Built in 1954 the Cleveland Dam sits atop the Capilano River Regional
Park blocking Capilano Lake, which supplies approximately 40% of the Lower
Mainland’s fresh drinking water.
Open year round. Park at the Cleveland Dam
parking lot to view water spilling over the dam -- Capilano Lake
and the peaks of the Lions provide a spectacular backdrop.
Once at the Dam, there are several short
hikes and trails presenting visitors with amazing views.
To enjoy these trails, cross the Dam and
follow the Capilano Pacific Trail down the west side of the river; this
takes you in the direction of the Capilano Fish Hatchery
Approximately ten minutes into your hike,
follow the Giant Fir trail (on your left) until you come to a fork in the
road. The left fork takes you to the Second Canyon Viewing Deck, which
provides a spectacular view of the Cleveland Dam from below. The right fork
continues to the Cable Pool Bridge.
Once at the Cable Pool Bridge, you have
two choices: You can cross the bridge, and head for the Fish Hatchery via
the shorter route. Or, you can continue on the Coho Loop Trail, crossing the
river at the Pipeline Bridge and loop back up the river to the Hatchery.
This second choice adds approximately 30 minutes to the hike.
From the Capilano Fish Hatchery, the trail
back to the Cleveland Dam can be steep in places - allow about 1 hour for
this leg of your hike.
By car from downtown:
Follow Georgia Street westbound through Stanley Park and across Lion's Gate
Bridge. Take the North Vancouver exit to Marine Drive, then left at the
first set of lights up Capilano Road. Drive north along Capilano Road to the
Fish Hatchery turn-off on your left, or continue on approximately 1
kilometre to the Cleveland Dam parking lot.
By car across the Second Narrows
Bridge: Take Highway #1 to the Capilano/Grouse Mountain Exit (Exit #14),
then turn right along Capilano Road to the Fish Hatchery turn-off or
continue on approximately 1 kilometre to the Cleveland Dam parking lot.