Unlike many other river tubing locations around the globe, Vancouver has the problem of offering rivers that are a) freezing b) filled with potentially dangerous boulders and undercurrents c) fun for an adrenaline filled day.

With that being said, it’s time to try river tubing down the Capilano River in North Vancouver.

Get yourself a tube, some friends, life jackets would be a good idea, a paddle or two would be handy, beer or refreshments are essential, and make sure you start before high noon.

Start out below the fish hatchery, bob down some rapids, cruise past the cliff jumping in Grannies Cove, fly down some more crazy rapids (hold on to each other!), avoid the fisherman’s lines, get stuck in a large pool of still water, bump down more crazy rapids, and in the end – avoid the large turbine before getting spit out by Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver.

Tips: Buy a tube from Canadian Tire that comes with bum netting and a cup holder (although a plain black inner tube may hold up better), tie your tubes together and especially hold on to each other during the bumpy parts, get a friend to pick everybody up at the end of the journey, look UP! when you go under the Capilano Suspension Bridge!, watch out for spawning salmon, and finally: check the water levels before you go – early summer is best.

Good luck! And remember: Be Safe, not A Statistic! (But sometimes being crazy is fun too).

If you’re looking for more a laid-back cruise, check out the Cowichan River Tubing over on Vancouver Island near Nanaimo. Definitely worth the journey.

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Elle

I know everyone hates a negative Nancy but just be wary of how seriously dangerous this is. If you need rescuing you’re a huge drain on the North Shore rescues resources, not to mention that those men and women would rather be spending time with their families instead of rescuing your dumb ass.
Last year (2016) a 17 year old kid died jumping in at Lynn Canyon. Happens most years. Anyway, if you’re going to do this go for it – wear a helmet, life jacket and wading shoes.
5 months ago
Shari

Where do you park at the bottom? Anyone?
2 years ago
1. lee
  
  Try the Park Royal area.
  2 years ago
Miley

Can be pretty gnarly helmet and life jacket deffinatley recommend
2 years ago
Patty Ho

I like the fact that my video is featured on this site. Just one thing though, the tube from Canadian tire sux. It didn’t work well, and we blew two tubes and had to trek the river back to where we can finally find a place to get back up to the trail. It took us over 3 hours to finally get to a small segment in 2015. We manage to get a proper heavy duty tire tube, and the most it got us past the Capilano suspension bridge and we had to find route again to trek out of the river and the woods. We might try it again sometimes this year but it all depends on the water level. It might take longer than you think!
2 years ago

Bored in Vancouver

Bored in Vancouver

River Tubing in North Vancouver Down the Capilano River

River Tubing in North Vancouver Down the Capilano River

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