June 1979 — Our exploration of Vancouver, B.C., continued after we left Deer Lake Park; from there we drove about 12 miles northwest to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. At the time, I had no appreciation of the size and beauty of the city of Vancouver, sitting between the Strait of Georgia and a number of lakes and mountains. But I was impressed by the swaying 460-foot bridge across the Capilano River.

The bridge was originally built in 1889 using hemp rope and cedar planks. It was improved in 1903 when the ropes were replaced by wire cables. The park has expanded since our visit, and there is much more to see these days than just the bridge; but even in 1979 it was a popular tourist spot. Maybe the chilly weather kept most of the crowds away on this particular Friday afternoon, but I was glad the bridge wasn’t jammed with people! From my travel journal:

The weather was still cold but not too bad. We went out on the bridge and some people were making it sway, but once we got used to it, it was easier to walk without holding onto the handrail. We got to the other side, and there were a bunch of trails to walk on, but we just turned around and went back.

The park had some very cool totems on display; in fact, we saw quite a number of totem poles during our time in British Columbia. The next few images show examples of indigenous art, from slides my mom purchased in a gift shop.

Kwakiutl Longhouse, Alert Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Kwakiutl Totem Pole, Alert Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C.

Kwakiutl Totem Poles

Kwakiutl Totem Pole

Next week, we take the Coho ferry back to the States and visit Bremerton, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. See you then!