One of the most popular tourist attractions in British Columbia, the original bridge was constructed in 1889, spanning 450 feet across and 230 feet high. The new Cliffwalk path is just 20 inches wide, with only woven steel and glass siding separating you from the expanse of empty air below.
The Cliffwalk's cliffside location makes it difficult to maintain or repair, as the arc hangs 90 meters above the river below. Furthermore, the attraction is located only a few miles from the Pacific coastline that surrounds Vancouver, making corrosive moisture in constant contact with the exposed steel elements. A maintenance-free corrosion protection system was critical to avoid the dangerous, costly, and unpleasant task of routine maintenance, and the superior barrier and corrosion protection of hot-dip galvanized steel made it the ideal choice to protect this new facility.
Capilano Suspension Bridges VP of Operations, John Stibbard came up with the idea while rappelling in Capilano Canyon. Four years and 4.5 Million dollars later, the Cliffwalk is designed to serve as a medium for the interactive educational displays developed with the David Suzuki Foundation.
Daring visitors of all ages will see galvanized steel in all corners of the park and the Cliffwalk structure itself. The natural, matte gray aesthetic will blend easily into the cliff face and forest environment. Aesthetics were of key importance to this project, which was intended to feel light and airy.
The strong, durable galvanized steel that comprises the Cliffwalk will keep visitors safe while existing maintenance-free for decades of adventurous visitors to enjoy.