On the Skyride Surf Adventure you get to ride on top of the Grouse Mountain gondola. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Devin Manky
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is the place to go for great hiking, incredible views, close encounters with wildlife, high-adrenaline sports, and lots more.
How to Get to Grouse Mountain By Car
From Vancouver, go north through downtown and over the Lions Gate Bridge. Take the Marine Drive offramp from the bridge, then turn left at the traffic light onto Capilano Road. Follow Capilano Road uphill past the turn-offs to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Cleveland Dam. Stay on this road, which switches names to become Nancy Greene Way, to its end at the Grouse Mountain parking area.
How to Get to Grouse Mountain By Bus
You can get to Grouse Mountain on public transit. From downtown Vancouver, take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then the 236 bus. Grouse Mountain also offers a shuttle bus from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. The shuttle is free with the purchase of a Mountain Admission ticket.
Tips for Visiting
- Use the Grouse Mountain map to find your way around.
- Most experiences at the peak are included with your Mountain Admission Ticket.
- Check current conditions before you go to see which attractions are open.
- Bring warm layers – it is often much cooler in the mountains than it is at sea level.
- Dogs are not allowed at Grouse Mountain. However, there are exceptions for accredited service dogs.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted
- There are toilets at the base of the mountain, the Peak Chalet, and Rusty Rail BBQ. There are no toilets on the Grouse Grind or other hiking trails.
- Be bear aware. You may encounter black bears on the hiking trails. Learn about bear safety before you go.
- Be safe if you go hiking. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
Enjoy the View from Skyride
The Grouse Mountain Skyride has some of the best views in Vancouver. Step on board, then hang on as it whisks you 850 metres/2,800 feet up the mountain. As you glide along, keep an eye out for views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, Capilano Lake, and towering Douglas fir trees.
Enjoy the view from the Grouse Mountain Skyride. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
Challenge Yourself on the Grouse Grind
With the nickname of “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, the Grouse Grind is a tough hike. The 2.5-kilometre-long trail climbs relentlessly up the mountain. It takes most hikers about 2 hours to complete. The trail finishes at the Peak Chalet with incredible views. It’s a one-way hike so you can purchase a ticket to take the Skyride down.
The Grouse Grind is one big mountain staircase. Photo: Grouse Mountain
Meet the Wildlife
Grouse Mountain offers a safe opportunity to get up and close with wildlife. Visit the grizzly bear refuge to watch resident bears Grinder and Coola splash in their pond. The Birds in Motion show features the flying skills of several birds of prey including eagles, owls, and falcons. Or learn more about the local wildlife at daily Ranger Talks.
Grinder and Coola, the resident grizzly bears. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography
Watch the Lumberjack Show
Watch pro lumberjacks go head-to-head in traditional logger sports including tree climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling. The Lumberjack Shows include audience participants as you root for your favourite lumberjack.
The log rolling competition is a real highlight. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
Take a Nature Walk
Lots of short nature trails lead from the Peak Chalet into the surrounding forest. Explore the Blue Grouse Eco Walk, which takes you around a tiny lake. Or wander the paths to find incredible viewpoints of the city and nearby mountains. The best ones have colourful Adirondack chairs that invite you to sit awhile.
Sit back and enjoy the view. Photo: Grouse Mountain
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
If you’re into extreme sports, Grouse Mountain offers a few heart-pounding experiences. On the Skyride Surf Adventure, you ride the Skyride gondola up the mountain… but instead of being inside the cabin, you’ll be on top of it! Or sign up for the Mountain Ropes Adventure where you will balance, jump, climb, and zipline through the forest. And for the best views of all, book a tandem paragliding adventure. You’ll jump off the top of the mountain!
Balancing on the Mountain Ropes Adventure course. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Justa Jeskova Photography
Hit the Alpine Trails
The network of trails just north of Grouse Mountain in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is a hiker’s paradise. The trail system starts with moderately challenging routes to great viewpoints on Thunderbird Ridge, Dam Mountain, and Little Goat Mountain. Experienced hikers can trek further to Goat Mountain or Crown Mountain. The park map has good info about the difficulty and distance of each route.
You can hike to great viewpoints. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Enjoy a Meal with a View
Grab a table on the patio at Altitudes Bistro, order a plate of their famous nachos to share, then soak up the best views in town. If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience, reserve a table at The Observatory Restaurant. Be sure to ask if they window-side tables available.
The nighttime view from The Observatory Restaurant is spectacular. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
More Things To Do Near Grouse Mountain
There are lots more great activities near Grouse Mountain. Go for a walk at Capilano River Regional Park to enjoy the mountain views from Cleveland Dam and the rushing waters in the canyon. Or head to Capilano Suspension Bridge to walk high above the river. Nearby Edgemont Village is a cute place to grab a bite to eat or browse the boutiques.
Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
