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Capilano River

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Capilano River

Capilano River

The Capilano River flows from the Coast Mountains on Vancouver's North Shore into Burrard Inlet. Travelers visit this area for scenic walks through nature and to observe the river's path toward the coast.

Getting There

The river is located on the North Shore, across the water from downtown Vancouver. Depending on the specific access point, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach by car or public transit from the city centre.

Duration of Visit

Allow between 2 and 4 hours to explore the riverbanks and surrounding walking trails, depending on the length of the paths you choose to follow.

When to Visit

The area is accessible year-round, though the landscape changes significantly between the rainy winter months and the drier summer. It can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. Visiting during weekday mornings typically avoids the largest crowds.

Nearby Attractions

Because the river empties into Burrard Inlet across from the downtown peninsula, you can combine a visit here with several nearby sites:

  • Seawall (1km)
  • Vancouver Aquarium (1.8km)
  • Stanley Park (1.9km)
  • Brockton Point (2.1km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Capilano River

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Capilano River Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Seawall

Parks & gardens

Seawall

A seawall-and-promenade path running along the coast of Stanley Park in Vancouver, considered the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path. It's a great spot to enjoy ocean views while cycling or rollerblading.

1.0 km away
Vancouver Aquarium

Zoos & aquariums

Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is located within Stanley Park in Vancouver. Visitors can encounter a wide variety of marine life, while the aquarium also carries out marine conservation and research work.

1.8 km away
Stanley Park

Parks & gardens

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a vast urban park bordering downtown Vancouver, boasting more than 400 hectares of green space. It's a wonderful place to stroll among the trees and unwind.

1.9 km away
Brockton Point

Nature

Brockton Point

A headland at the eastern tip of Stanley Park, home to a century-old lighthouse and hand-carved totem poles from British Columbia. It's a great spot to enjoy ocean views while walking along Vancouver's Seawall.

2.1 km away
Third Beach

Nature

Third Beach

A beach at Ferguson Point in Vancouver's Stanley Park. Connected to the park's walking trails, it's a nice spot to pause and take in the ocean during a walk.

2.2 km away
Lost Lagoon

Nature

Lost Lagoon

A man-made lake near the entrance to Stanley Park in Vancouver, with a 1.75-km trail running around its perimeter. Canada geese, herons, turtles, and other wildlife make their home here, offering a close encounter with nature in the heart of the city.

2.4 km away