Grouse Mountain

There are several ways to access Grouse Mountain with a tour guide. Whether you opt for a small-group, private, or luxury tour, or simply buy an admission ticket to explore on your own, booking in advance is recommended. Grouse is a veritable outdoor playground, with everything from a wind tunnel, a glass-pod observation area, and a theater to ziplining, paragliding, disc golf, and skiing and ice skating as the seasons permit. The 1.8-mile (2.8-kilometer) Grouse Grind hiking trail runs up the face of the mountain, and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

• Grouse Mountain is family-friendly, with special events for kids.

• Local wildlife such as bears, wolves, owls, and other birds are common sights.

• The Grouse Grind is a fairly difficult, steep hike and includes 2,830 steps. The trail goes only one way (up!), so be prepared with sturdy shoes and water, and check ahead for weather-related trail closures.

• Most activities are included in the price of admission.

Grouse Mountain is located in North Vancouver, across the Burrard Inlet and Vancouver Harbour from downtown. To get there by car, take Highway 99 north across the Lions Gate Bridge, exit in North Vancouver to Marine Drive, then turn left up Capilano Road. A complimentary shuttle runs from downtown Vancouver, as does the SeaBus and bus No. 236. Once there, you can ride the Grouse Mountain Skyride or hike the Grouse Grind to the summit.

The mountain is open year-round and the park is open daily from 9am to 10pm, with seasonal availability for different activities. In summer the mountain park offers lumberjack shows, alpine hiking trails, and a grizzly bear and endangered animal refuge. During winter there are 26 ski and snowboard runs, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and lots of festive fun for the holidays, including night skiing. The Grouse Grind is generally open only during daylight hours, between May and October. On clear days, it’s possible to see across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island from the summit.

Grouse Mountain is part of the North Shore Mountains. Outside of summiting the mountain, the nearby Lions Gate Bridge is another place to take in the surrounding views. For adrenaline seekers, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers even more mountain escapades with its canopy walkway above the trees and a 300-foot (91-meter) Cliffwalk of suspended footpaths. All three are a short driving distance from one another and make for an adventurous day in the mountains.

The walk up Grouse Mountain is around 2.5 miles (1.55 kilometers). The hike usually takes 2–2.5 hours, depending on how fast of a hiker you are and how much time you spend stopping for breaks, but some people can do it more quickly.

Yes, it is worth going up Grouse Mountain, especially if you like hiking. The views are spectacular, and the hike up the 2,830 stairs that lead to the top is an invigorating workout. Just be prepared for a total elevation gain of around 2,624 feet (800 meters).

Depending on the season, there is a ton to do at the top of Grouse Mountain. Highlights include a glassed-in observation area, a wind tunnel, and a theater. More active travelers will find ziplining and disc golf in the summertime and skiing and ice skating in the wintertime.

Yes, the Grouse Mountain hike is somewhat challenging. You need to be prepared to hike up nearly 3,000 stairs with a reasonably substantial elevation gain, and a moderate level of physical fitness and mobility is a good idea. However, there’s also a gondola for those who can’t or would rather not do the hike.

The temperature at the top of Grouse Mountain naturally varies by season. While it’s generally cool at the top of Grouse Mountain, summer high temperatures top off around 59° F (15°C), while winter low temperatures can drop as cold as 21°F (-6°C). The humidity is usually high, so be prepared for rain or snow.

Yes, the Grouse Mountain Zipline is worth it, particularly if you enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities and gorgeous forest views. The five-line dual-line circuit means you can zip through the trees side-by-side with a friend or family member while reaching up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) per hour.