Being Vancouver’s number one tourist attraction, there’s no shortage of things to do on Grouse Mountain.
This true four-season, five-star destination located just 20 minutes from downtown in North Vancouver is an alpine playground of outdoor activities, panoramic views, and elite dining options.
You may even briefly forget the city even exists – lest you look down!
Let’s figure out what to do on Grouse Mountain.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – Especially during high season, tickets to visit Grouse Mountain sell out quickly. Guarantee your tickets by booking in the Vancouver sightseeing shop at Viator.
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What is Grouse Mountain?
Grouse Mountain is part of the Coast Mountain Range in North Vancouver on the city’s North Shore.
Its iconic peaks provide Vancouver with one the most stunning urban backdrops in the world – and its mountain playground is one of the top things to do in Vancouver.
It’s the city’s most visited all-season attraction and should be part of any Vancouver itinerary.
In short, Grouse Mountain is:
- A wildlife refuge
- A ski hill
- An educational cinema
- A place of outdoor adventure and hiking
- Home to several resident grizzly bears
- The city’s most beautiful location for ice skating
- A dining destination
- The best view in the city
What to Do on Grouse Mountain in 2023
Take the Skyride for Stunning Views
Grouse Mountain operates the Swiss built Garaventa Red Skyride to whisk visitors 2800 feet from North Vancouver’s Valley Plaza to the Peak Chalet above.
Aside from the world famous Grouse Grind hiking trail there’s no other way up.
With a capacity of 101 passengers, you’ll have plenty of room to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the scenery – just be sure to have that camera ready.
The breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline, North Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean below are postcard perfect.
Check Out the Peak Chalet
Grouse Mountain’s Peak Chalet is the terminus of the Skyride and will be your base of operation to explore.
Here you’ll find a stunning panoramic view deck – I strongly recommend grabbing a local craft beer or coffee from the Altitude’s Bistro and heading out to soak in a little bit of the stunning city view with each sip.
There’s also the Spirit Gallery gift shop showcasing unique products crafted by local artisans.
This massive Swiss-style chalet is also home to the Theatre in the Sky and a variety of dining options – but more on that later.
See Some Grizzly Bears
Grouse Mountain isn’t just a respite from the urban grind for hard-working Vancouverites – it’s also a refuge for local endangered animals.
In fact, the mountain contains a fully operational research, conservation and education centre that is dedicated to the safety and security of these species.
The wildlife refuge also contains a variety of groundbreaking interpretive programs to make learning about the local eco-system fun for visitors of all ages.
And it’s all included in your admission!
Soak in the majesty of local birds of prey in the Birds in Motion demonstration. If you’re hungry you can even enjoy one of the best breakfasts in Vancouver – eating with their grizzly bears Grinder and Coola.
Climb the Eye of the Wind
The Eye of the Wind is the world’s first and only wind turbine in a high-altitude location.
But what’s even more amazing is its glass viewPOD viewing deck.
Here you’ll take in 360 degree panoramic views of Metro Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains from just 3 metres below the rotating blades of a turbine – with a lesson on the importance of renewable energy.
This is the highest view in the city without getting into a helicopter or plane. There is simply no better spot to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Try Your Hand at Zip-lining
This is one of the things to do in Grouse Mountain for adrenaline junkie who’d like to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Grouse Mountain has a dual line five line zip-line circuit connecting itself with neighbouring Dam Mountain.
Soak in the stunning views of Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean below as you’re transported at warp speed through the peaks and canyons of Grouse Mountain.
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and includes mountain admission.
Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?
Rope Yourself in for a Mountain Adventure
Targeted at visitors of 8 and above, the Mountain Ropes Adventure is a set of and more. After a quick safety briefing, you can clip in and slide, swing, and jump your all the way to the finish!
Here, you get four aerial ropes courses of varying difficulty. The courses contain over 50 unique elements including bridges, tunnels, slack-lines, and ziplines.
Your ticket includes Grouse Mountain Skyride ticket to get to the top.
Eat at the Best Grouse Mountain Restaurants
Casual options include Lupins self-serve café, the Rusty Rail BBQ and the Grizzly Lookout Café. While caffeine lovers can get their fix at the Grouse Grind Café or the Starbucks located down at the Valley Plaza.
Looking for something a little more refined?
I’ll usually have a few cocktails on the Skydeck before grabbing a bite at the acclaimed West Coast Bistro.
However, if you really wanna take your mountain-top dining to new heights, then you’ll wanna head to the fine dining Observatory Restaurant.
Want a quick treat? Beavertails is a legendary snack place serving a flattened donut which is in my must eat Vancouver foods.
Related: The Best Vancouver Food Tours
Related: How Long Does the Grouse Mountain Skyride Take?
Theatre in the Sky
While I wouldn’t recommend climbing Grouse Mountain just to catch a movie, North Vancouver is one of the few cities that can claim to have its own mountain-top high definition theatre.
Theatre in the Sky is open year-round and offers visitors a chance to learn about the stunning ecosystem and wildlife of beautiful British Columbia.
Popular flicks include Extremely Wild: a Discovery Channel documentary about the mountain’s resident grizzly bears.
My favourite though is Exposed, focusing on BC’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Hike the Legendary Grouse Grind
Looking to sneak in a little exercise on your visit to Vancouver? Grouse Mountain in summer is a great place to start.
Then I present to you what is quite possibly the most prototypically British Columbian 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.
But heed my warning, this hike is definitely not for the faint of heart! You’ll be forced to climb 853 metres (1800 feet) up with an average grade of 31%. This hike is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Where to Buy Grouse Mountain Tickets
Your Grouse Mountain admission tickets give you round trip access to the famous Skyride + access to a variety of seasonal activities.
Summer activities include: the grizzly bear habitat, the Ranger Talk, the Owl Talk, various spectacular lookouts, and the world-famous lumberjack show.
To avoid delays on the gondola it is imperative that you book your tickets in advance using the button below.
Being one of the best things to do in winter in Vancouver you’ll also have activities such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing included in the tickets.
Grouse Mountain Prices
- Adults (18-64): $70.78
- Seniors (65+): $60.52
- Youth (13-17): $50.27
- Children (5-12): $36.93
- Toddlers (>5): free
*Prices are in Canadian dollars
Related: Is Grouse Mountain Worth It?
Grouse Mountain Hours
Skyride Hours
- Weekdays: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Weekends: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Lifts and Skiing (Winter Only)
- Weekdays: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Weekends: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
*The last trip up the mountain is at 8:00pm
Related: How to Get to Grouse Mountain
Related: How to Get to Grouse Mountain from Downtown
Related: Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge combo tours
Still Looking for Things to Do in Grouse Mountain?
So that’s my list of what to do at Grouse Mountain.
Hopefully, it has made its way onto your tourist menu, regardless of season or weather conditions.
After all, how many places can offer you world-class night skiing, ice skating, lumberjack shows, a wildlife refuge and a variety of dining options all in one place?
Enjoy your things to do at Grouse Mountain Vancouver 🙂
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