Grouse Mountain

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

• You can sometimes get a discount if you buy Grouse Mountain tickets in advance.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Into the Mountains

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.

Ways to explore

There’s so much to see and do at Grouse Mountain, you can easily spend a half or full day exploring. Visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge, watch a live lumberjack show, and dine at a mountaintop restaurant, then take your pick from seasonal activities such as ziplining, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and riding the mountain coaster.

Many tours visit Grouse Mountain from Vancouver, and most include tickets for the Skyride Aerial Tram or Blue Grouse Gondola. Pair your visit with a city sightseeing tour, visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, or guided mountain or snowshoeing trek.

Accessibility

The aerial tram, chalet, lumberjack show, and refuge are all accessible for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility. Access to the peak may require assistance in winter due to snow cover. All ski lifts are accessible for those using adaptive skiing devices, and adaptive snow sports instruction is available. Service dogs are permitted at all attractions except for the wildlife refuges.

Age limits

Grouse Mountain has activities for all ages; reduced-rate child (5–12 years) and youth (13–18) tickets are available; children under 2 years may visit for free.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle and plenty of water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves (in the winter)

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with a good grip, waterproof coat or jacket (it can be chilly on the mountain, even in summer)

Not allowed

Drones, sleds, skateboards, snow skates, pets

Amenities

Information points, restaurants and cafés, gift shops, ATM, ski/mountain bike rental, restrooms, first aid station, lost and found, lockers

Address 

Grouse Mountain is located in North Vancouver, across the Burrard Inlet and Vancouver Harbour from downtown Vancouver. It’s easy to reach the base of the mountain by car or public transport; from there, you can ride the Grouse Mountain Skyride, take the Blue Grouse Gondola, or hike the Grouse Grind to the summit.

Driving

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. There are paid parking lots at the base of the mountain.

Public transportation

Take the SeaBus from downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay, followed by bus No. 236—about a 1-hour journey in total. A complimentary shuttle also runs from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver in the summer.

Best times to visit

The mountain is accessible daily year-round from 9am to 9pm, although times of individual restaurants, attractions, and activities vary. Get there when the lifts open to beat the crowds or time your visit to watch the sunset from the mountaintop.

Best days to visit

With clear skies, it’s possible to see across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island from the summit, so it’s worth checking the weather forecast if you have a choice of days. Weekends are often busiest, especially during school holidays, while mid-week is quietest.

Best months to visit

Ski season on Grouse Mountain typically runs from mid-November through late April, and the best snow is usually in January. December, July, and August bring an abundance of seasonal activities, but for fewer crowds and shorter lines, a spring or fall visit is preferable.

Special events

The mountain hosts a variety of special events and activities to celebrate holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. From late November until Christmas Day, the “Peak of Christmas” festival includes a Santa’s grotto and reindeer, and the Grouse Mountain New Year’s Eve fireworks are legendary.