The Cleveland Dam, built in 1954, is 91 meters high and impounds the Capilano Reservoir, which provides 40% of the drinking water for the Metro Vancouver region.
The Capilano Salmon Hatchery releases millions of juvenile coho, chinook, and steelhead salmon into the river annually.
The park contains the remains of old-growth stumps with springboard notches, relics of logging operations from the early 20th century.
The canyon reaches depths of up to 100 meters in certain sections near the dam.
The park's geology includes sedimentary rocks and conglomerate deposits that have been shaped by glacial erosion.
Capilano River Regional Park is a 183-hectare protected area centered on a deep canyon carved by the Capilano River. The park features a network of trails ranging from easy riverside paths to rugged terrain alongside the canyon walls. It is home to the Cleveland Dam, which regulates the water supply for the Greater Vancouver area and creates the Capilano Lake reservoir. The canyon landscape is characterized by second-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar forests. Visitors can observe salmon migration at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, located within the park boundaries. The park serves as a corridor for local wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and various raptors. Trails connect to the broader North Shore trail network, providing access to steeper routes leading towards the base of Grouse Mountain.
The spillway viewpoint overlooking the base of the Cleveland Dam.
Wear footwear with solid grip, as the forest floor can be slick and muddy year-round.
Use the map boards at main trailheads, as cellular service is intermittent deep within the canyon.
Bring a waterproof jacket, as the North Shore temperate rainforest receives significant rainfall even in shoulder seasons.
Attempting to descend the steep canyon walls outside of established trail paths; swimming in the river due to unpredictable water releases from the dam.
Trails are generally open year-round, though specific sections may close during periods of high flood risk or severe weather.
Stay on marked trails to prevent soil erosion; dogs must be kept on-leash in high-traffic areas and around the hatchery; pack out all waste.
