Attraction
Stanley Park
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park covers about 405 hectares of forest, beaches and lakes on the Downtown peninsula, circled by an 8.8 km stretch of seawall.
Grouse Mountain
A 1,231-metre peak on the North Shore reached by aerial tram, with grizzly bears Grinder and Coola, ziplines, the Grouse Grind trail and skiing in winter.
At a glance
- Type
- Mountain resort
- Area
- North Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
- Official site
- grousemountain.com
Good to know
- Aerial tramway
- Grizzly bear habitat
- Ziplines
- Skiing in winter
- Wheelchair accessible
Why we recommend it
Grouse Mountain rises to 1,231 metres on the North Shore, about 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and gives the city its closest mountain day out. The base area sits at 274 metres. The McLaughlin family bought the mountain in 1976, and the resort has been owned by Northland Properties since 2020. Most visitors ride up on the Skyride: the red Super Skyride tram, added in 1976, carries just under 100 passengers per car, while the original blue tram of 1966 is now used mainly for supplies.
At the top, the Grizzly Bear Habitat is home to two resident bears, Grinder and Coola, and rangers give talks there. Owl ambassadors also appear in wildlife presentations. For more activity there are the Zipline Tour, the Mountain Ropes Adventure and a Kids Tree Canopy Adventure. The Eye of the Wind, a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine inaugurated in 2010, has an observation pod near the top of its tower. Meals can be taken on a patio with views across the city and the water.
The mountain is also known for the Grouse Grind, a 2.9 km trail that climbs 853 metres over 2,830 steps up the face of the mountain. Locals call it Mother Nature's Stairmaster. Metro Vancouver closes it each winter, usually from November until April or May, so check before you set off.
In winter Grouse becomes a ski area, typically from December to May, with 33 runs, 14 of them lit for night skiing, spread over 86 hectares. Four chairlifts and a magic carpet serve the slopes, 37 snow guns cover about three quarters of the terrain, and the runs split roughly into 17 per cent beginner, 54 per cent intermediate, 21 per cent advanced and 8 per cent expert. The lit runs make it possible to ski in the evening after a day in town.
Book the Skyride online in advance, especially at weekends and in summer. The mountain has accessible parking and is listed as wheelchair accessible. The resort's address is 6400 Nancy Greene Way in North Vancouver. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is also in North Vancouver, and the two can be combined in one full day on the North Shore.
Grouse Mountain FAQs
How do you get to the top of Grouse Mountain?
Most visitors take the Skyride aerial tram. The red Super Skyride carries just under 100 passengers per car.
How far is it from downtown Vancouver?
About 15 minutes by road, on the North Shore.
Can you see bears?
Yes. Two resident grizzlies, Grinder and Coola, live in the Grizzly Bear Habitat, and rangers give talks there.
What is the Grouse Grind?
A 2.9 km trail that climbs 853 metres over 2,830 steps. It closes each winter, usually from November to April or May.
Can you ski on Grouse Mountain?
Yes, usually from December to May, with 33 runs including 14 lit for night skiing.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has accessible parking and is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Should you book ahead?
Yes. Booking the Skyride in advance is recommended.
What activities are there for children?
The Kids Tree Canopy Adventure, the bear habitat and wildlife presentations are popular with families.