Is There Free Parking at Grouse Mountain? A User’s Guide

Grouse Mountain sits about 13 km north of downtown Vancouver, which already raises a fair question for visitors. Not to mention, mountain attractions and free parking rarely travel together.

So let’s clear this up properly. Is parking included, limited, or a sneaky extra fee? More importantly, can you arrive without overthinking it and still enjoy the day without circling the lot?

You might be wondering if you need to budget for parking, arrive at sunrise, or skip the car entirely.

Good news. The answer is simple, and it usually surprises people.

Is there free parking at Grouse Mountain?

Your question is valid. Visitors often expect free parking at big attractions.

Here’s the truth: parking at Grouse Mountain is not free for most visitors. The lots at the base of the mountain are all pay parking, and you have to pay if you pull in.

I’ve parked here myself, and the small fee feels worth it for convenience, but definitely count it into your budget.

The Short Answer to Grouse Mountain Parking

You pay for Grouse Mountain parking. A 3-hour ticket is about $10 CAD, and a day parking ticket is $12 CAD. There’s also an annual parking pass for about $60 CAD if you plan to return regularly.

You can pay with the Pay-By-Phone app, coins, or a credit card at the machines.

There are some exceptions:

• If you use Evo car share and end your trip at Grouse Mountain, you can park there for free through their Home Zone program.
• Some Club OpenRoad members can park free if they display the special license plate frames. (This benefit sometimes changes, so check before you go.)

Parking fills quickly on weekends and holidays. On my last visit, I arrived around 10 am and still had to circle once before finding a spot. If you want an easier time, show up early or consider not driving at all.

Alternative ways to get to Grouse Mountain (no paid parking worry)

If you want to skip parking fees and the lot stress, here are good ways to reach Grouse Mountain from downtown Vancouver:

• 🚎 SeaBus + Bus: Take the SeaBus from Waterfront Station over to Lonsdale Quay, then catch the #236 Grouse Mountain bus up to Grouse Mountain.
• 🚌 Direct Bus: From Georgia Street, take the #246 Highland bus across the bridge. Then get off on Capilano Road at Paisley and grab the #236 Grouse Mountain from Lonsdale.
• 🚍 Summer Shuttle: In summer, you may find a free shuttle from Canada Place with a round-trip mountain admission ticket (subject to seasonal schedule).
• 🚕 Taxi / Ride-hail: Uber, Lyft, and taxi services go straight up Capilano Road. These avoid parking entirely.

Keep in mind, hauling your ski/snowboard gear along for the ride is a bit of a hassle, particularly if you opt for transit. That said, many locals do just that.

But personally, unless cost is a deciding factor, I’d opt to drive or take an Uber.

Grouse Mountain + Capilano Suspension Bridge

See Vancouver’s top two attractions with one ticket (transport included)

Show Me More

If you still plan to drive, check the parking rates and rules before you go. It keeps your visit smoother and your wallet happier.

If this answered your question, I’d love to hear from you in the comments or on social. We at Vancouver Planner are always here to help visitors enjoy the city with fewer surprises.