be accessible to people of all ages. A diverse development team of Canadian engineers, arborists, environmental consultants and a specialist contractor successfully realized John's ambition, creating an attraction that preserves the delicate environment and invites guests to experience the West Coast rainforest in a unique and captivating way.

Now, visitors stroll along Treetops Adventure, contemplating the lively chorus from the rainforest canopy above while marvelling in the serenity of the moist and mossy green carpet floor far below. Embraced by B.C.'s world-famous Douglas firs, guests renew their appreciation for nature's wonders from a breathtaking perspective.

"Treetops Adventure is an outstanding example of the contemporary, environmentally friendly tourism experiences that are leading the renewed growth of the industry in our province," said Rod Harris, president and CEO of Tourism British Columbia. "The Sixth Annual BC Tourism Awards is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes of tourism in B.C., including Capilano Suspension Bridge's Treetops Adventure."

Treetops Adventure maintains Capilano Suspension Bridge's tradition of creating attractions that blend in with, and are sensitive to, the natural environment. For example, a novel compression system safely secures each tree's observation platform using only nine kilograms of force per square inch, approximately the amount of pressure exerted by pressing your thumb firmly on a tabletop. Combined with custom-engineered steel cables and a commitment to regular inspections and adjustments, this system does not damage the three hundred year old Douglas fir trees in any way.

"At Capilano Suspension Bridge, inspiration comes naturally," noted Stibbard.

The Outside of the Box award comes on the heels of numerous other national and provincial honours for Capilano Suspension Bridge, including:

• Innovator of the Year (2004) at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's National Tourism Excellence Awards
• Business of the Year (2003) at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's National Tourism Excellence Awards
• B.C.'s best outdoor attraction (1999 and 2000) by Attractions Canada

About Capilano Suspension Bridge
Built 115 years ago to span Capilano Canyon, Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver's most popular visitor destinations. The bridge is suspended 70 metres above the salmon-filled Capilano River, offering a unique experience that draws up to 750,000 visitors annually. The park has continually added to its attraction over the years, and now offers an interpretive rainforest walk, informative Story Centre and the largest private totem pole collection in North America.

In May 2004, Capilano Suspension Bridge launched Treetops Adventure, an exciting attraction that introduces visitors to spectacular views while walking along a series of bridges suspended between magnificent old growth Douglas fir trees up to 30 metres above the ground.

For more information on Capilano Suspension Bridge, please visit www.capbridge.com. For details about the BC Tourism Awards, please visit www.bctourismindustryconference.ca.