8 Things to Do at Grouse Mountain in the Summer
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a go-to destination for hiking, incredible views, outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters and plenty more things to do throughout the summer.
How to Get to Grouse Mountain
To get to Grouse Mountain, you can travel by car, bus, or shuttle. Depending on traffic and your mode of transportation, the journey takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour from downtown Vancouver.
By Car
From Vancouver, go north through downtown and over the Lions Gate Bridge. Take the Marine Drive off-ramp 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.
By Bus
Forget dealing with traffic or parking and travel to Grouse Mountain on public transit. From downtown Vancouver, take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then the 236 bus.
By Shuttle
Grouse Mountain also offers a free shuttle bus from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver and The Shipyards in Lower Lonsdale. In the summer, it departs every 30-60 minutes, making it a convenient option that avoids paying for parking or gas.
Grouse Mountain Vancouver Tips for Visiting
- Use the Grouse Mountain map to find your way around.
- Most peak experiences are included with your Mountain Admission Ticket.
- Check current conditions before you go to see which attractions are open.
- Bring 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. Bring 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. Enjoy views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, Capilano Lake, and towering Douglas fir trees.
Challenge Yourself on the Grouse Grind
Given 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, taking 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 will need to purchase a ticket to take the Skyride down.
Meet the Wildlife
Grouse Mountain offers a safe opportunity to get up close with wildlife. Visit the grizzly bear refuge to watch resident bear Coola splash in his 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.
Watch a Lumberjack Show
Watch a crew of champion lumberjacks go head-to-head in traditional logger sports, including tree climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling. The Lumberjack Shows are wildly entertaining and a one-of-a-kind Grouse Mountain summer experience.
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. Many have colourful Adirondack chairs that invite you to sit awhile.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
If you’re into extreme sports or heart-pounding experiences, Grouse Mountain has you covered. 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! Or take a ride on the new Gravity Coaster, a control-your-own-speed roller coaster featuring twists and turns through trees and features and jawdropping views of Vancouver.
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.
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 have window-side tables available.
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.
With incredible views, outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences, it’s easy to see why Grouse Mountain is one of the most popular Vancouver attractions. Make a day of it by exploring the mountain before checking out even more nearby attractions and experiences across the North Shore.
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