Capilano Treetop Adventures – Forest Canopy Walkway Bridges

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relative success of the relative implementation of the Treetops Adventure in lieu of the damage to the forest floor caused by the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The Treetops Adventure was an elevated forest walkway. The challenge of the walkway design was to create a walkway high in the trees that would be accessible to anyone that could climb a few steps, and offer unimpeded views of the treetops without damaging the trees in any way. The project consists of a series of seven suspension bridges connecting eight Douglas Fir trees in a horseshoe configuration. By taking advantage of the natural slope of the canyon lands, visitors are transported up to 30 meters above ground level. Custom-designed friction collars support viewing platforms at each tree without damaging the bark or the delicate tissues beneath. The bridge suspension cables are integrated into the bridge deck design, allowing the structures to blend into the environment without impeding the views.