Suspended in a Bob Ross painting

Treading the frosted boardwalks of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is like wandering through a Bob Ross painting.

It’s true what they say about Canadians being so polite – the only rude people we’ve encountered so far are non-Canadians. And today was a perfect illustration of Canadian politeness.

To beat the rain and snow due this afternoon, we grabbed the first shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and got treated to a commentary on Vancouver road rules and why the Toyota ahead of us should have given way. Joking about impolite road etiquette without sounding passive-aggressive, very Canadian.

Fifteen minutes later we rolled passed Stanley Park, across Lions Gate Bridge, and into the car park. When we rocked up to the entrance, the attendant glanced at our pre-paid tickets and sent us over to the ticket booth. Apparently we were due a 30% discount because one section of the park was closed due to maintenance today. Discounting our tickets after they’ve been purchased, very Canadian.

Starting at the suspension bridge, we tottered our way across slowly, feeling brave enough to take snaps of the view when each of us reached the middle. Further along, the boardwalk meanders around ponds decorated with balls of fairy lights. Up a set of steps and we find ourselves traversing a series of bridges suspended from huge redwood trees.

This reminds us of the treetops suspension bridges in Hokitika though admittedly much more scenic. Michayla remarks, “It’s like walking round in a Bob Ross painting. Too beautiful to be real.”

An hour later, slightly damp and chilled, we return to the entrance and pop into the Gift Shop to sample some beautiful Canadian-made fudge and buy some souvenirs. Then into the Coffee Shop to wait for the bus. When I asked the young lady behind the counter for a hot apple cider, she hesitates and explains it’s made from powder. Instead of being annoyed, she’s grinning and sympathetic when I screw up my face and change my order. God, I love that positivity. Being honest about the low quality of their offering before the customer buys it, very Canadian.

Photos: @kaylacle and @sidalscapes