Vancouver Sidetrip: Fun on Grouse Mountain

Looking for an easy and fun Vancouver sidetrip?  Try Grouse Mountain.

Grouse Mountain is a fun Vancouver sidetrip only about 15 minutes from Vancouver.

The fun starts at the bottom of the mountain where you hop onto a gondola.  The Grouse Mountain gondola (the "Grouse Mountain SkyRide") takes riders up to the Peak Chalet (elevation 1128m, 3700ft), not far from the peak of Grouse Mountain.

Once at the top, the fun continues.  Explore the Peak Chalet (small theatre inside), see the lumberjack show, watch intently at the grizzly bear and wolf habitats, see the Birds in Motion demonstrations, go inside the hiwus feasthouse (an authentic First Nations cedar longhouse), and gaze at the Blue Grouse Lake. 

In summer, do a self-paced hike or do one of the 45-minute guided interpretive eco walks which go through the wildlife habitats and around the Blue Grouse Lake. 

At the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife see grey wolves and grizzly bears up close - with the safety of a fence between you and them.  Bird demonstrations can include owls, hawks and other birds.

For the adventurous, helicopter tours and tandem paragliding rides are available.  For the "slightly less adventurous but still brave", take a ride on the Screaming Eagle Chair Lift or sign up ahead of time to do the zipline.

During winter, Grouse Mountain transforms into a skiing and snowboarding mecca.

Whether visiting summer or winter, at the chalet or looking at the grizzlies, be sure to take a few moments to take in the aerial views of the Vancouver skyline and surrounding mountains.

How to get to Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is located in North Vancouver, a short drive from the Lions Gate Bridge.  The entrance is at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC.

Grouse Mountain travel tips

Grouse Mountain has a small selection of dining options.  Bring a picnic lunch (such as from food purchased at Granville Island Public Market) instead to save money on food.

Wear layers.  It can be a little cooler and more windy on top of the mountain.

Hours of operation are generally from after 8AM to 10PM, varying by season and activity.  For exact hours, see the Grouse Mountain website.  Get there early to beat the crowds.  The evening in the summer is good too - it stays light out late), but some activities close early.