Grouse Mountain
Iconic Vancouver peak offering challenging hikes, breathtaking gondola rides, and family-friendly summit attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, good for hiking
Grouse Mountain
Best Time
Less crowded, good for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Vancouver peak offering challenging hikes, breathtaking gondola rides, and family-friendly summit attractions.
"The gondola ride up the mountain was awesome and the views at the top was even more amazing."
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the Grouse Grind. Avoid slippery conditions and get good grip.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The Grind is a serious workout; stay hydrated! Refill stations are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grouse Grind Hike
Base of Grouse Mountain
Nature's stairmaster! A challenging 2.5km ascent with 2,830 stairs and 800m elevation gain. A true Vancouver test!
Skyride Gondola Views
Base to Peak Chalet
Breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver, the city skyline, and the ocean during a scenic ride up the mountain.
Lumberjack Show
Peak Chalet
Hilarious and entertaining show featuring skilled lumberjacks performing impressive feats of strength and agility.
Grizzly Bear Habitat
Near Peak Chalet
Meet Grinder and Coola, orphaned grizzly bears living in a wildlife refuge, a heartwarming experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Grouse Grind: Conquer Nature's Stairmaster
Gondola Views & Peak Activities
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the Grouse Grind. Avoid slippery conditions and get good grip.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The Grind is a serious workout; stay hydrated! Refill stations are available.
💰 Evening Tickets are Cheaper
Save money by visiting after 7 PM for a beautiful sunset and fewer crowds.
🐻 Visit the Grizzly Bears
Don't miss Grinder and Coola, orphaned grizzlies at the wildlife refuge.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the Grouse Grind. Avoid slippery conditions and get good grip.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The Grind is a serious workout; stay hydrated! Refill stations are available.
💰 Evening Tickets are Cheaper
Save money by visiting after 7 PM for a beautiful sunset and fewer crowds.
🐻 Visit the Grizzly Bears
Don't miss Grinder and Coola, orphaned grizzlies at the wildlife refuge.
🪓 Don't Miss the Lumberjack Show
A crowd-pleasing, hilarious, and impressive show for all ages.
🚶♀️ Nature Trail Descent
Easier than the Grind, this trail offers a pleasant walk back down from the bears.
🧥 Dress in Layers
It can be significantly colder at the summit than in the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views from the Skyride gondola and the summit, with the lumberjack show and grizzly bears being particular highlights for families. While the cost of the gondola, especially a one-way trip down, is noted as steep, many find the overall experience and activities to be worth the price. Some dining options receive mixed reviews, and shuttle reliability can be an issue.
"The bcmc is a tough but nice hike. Less crowded than the grind. $25 to take the single gondola down is steep though."
Peter Sammarco
"My kids and I had so much fun. The gondola ride up the mountain was awesome and the views at the top was even more amazing. The lumber Jack show was hilarious I appreciate the effort they put into it and the bird show was fun too. My little guy was over the moon to watch the bears. In my opinion it's worth the cost. And we ended the day with snacks at from the cafe and the gondola ride down the mountain."
Saudia Dhanraj
"We had a fun trip to Grouse Mountain. Gondola ride, grizzly bears, hikes, excellent vies and sunset.. we reached late in the evening but still had a good time. Staff was friendly. Overall loved the experience."
Vinayak Muthal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive, take public transit, or use a shuttle service. The TransLink bus #236 is a common public transit option from downtown Vancouver to the base of Grouse Mountain. Many visitors also opt for organized tours that include transportation.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the base of Grouse Mountain. It can fill up quickly during peak seasons and weekends.
Yes, shuttle services are available, often included with tour packages or as a separate paid option. Be aware that shuttle schedules can sometimes be unreliable.
Yes, the TransLink bus #236 stops at the base of Grouse Mountain, making it accessible via public transit from downtown Vancouver.
Driving or taking a pre-booked shuttle is recommended for evening visits to ensure timely arrival and departure, especially if relying on public transport which may have reduced service later in the day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost typically includes the Skyride gondola. Prices can vary, but expect around $25 for a single gondola ride down if you hike up. Annual passes are also available.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the Skyride gondola (round trip or one-way), or if you hike the Grouse Grind, you can pay for a single gondola ride down.
The hike up the Grouse Grind itself is free, but you will need to pay for the Skyride gondola to descend if you don't want to hike back down.
Operating hours vary by season. The Skyride typically runs from morning until evening. It's best to check the official Grouse Mountain website for current hours.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for specific times like sunset, to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy the Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion demonstration, visit the grizzly bear habitat, take a scenic chairlift ride, and explore various viewpoints. +1
The Grouse Grind is a very strenuous hike and is not recommended for absolute beginners. It's often called 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster' due to its steepness and number of stairs. +1 The BCMC trail is a more moderate option.
For hiking, wear sturdy athletic shoes or hiking boots. For the summit, dress in layers as the temperature can be much cooler than in the city.
Yes, there are dining options at the Peak Chalet, including a cafe and a dining area. Food quality can be mixed, with some visitors preferring the dining area over the BBQ.
Yes, you can see the resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, in their habitat. You might also spot birds during the 'Birds in Motion' show.
📸 📸 Photography
The Skyride gondola offers incredible photo opportunities during the ascent and descent. At the top, the panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. The area around the wind turbine also provides great mountain vistas.
Absolutely! Sunset views from Grouse Mountain are renowned and offer stunning colors over the city and ocean.
Yes, you can take photos of Grinder and Coola in their designated habitat. Remember to be respectful of their space.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city and mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography if you're lucky.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of posted signs and any specific event restrictions. Drone usage is typically prohibited without special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to see the grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, is always a highlight for kids. +1 While the Grouse Grind is too strenuous for most young children, families can enjoy easier walks around the summit and the scenic chairlift ride. Consider visiting during the day to maximize daylight hours and take advantage of the various shows and activities. 💰 Budget Travelers
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conquering the Grouse Grind
It's a popular fitness challenge for locals and tourists alike, with many aiming to beat their personal best times. For those seeking a less intense ascent or descent, the BCMC trail offers a more traditional hiking path. It's often less crowded than the Grind and can be a good alternative for those who want to experience the mountain's trails without the relentless stairs.
The Skyride Experience and Summit Attractions
From the comfort of the gondola, you'll witness stunning vistas of Vancouver's cityscape, the surrounding Pacific Ocean, and the lush temperate rainforest. It's a fantastic way to reach the summit, especially for those who prefer not to hike or are short on time. Once at the top, Grouse Mountain transforms into a hub of activity. The Lumberjack Show is a perennial favorite, filled with humor and impressive feats of strength.
The Birds in Motion demonstration showcases the incredible agility of various raptors. +1 These orphaned bears are a testament to the conservation efforts on the mountain. Don't forget to explore the summit area, including the impressive wind turbine, and soak in the incredible 360-degree views. Seasonal Activities and Best Times to Visit
+3 The mountain is adorned with snow, offering a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. In the warmer months, the focus shifts to hiking, with the Grouse Grind being a major draw. Summer evenings are particularly magical, offering stunning sunsets and often more affordable Skyride tickets.
+2 Visiting after 7 PM can be a great way to experience the mountain without the peak daytime crowds and at a lower cost. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit