Photo: saltyseadog
There’s a reason the hike up the “Peak of Vancouver” isn’t called the Grouse Saunter. But the hard work to get to the top is well worth the sweat and sore legs.
You can, of course, take the gondola up — but we both know how much more you’ll appreciate the panoramic views over Vancouver when you feel like you’ve earned them. But don’t get too cocky; it’s not as easy as you think.
The base of Grouse Mountain is easily reachable from Vancouver by public transit or car. Once there you can decide if you want to give the Grouse Grind a go, or if you’d be more comfortable skimming over the tree tops in the Skyride.
This is not a walk in the park, so give it the respect it deserves
If you choose the former, be prepared. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. I’ve seen unprepared hikers being carried back down when they couldn’t continue (with a look on their face like they’d just spent a week in the desert). I’ve also seen countless visitors wearing jeans, flips-flops, and Gucci handbags. This is not a walk in the park, so give it the respect it deserves.
The hike is a steep one, and is mostly up steps. If you’re in decent shape, expect to complete it within one to one and a half hours. If you’re fitter than a fiddle, you can try to break the official men’s record of 26:19 or the women’s of 31:04.
Plenty to do and see in the summer
Sure enough, in the wintertime you can shush your way down the ski runs, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, ice skate and snowshoe. But there is also plenty to do during the summer months.
Photo: unwritten
No matter how you decide to get to the top, you face a variety of entertaining summer activities. Some of the things on offer: scenic chairlift rides, ziplines, paragliding, and helijet rides. You can also visit the grizzly bears at the wildlife refuge, watch the lumberjack show, or take in a flick at the Theatre in the Sky.
On a clear day, Grouse has some of the best views over Vancouver, the surrounding areas, and Burrard Inlet, so don’t forget your camera.
It’s not advisable to hike down the Grind, but for just a few bucks you can descend in the Skyride. Make sure you hold on as it passes the towers — it can get a bit bumpy!
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For more in our mountains series, click here for posts on peaks like Volcan Licancabur in Bolivia, Tai Shan in China, Mt. Etna in Sicily, and Katahdin in Maine.
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4 Comments... join the discussion!
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If you want to hear about me flipping over my handlebars numerous times going down Seymour mountain, then I could write that! Otherwise, should probably wait for someone more experienced!
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Did this 2 years ago: made it up in 1 hour and 10 minutes (in the rain no less)! Even with the overcast/foggy conditions, the view was incredible,, and I made a new friend on the way up (his wife opted to take the gondola
).Note well though: Take LOTS of water, pace yourself, and wearing layers is advisable (I had a hoodie on above a t-shirt and an Underarmour heatgear shirt; by the end, I only had the Underarmour on, in spite of the light rain and temperature around +17c), and PACE yourself.
To those who take on the Grind, have fun!
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I hiked up fromme and drove up seymour to bike down, the hike up fromme was well worth all the switchbacks to get to some SICK trails. I went by myself and ended up riding with a pack for both trips the other riders were super friendly
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