Grouse Mountain

Step atop one of Vancouver's hotspots - the mighty Grouse Mountain. Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Ranges with a maximum elevation of over 1,200 m (4,100 feet) at its peak. As the only true all-season attraction in the city, the mountain invites you in the summer to be a part of the adventure that encompasses this place! Come up and enjoy lumberjack shows, the "Birds in Motion" birds of prey demonstration, ziplining, paragliding, and lots of other fun activities! 

In the winter, an alpine ski area overlooking Metro Vancouver is the perfect spot for sliding down snow-capped slopes to get the adrenaline rush of your lifetime! There is no place quite like the peak of Vancouver - so what are you waiting for? Book a tour today to climb atop the majestic heights and take in the scenic skyline and cityscape. It can be an action-packed adventure or your time to unwind and quietly contemplate - your trip is totally up to you! With so much to do and see, this hotspot is a must-visit for anyone touring Vancouver!

What to Know

Nestled in the District Municipality of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is the stunning Grouse Mountain. As one of the North Shore Mountains in the Pacific Ranges, Grouse Mountain reaches a soaring elevation of over 1,200 meters (4,100 feet) at its peak. One of the mountain's biggest attractions is the Grouse Mountain Resort, a top-tier alpine ski area that boasts 33 runs and four chairlifts that provide stunning views of Metro Vancouver. 

This resort is not only limited to winter activities but during the summer months, visitors can also enjoy a variety of thrilling experiences, such as lumberjack shows, the "Birds in Motion" birds of prey demonstration, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, mountain biking, zip-lining, tandem paragliding, helicopter tours, and guided eco-walks. If you're looking for a year-round adventure, Grouse Mountain has got you covered with its 100-seat mountaintop theatre and wildlife refuge. The mountain is also home to two aerial tramways that are affectionately known as the Skyride.

The Blue Skyride is mainly used for freight transportation, while the Garaventa Red Skyride is a Swiss-built tramway that can accommodate up to 101 passengers (96 in summer) and provides public access to the mountaintop. If hiking is more your speed, you can take the 2.9-kilometer Grouse Grind hiking trail that is open for hiking from May to October, making it an ideal summer activity. Grouse Mountain is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for breathtaking views, thrilling activities, and a year-round adventure.

How to Get There

When planning a trip to Grouse Mountain, there are various transportation options available. While driving or taking public transit are viable options, booking a Guided Vancouver Tour that includes pickup and drop-off services is the best way to enjoy a stress-free and memorable experience. Instead of worrying about navigation and parking, travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views of the city as they are transported directly to the mountain and other hotspots of Vancouver such as Cliffwalk , Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and more!

For those who prefer to take public transit, the SeaBus from downtown Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver is a convenient option. However, for the ultimate Grouse Mountain experience, a tour with pickup and drop-off services is the way to go!

Best Time to Visit

The scenic Grouse Mountain is open year-round for you to explore! However, some activities are seasonal so make sure to check before you plan a visit to get the most out of your trip! If you love snowy adventures and winter wonderlands, do plan a visit in winter as this attraction has lots of things for you to do and see.

If you love action-packed adventures while the sun washes all over you, drop by in the summer months! There are many activities that you can enjoy year-round so whenever you feel like climbing atop this summit, do come by!

Highlights

If you're in Vancouver, seeing the city from heights is a must — that's why climbing atop the mighty Grouse Mountain should be on your bucket list when you're in town! Unlike other top peaks and heights that beckon you to see the city's spectacular views, Grouse Mountain promises action and not just quiet contemplation! Thrill-seekers and adventurers will be happy to know that they can do lots of things throughout the year at this top attraction whether it's going up to the Alpine Station in the exhilarating Super Skyride or getting a top cinematic experience in the Theatre in the Sky! 

Mountain Ziplines adventure across the heights of Grouse Mountain and Dam Mountain is something you shouldn't miss when you go there! In Spring, zipline enthusiasts can explore this fun activity and more in Mountain Ropes Adventure (ages 8+). Get the most jaw-dropping views of Vancouver from Eye of the Wind or drop by the wildlife refuge to connect with two resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Cool. You'll have lots of dining options open year-round to the public from the casual Altitudes Bistro to the hearty Rusty Rail BBQ & Grill. Dine as your eyes take in the stunning views of the city - a complete feast for the senses! 

In warmer months, you can get fit while trekking on The Grouse Grind Trail. This trail is often dubbed "Mother Nature’s Stairmaster" and rightly so. With an elevation gain of 800 meters, this 2.5-km ascent is challenging but highly rewarding if you have the guts to take on this hike! When you've done it all, don't forget to take the Screaming Eagle chairlift to The Cut where you can get a panoramic view of Vancouver from a vantage point! This way you can have a quiet moment to yourself after all the exhilarating activities. The famous Birds in Motion Demonstration is a must-see program where you can marvel at the fastest birds of prey ranging from eagles and falcons to owls and hawks! 

One of the most exhilarating things that you can do atop Grouse Mountain is to rise 1,610 m from the Lower Terminal to the Peak Chalet in a Skyride Surf Adventure - so make sure to add it to your to-do list when you visit Vancouver! Winters atop Grouse Mountain are truly something surreal - from the scenic night skiing where you can schuss through snowy hills while taking in the glorious vista spread all around you to exploring the winter wonderland by touring the snowshoe trails of the Blue Grouse Loop! The snow sports don't end there - not even close. So many trails and terrain parks await you at Grouse Mountain where you can try out your freestyle moves while skiing or snowboarding! 

You haven't really tried it all if you haven't glided on the ice skating pond on the heights of Vancouver - the one and only on the West Coast. To wrap up your winter adventure, sled down the slippery slopes of the Grouse Mountain Sliding Zone and have a laugh or two with your family! Overall, Grouse Mountain Resort is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia while experiencing a range of exciting activities and attractions.

History

Grouse Mountain has a rich history that dates back to October 1894 when it was named by the first recorded hikers to reach the summit. In those days, climbing the mountain was a challenging three or four-day journey as there was no bridge across Burrard Inlet and no road leading to the base. Despite the obstacles, a group of hardy hikers persevered through snow, rocks, and dense forests to reach the summit. During their journey, they hunted a Blue Grouse, and in honor of this plentiful game bird, they named the peak "Grouse Mountain."

Following this inaugural ascent, Grouse Mountain began attracting numerous intrepid hikers, including Don and Phyllis Munday, who built the mountain's first log cabin. Today, the Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park bears their name, recognizing their significant contributions to mountaineering. Over the years, Grouse Mountain has become a beloved destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.