Lynn Canyon Park
| Lynn Canyon Park | |
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Lynn Creek in Lynn Canyon Park
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| Location | District of North Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°20′02″N 123°01′03″W / 49.3338°N 123.0175°WCoordinates: 49°20′02″N 123°01′03″W / 49.3338°N 123.0175°W |
| Area | 617 acres (250 ha) |
| Established | 1912 |
| Governing body | North Vancouver (district municipality) |
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Lynn Canyon Park is a municipal park in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia. When the park officially opened in 1912 it was only 12 acres (4.9 ha) in size, but it now encompasses 617 acres (250 ha). The park has many hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. The Baden-Powell Trail passes through the park crossing over the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Due to its natural landscape many TV series such as Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis used the area for filming.
Lynn Creek and Lynn Valley area are named after sapper John Linn, a Royal British Engineer who was granted land at the mouth of the creek in 1871. The Linn family name was often misspelled “Lynn”. By the turn of the century Linn Creek had become Lynn Creek.
In 1910, the McTavish brothers donated 5 hectare of canyon land to the District of North Vancouver. They hoped a park would attract people to their real estate development; the District of North Vancouver accepted the gift and added another 4 hectares. Walter Draycott visited the Lynn Valey on a picnic in 1911 and fell in love with the rugged wilderness. In 1912, he bought 3 lots near the canyon for $600.
Designs for the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge were created by civil engineer and architect, C.H. Vogel. The construction of the bridge was completed in 1911. Lynn Canyon Park and the suspension bridge were officially opened at the first Lynn Valley Days celebration on September 14, 1912.
As a private operation the Suspension Bridge cost 10 cents per person to cross. Later the fee was reduced to 5 cents, but the bridge fell into disrepair and was finally closed. The District of North Vancouver made repairs to the bridge and reopened it, free to everyone. As of 2014, Lynn Canyon Park is 617 acres, making it the largest park in North Vancouver.
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre is a building within the Lynn Canyon Park of North Vancouver, British Columbia that displays interactive exhibits about British Columbia's natural history as well as local and global environmental issues. Opened in 1971, the building is designed to resemble a Pacific dogwood blossom, the official flower of the province. The Ecology Centre is a district of North Vancouver Parks Department facility. The centre is designed with the intention of creating a fun and interactive atmosphere for all ages to learn about local and global environmental issues. Admission to the facility itself is free, but a $2 donation is recommended. The facility serves a vast population. During peak tourism months, many individuals new to the city visit the Lynn Canyon Park and often take advantage of the gift shop found in the centre. Other populations include students via school organized field trips as well as individuals simply interested in learning more about local and global ecology.
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