The Capilano River is considered to be the physical boundary between West Vancouver on the west and North Vancouver on the east. For general purposes the river begins as the overflow from Cleveland Dam which was built to create a municipal water reservoir that is part of a system that services the region. The river's true source is somewhere beyond the dam in the surrounding mountains that create this watershed.
As the Capilano courses through the forest and canyons to Burrard Inlet it is part of a large regional park that incorporates many recreational opportunities. At Cleveland Dam, viewing areas, picnic grounds and walking trails serviced by public facilities and a free parking lot are open to public use. A short way downstream is the Salmon Hatchery with extensive educational displays covering many aspects of the salmon life cycle and the functioning of the hatchery. Viewing areas include a glass side to the fish ladder allowing visitors the opportunity to see the salmon migrate upstream to where they will be harvested of their eggs. The educational portion of the facilty is free to the public. As well more river viewpoints and trails are available for exploring. Depending on water levels a system of trails follows the river much of its distance to the inlet.
All of these facilities are accessible from Capilano Road in North Vancouver.
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salmon fry |
at the mouth of the river. |
west is Park Royal Shopping Centre. |
in West Vancouver. |
Stanley Park. |