As Vancouver’s oldest attraction, many romantic and unique experiences make up Capilano Suspension Bridge’s storied past. Scottish civil engineer George Grant Mackay suspended a footbridge made of hemp rope and cedar planks across the canyon in 1889. This was literally accomplished through horsepower; with the help of 12-year old August Jack Khatsahlano and a team of horses who swam the hemp ropes across the river and pulled them up the other side, Mackay anchored the ropes to huge buried cedar logs. Mackay built a cabin, which he used to host parties for his friends, dubbed ‘Capilano Tramps’.

Over time the bridge has had many owners and undergone several redevelopments. In 1953 Rae Mitchell purchased Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and put his young daughter Nancy to work scooping ice cream. When the attraction was put up for sale in 1983, Nancy could not bear to see it leave the family and she purchased Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Today, she remains president and CEO of the Capilano Group of Companies, which includes Moraine Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge near Lake Louise, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, as well as recent additions Stanley Park Pavilion and Prospect Point Cafe and Gift Shop.

Nancy has built Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into an attraction that is much more than just the suspension bridge. Today’s Park includes Treetops Adventure, seven suspended suspension bridges high in the trees, and most recently, Cliffwalk, a series of suspended walkways, platforms and stairways hanging from the granite cliff face of Capilano Canyon. Complimentary guided history and nature tours, seasonal entertainment, history and forestry exhibits, food, beverage and retail are all part of the year round visitor experience.

Taking a page out of her father’s book, Nancy put her son John to work at a young age. Today, as Vice President of Operations, John project managed the building of Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk and is well equipped to ensure the Capilano Group’s bright future.

Throughout the summer, Capilano is encouraging everyone to tweet their favourite Capilano Suspension Bridge memory to @capsusbridge, with the #capbridge125 hashtag. A rolling video screen will capture the tweets and project these memories at the park, to share with other visitors. It`s time to share old memories, make new ones and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park!

For Wedding Contest details visit www.capbridge.com, Facebook.com\capilanosuspensionbridgepark or call 604-985-7474.

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For more information please contact:

Sophia Tupper
H+K Strategies
604-692-4223
sophia.tupper@hkstrategies.ca

Discover Vancouver’s original must-see, a place that has thrilled visitors from all over the world since 1889. Cross its world famous 450 foot span, get your heart racing on the new CLIFFWALK, stroll the rainforest canopy on Treetops Adventure, participate in the Kids’ Rainforest Explorer Program, take a guided nature tour, discover viewpoints, trout ponds and so much more, all included with your day’s admission.

Family Services of the North Shore, a non-profit organization that works with couples, families, children and adults to provide counseling and support within the community, will be onsite on Family Day to educate visitors on their on-going programs and services.

For more information on event times, dates and the free round trip shuttle service schedule from Canada Place, visit www.capbridge.com or call 604-985-7474.

What:  
Family Day at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
When:
Monday, February 10, 2014 – 9:00am – 5:00pm
Price:    
$65.00 for a family (two adults, two children up to 16 years old), or $31.95 for adults, $19.95 for youths (13–16), $12 for kids (6-12). All BC residents can redeem their tickets at Guest Services for annual passes $5.00 from each family pass will be donated to Family Services of  the North Shore
Where:
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver)

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For more information, to request a photograph or arrange an interview, please contact:

Samantha Bulmer
Media Relations
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
p: 604.985.7474
e: media@capbridge.com
www.capbridge.com