The Capilano River is an urban whitewater run in North Vancouver, British Columbia, flowing through a scenic rainforest canyon before emptying into Burrard Inlet. It is considered the easiest of the North Shore's three whitewater rivers — alongside the Seymour and the Lynn — and is primarily of interest to intermediate paddlers. The run is rated Class II-III at low water and Class III at medium to high flows. It is worth noting that above 200 cms, the difficulty rating becomes harder to assign: while the rapids themselves do not become significantly more technical, the danger factor increases substantially with rising water levels due to roiling boils, squirrely seams, and powerful currents.

The put-in is at the Capilano Fish Hatchery, located north of Highway 1 off Capilano Road within Capilano River Regional Park. Paddlers hop the fence and put in below the weir at the hatchery. Parking is available at the hatchery, and numerous trails run alongside the river. Multiple take-out options exist downstream; one recommended option is behind the Evergreen Squash Club off Curling Road (north of Marine Drive, turn in at the Shell station). Alternative take-outs include the Rugby Club and Park Royal Mall, both of which offer ample parking. During peak salmon spawning season, parking at the hatchery can be limited.

Several safety considerations are important. Water levels can change rapidly and without warning, particularly when dam releases are adjusted upstream. The steep canyon walls make rescue difficult in the event of a swim. Rocks are very slippery, and strong currents can shift boulders along the riverbed even at low flows. Metro Vancouver's regional park brochure explicitly states that white-water paddling is not recommended and that anyone attempting it should have advanced skills in Class IV rapids and a thorough understanding of river safety.

The canyon itself is lush and forested, and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery — operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and open year-round — is a notable feature near the put-in. The river supports runs of Coho salmon and Chinook salmon as well as a small population of steelhead. At low water the run offers a mellow paddle through canyon pools and over gravel bars; at high flows it becomes a fast, pushy Class III experience with large eddies and turbulent water.