 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 facility 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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