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Is Grouse Mountain Worth Visiting?

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Is Grouse Mountain Worth Visiting?

Grouse Mountain is definitely worth the visit if you're in Vancouver and you'll also find much to love about it if you enjoy nature. The views are stunning, whether it be across the mountainside or straight out over the city.

It's also a lovely place to spend a day outside hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing on one of its trails. This actually prompted us to look up the closest ski resort in the area!

Grouse Mountain undoubtedly appeals to a wide range of people due to the diversity of its activities. It even has a few kids' activities, making it ideal for families.

What is Grouse Mountain in Vancouver known for?

Grouse Mountain is known as the only four-season destination in the Lower Mainland. The mountain is approximately 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) and it’s located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.

The mountain was named by the first hikers who climbed it in October 1894. They hunted a Blue Grouse along the way and called the Peak "Grouse Mountain" in honor of the bird.

Grouse Mountain is not only known for its stunning views, but it hosts one of Canada's oldest ski clubs, The Tyee Ski Club, which was established in 1929, is known to call visitors from all over for its skiing and ski racing.

In fact, Grouse Mountain became so popular that it built a double chairlift in Vancouver back in 1948, allowing skiers and visitors to ascend the mountain in two stages.

To accommodate this growing trend, the Grouse Mountain Snow School opened in 1965 to provide ski lessons and training. This allowed even non-experienced skiers to experience the captivating slopes. 

Now, Grouse Mountain has over 15 activities and attractions for both children and adults. They have also become a popular destination for dining and dancing.

They have over nine restaurants and cafes that serve a variety of cuisines such as British Columbian dishes, traditional BBQ meals, Italian restaurants, and many more.

Needless to say, if you're looking for a great experience with lots of variety during your trip here, you can't go wrong with Grouse Mountain. The views are amazing, and there's plenty to do.

Admission tickets range in price from CAD 36 to CAD 69, with family tickers costing CAD 179 for two adults and two children. This admission ticket covers most of Grouse Mountain's summer and winter activities.

Activities and Attractions in Grouse Mountain

Ride the Skyride

The Skyride is one of the largest aerial tramway systems in North America and operates year-round. It serves as the entrance to The Peak of Vancouver, offering views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf Islands, and the snow-capped peaks.

The Mountain Admission Ticket includes a round-trip Skyride. The first downhill ride begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs every 15 minutes.

During the summer, they also offer the Skyride Surf Adventure. From the Lower Terminal to the Peak Chalet, this ride ascends 2,800 feet. 

The Skyride Surf Adventure features a unique viewing platform from which visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the coastal mountains and the Lower Mainland.

Discover the Theatre in the Sky

If you enjoy going to the movie theaters, we recommend stopping by the Theatre in the Sky. This is where you can learn about Grouse Mountain’s history and culture through high-definition cinema.

This attraction is also included in the mountain admission ticket. However, we recommend checking Grouse Mountain’s website for viewing hours before visiting.

Experience Mountain Ropes Adventure

Mountain Ropes Adventures is ideal for those looking for something more exciting. Visitors can traverse plank bridges, do rock climbing, nets, and zip lines. 

There are also different difficulty levels on the ropes course, and children can play in the treetop canopy!

From May 21st to October 10th, Mountain Ropes Adventures is open daily, with tours departing every 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this attraction is not included in the mountain admission ticket, so visitors must pay an additional CAD 45.

Lockers are available for rent for CAD 2 to store your belongings while you’re on tour. Washrooms are also located on the Peak Chalet’s main floor for guests’ convenience.

Dine at Altitudes Bistro

Altitudes Bistro is a British-Columbian restaurant that offers regional cuisine, with mountain views and tables on a spacious patio.

Located on the Peak Chalet’s upper floor, the tables here are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to worry about not being able to enter the restaurant because it’s included with the mountain admission ticket.

What we liked best about the Altitudes Bistro is that it offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. They offer a wide selection of starters, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.

We highly recommend their special Mountain Nachos, which costs CAD 3.95. This tasty dish has Jack and Cheddar cheese, vegetables, sweet soy, and taro chips!

Customers can also add CAD 3.95 for extra guacamole, chicken, or ground beef to this dish, which costs CAD 23.95. Aside from that, Altitudes Bistro serves a variety of beers, which prompted us to consider visiting a brewery to see how they’re made.

They also sell a wide selection of wine, mocktails, and cocktails with prices ranging from CAD 4 to CAD 89.95.

Chill at Grouse Grind Coffee Bar

The next stop is the Grouse Grind Coffee Bar, where you can score specialty coffee drinks alongside a wide selection of hearty meals. 

This cafe is ideal for those looking to refuel with fresh dishes on the go. Grouse Grind Coffee Bar also serves organic teas sourced locally, freshly brewed coffee, and hot chocolate.

We highly recommend this cafe for brunch because it has a diverse menu that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options for people of all ages.

A meal at Grouse Grind Coffee Bar will cost you between CAD 4.25 and CAD 14.75, while coffee and tea will cost you between CAD 2.20 and CAD 4.

How to Get To Grouse Mountain

By Public Transit

If you’re taking public transportation, the Seabus will take you from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay. Take the #236 bus directly to Grouse Mountain from there.

By Mountain Shuttle

Grouse Mountain provides a free shuttle ride from Canada Place to Grouse Mountain every 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The daily shuttle schedules are available on their website. When you buy a mountain admission ticket, you get round-trip transportation.

By Car

The quickest way to get to Grouse Mountain by car is to take Georgia Street through Stanley Park and across the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Then, take the North Vancouver exit to Marine Drive, then make a left up Capilano Road for 5 kilometers.

Grouse Mountain has pay parking on their property, and they encourage guests to purchase parking slots using their own device’s Pay-By-Phone app.

A 3-hour parking ticket will set you back CAD 8, while a full-day parking ticket will set you back CAD 10. If you are a frequent visitor, a 1-year full-service parking permit for CAD 40 is recommended.


For anyone who is familiar with Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is not a place they should miss out on. The views, the wildlife, and the experience of nature all come together to create an excellent appeal to visitors of every background and preference.

If you’re looking for more activities to do while you’re in the city, why not check out these articles:

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