Whether your after hearty hiking adventures, entertaining and educational nature shows, unique dining experiences or fantastic skiing (just to name a few) you can find it at Grouse Mountain, only 20 minutes from O Canada House. Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse is easily accessible by public transit or car.

Grind It!

If you are looking for a challenge (and an extreme one at that) on your visit to Vancouver, consider undertaking our city’s most popular hiking trail, the Grouse Grind. Grouse Mountain has lured intrepid mountaineers to its summit since it was first conquered in 1894 . At this time, the epic 4 day journey was not for the faint of heart, as the hearty hikers battled through dense forest and rough terrain.

Today, known by locals simply at “The Grind”  this trail  is often referred to as “Mother Nature’s StairMaster”, aptly so as hikers must negotiate 2,830 steps before reaching the 853 metre (2,800 ft) summit. Although the 2.9 km (1.8 mile) mainly vertical hike attracts over 100,000 visitors annually it must be given the respect it deserves. Be sure to dress appropriately in all-weather aerobic gear, proper outdoor shoes, bring lots of water and it is recommended that you are reasonably fit. For moderately fit hikers the average time length is about 1.5 hours, however novice visitors should allow themselves at least 2 hours to reach the peak.

Glide It!

If you were hoping for a more relaxing holiday experience, you’re in luck. Hop aboard Grouse Mountain’s SkyRide and get ready to fly! The 1 mile journey takes you high above the Douglas Fir trees that grace the mountainside, offering up phenomenal views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

The Peak Of Vancouver

No matter how you choose to reach the summit of Grouse Mountain, get ready for a fun filled day as a host of seasonally based activities await you at the top. One of our favorites are in fun and informative Ranger Talks where visitors learn about the Refuge For Endangered Wildlife, an enclosed mountaintop  sanctuary that is home to two orphaned grizzly bears. Also don’t forget to check out the Grey Wolf habitat at the base of the mountain on your way out. Other (seasonally based) acitvities include the World Famous Lumberjack Show, Theatre in the Sky, snow sports, outdoor ice skating, zip line treks, sleigh rides, Birds In Motion Demos and excellent shopping.

Once you’ve built up a hearty appetite, stop in for a world class dining experience at The Observatory at the summit of the mountain or for a more contemporary dining check out Altitudes Bistro. If something a little more casual is to your taste you will want to stop by the ever popular outdoor bbq at The Rusty Rail or grab a quick snack at Lupin’s Cafe.

Grouse mountain is Vancouver’s year round playground, a must see for all visitors to Vancouver, BC.

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