Capilano was established by the school boards and residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Howe Sound through referendum in 1968. That first year classes were held in a small building on the grounds of West Vancouver Secondary School.Initial enrolment that first year was 784 students. Today, Capilano has blossomed into a publicly-funded learning institution that serves 7,000 credit and 7,000 non-credit students each year. It possesses approximately 785 employees.

In 1973, Capilano opened its permanent 13.76 hectare (34-acre) campus in the Lynnmour area of North Vancouver. That same year, it also founded a regional centre in Squamish to serve the Howe Sound communities of Squamish, Whistler, Mount Currie and Pemberton. In 1977, Capilano opened the Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt to serve the communities of the Sunshine Coast.In 2008, the provincial government changed Capilano College's designation to Capilano University.

Capilano University has earned an worldwide reputation for quality teaching, programs and services. We try to instill the knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable our students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world.

Capilano is famous for offering a solid academic foundation and is committed to developing new and creative programs in response to market demand. We offer a wide range of preparatory courses, arts and sciences courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and achievement. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.

Our most important campus is in North Vancouver, located in a natural environment on the slopes of the North Shore and just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The beauty of the campus and the quality of education attract students from all over the world. Capilano University also has regional campuses in Squamish and Sechelt that offer services the communities of Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast. The whole number of students enrolled in credit programs totals approximately 7,500. An additional 7,000 students register in non-credit courses each year.

At Capilano University, students are safe, comfortable and challenged, and discover the individual attention that can make a difference to their achievements. It is our purpose to ensure that our students come first — not only at Capilano, but in all of their pursuits.