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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