Grouse Mountain
It’s no secret that one of the best things about living in Vancouver is our access to some of the most spectacular wilderness that you’ll find anywhere in the world. TransLink has made getting far away from the hustle even faster and easier, and will get you there and back to the city safely with new COVID protocols in place.
So grab your mask and good pair of hiking shoes and set out on this day of high mountain adventure, with a few tasty pit stops thrown in to keep you going.
1. Your first stop is downtown at Burrard Landing, easily accessed by bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus, to De Dutch which has been serving traditional Danish cuisine alongside West Coast favourites “with a twist” since 1975. Get there when they open at 8am and grab a seat on their patio that overlooks the waters of Vancouver Harbour and marvel at the mountains standing tall on the other side, and get excited to get over there and explore. Order an extra pannekoeken with your breakfast – you’re gonna need it.
2. After filling up, head east to Waterfront Station where you’ll catch the SeaBus for a beautiful ride across the harbour which is a Vancouver attraction in itself. Watch the seaplanes take off and land, and look up, way up, as you pass within spittin’ distance of the huge freighters making their way in and out of Port of Vancouver, Canada’s Largest Port, just to your right.
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3. Once on the other side, head through the Lonsdale Quay up to Esplanade Avenue and catch the #236 Bus to Grouse Mountain. Enjoy the window show as you wind up through ultra-scenic North Vancouver. After embarking, tie up your laces tight and take a deep breath as you come face to face with Vancouver’s right-of-passage, the Grouse Grind. 2,830 stairs take you straight up the face of the Mountain to a summit of 3,700 feet where you can bask not only in your glory, but in the sweeping view of the entire metro Vancouver area and Burrard Inlet. Grab a snack if you need one, then head back down the mountain on the Skyride aerial tramway for more breathtaking thrills. Don’t forget you’ll need your mask for this ride too.
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4. Back at ground level, board the next #236 Bus heading back down to the Quay, but this time get off only a few minutes later at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for some more forest exploration among towering Douglas Firs and the swinging bridge across the Capilano River. There’s lots to see and do in the park, so explore until you’re hungry again and find the #246 Bus to take you back downtown for dinner. (Do note: Capilano Park will close until the Christmas season on September 30.)
5. Take in views of the water and Stanley Park as you cross the Lions Gate Bridge, then get off at the Denman Street stop just past the Park. Stroll up Denman as easy as you please with its many restaurants and pubs offering fare from around the world, but do yourself a favour and make it to the end of the street and head up stairs to the Bayside Lounge. Rest your weary feet in one of the plush booths around the sunken circular bar and toast your accomplishments with a beverage and a full dinner menu. Time it right and you’ll be able to watch the sun go down over English Bay through the wraparound windows, and remember exactly why you’d never want to live anywhere else.
Find more family fun itineraries, vacation inspiration, special offers on hotels and attractions, and travel safe details at tourismvancouver.com/comeback.
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