Looking for Grouse Mountain summer activities to get out of the hustle and bustle of Vancouver?
This breathtaking destination with its stunning views is an unforgettable experience no matter what the season is.
Let’s take a closer look at what to do at Grouse Mountain in the summer.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – We’re now in high season. Lines for the gondola are long and you’ll likely have to wait several trips to get up – avoid this by booking Grouse Mountain tickets in advance with no money down.
Grouse Mountain Summer Activities
OK, so I’ve got a curated list of the top Grouse Mountain summer activities for 2023.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you can traverse the Peak of Vancouver you’ll need to purchase a ticket.
Your Grouse Mountain summer admission includes the following:
- Round-trip on the scenic Skyride
- Peak Sightseeing Chair
- Lumberjack shows
- Ranger talks
- Grizzly bear habitat
- Eco-walks
- Birds in Motion demonstration (mid-May to September)
- Theatre in the Sky (year-round)
Grouse Mountain Admission
- Adults (19-64): $86.17
- Seniors (65+): $75.40
- Youth (13-18): $66.63
- Children (5-12): $43.09
- Toddlers (>5): free
Hike the Legendary Grouse Grind
Are you looking to sneak in a bit of exercise on your visit to Vancouver?
Then I present to you the most prototypical Vancity option to get your heart pumping. Colloquially known as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster, the Grouse Grind is a 2.9-kilometre trail that meanders directly up the face of Grouse Mountain.
☄️ Need custom advice on how to plan your Vancouver holiday? Join our Vancouver Vacation Help Facebook group – you can ask any question you want and we’ll respond with custom advice – for free!
But heed my warning; this hike is not for the faint of heart! You’ll be forced to climb 853 metres (1800 feet) up with an average grade of 31%.
That said, most hikers with an average fitness level should be able to complete the trail in around 90 minutes. However, the official record belongs to Sebastian Salas, with an astonishing time of 23:48.
Think you can beat him?
There is no fee for using the trail, so you won’t be required to pay for admission. However, you’re officially required to return to base camp via the Skyride ($15.00).
The grind is open between Spring and Fall during daylight hours only. To learn more, check out the Grouse Grind website.
Related: Is Grouse Mountain Free?
Related: How Long Does the Grouse Mountain Skyride Take?
Related: Is Grouse Mountain Worth It?
Rope Yourself in for a Mountain Adventure
Targeted at visitors of 8 and above, the Mountain Ropes Adventure is a set of four aerial ropes courses that vary in difficulty level.
The courses contain over 50 unique elements, including bridges, tunnels, slacklines, and zip lines. After a quick safety briefing, you can clip in and slide, swing, and jump to the finish!
Sound a little dangerous? Not to worry, your guide will grab you a safety harness, give you some tips, and ensure a safe and secure environment for participants of all ages.
While not included with regular admission, your Ropes Adventure ticket includes mountain admission. For more info or to purchase your tickets, click on the button below.
Hang Ten on the Skyride Surf Adventure
Feel the fresh mountain air on your face as you ascend 1,610 metres from North Vancouver’s Valley Plaza to Grouse Mountain’s Peak Chalet.
That’s right; you will stand on top of the Skyride while you ride to the top!
After a brief safety demonstration, your guide will highlight the most important landmarks on your adventure. Then it’s time to climb aboard your “surfboard”: the red Garaventa Skyride Gondola!
Soar high above the old-growth Douglas Firs and cedars below, where you’ll receive open-air access to the most breathtaking views that the Metro Vancouver area has to offer.
For more info, click the button below:
Try Your Hand at Paragliding
Still haven’t found that adrenaline rush?
Then how about jumping off the entire mountain! This ultimate flying experience allows you to launch yourself 3,300 feet off the peak of Grouse Mountain down to Cleveland Park below.
First, you’ll receive a quick tutorial and safety demonstration (I would hope so!). Then you’ll be free to soar through the air like an eagle and leave your earthly worries behind, harnessing only the power of the cool oceanic breeze.
Paragliding is unforgettable as it is. But toss in the Grouse Mountain summer setting and stunning city views, and the experience becomes otherworldly.
For more information, visit the Tandem Paragliding webpage.
Related: How Long to Spend at Grouse Mountain?
Pair Your Visit With a Trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge
Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s top summertime attractions. But many visitors are unaware that another of the city’s most famous sights is located just down the road.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge that crosses the Capilano River just 5 minutes from Grouse Mountain’s base camp.
Nestled amongst the lush local rainforest, this “naturally thrilling” destination is filled with family-friendly activities.
The awe-inspiring Treetop Adventure, spellbinding Cliff Walk, and educational Kia’palano experience serve as a worthy appetizer to the main course — the 140 meters long Capilano Suspension Bridge.
You can grab your Grouse Mountain admission ticket combined with the Capilano Suspension bridge using the button below.
It even includes a visit to the nearby Capilano Salmon Hatchery, making for a fantastic triple touristic threat.
Try Your Hand at Disc Golf
The Cut on Grouse Mountain is renowned as the most scenic ski run on Vancouver’s local mountains. The views of Vancouver, the Coast Mountains and the Salish Sea the run offers are unparalleled.
However, when the snow begins to melt, the area transforms into the area’s most challenging disc golf course. You’ll find 18 holes of varying difficulty levels that should appeal to both beginners and experienced players alike.
This scenic course takes full advantage of the local mountain terrain to provide an unrivaled take on this exciting summer activity.
Discs are available at the Outfitters at Grouse Mountain’s Peak Chalet, and play is free with admission.
Related: How to Get to Grouse Mountain
Get an Upclose Look at the Local Wildlife
In addition to being an outdoor playground, Grouse Mountain also functions as a wildlife refuge for endangered local wildlife.
The mountain houses a sanctuary where endangered animals can explore and play, comfortable with they’re safety and security.
A research, education, and conservation centre is also located on the mountain. Here you’ll find interpretative programs that make learning about nature fun and fascinating for visitors of all ages.
Highlights include the mountain’s famous Grizzly Bears Grinder and Coola. Visitors can watch the feedings of these incredible creatures during the summer months.
You view many of BC’s fiercest birds of prey, including eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks.
They put on an incredible demonstration of their speed and athleticism during the popular Birds in Motion exhibit.
Finalized Your Grouse Mountain Summer Activities?
I hope my list of things to do at Grouse Mountain in summer has convinced you that it’s more than just a winter getaway.
Whether you’re in need of info for Grouse Mountain summer activities or anything else Vancouver-related, don’t hesitate to drop me a line in the comments below!
Enjoy the Grouse Mountain summer.
Leave a reply