Grouse Mountain

A mountaintop playground 15 minutes above North Van, reached by the Skyride gondola. Summer brings lumberjack shows, grizzlies, and huge views; winter brings skiing. At ~$86 for mountain admission it's a splurge, and the free Grouse Grind trail lets fit hikers skip the uphill fare.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I see it in winter?

Yes, Grouse becomes a ski-and-snowboard hill in winter with night skiing, snowshoeing, an outdoor skating pond, and sleigh rides. It's one of three local mountains you can reach in under 40 minutes from downtown. Lift tickets are separate from summer admission.

How do I get to Grouse without a car?

Take the SeaBus from Waterfront to Lonsdale Quay, then bus 236 straight to the base of the Skyride. It's an easy, scenic trip of about 45 minutes to an hour from downtown. From there the gondola takes you the rest of the way up.

How much does Grouse Mountain cost?

A 2026 adult Mountain Admission ticket (round-trip Skyride plus mountaintop activities) runs about $86 CAD, with Lower Mainland resident rates and youth/senior discounts available. Some activities like ziplining or the Eye of the Wind cost extra. Buy online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.

What's included with admission in summer?

Mountain admission covers the Skyride, the Lumberjack Show, the grizzly bear habitat, hiking trails, birds of prey demos, and the mountaintop viewpoints. Big-ticket add-ons like ziplining, the Eye of the Wind turbine, and paragliding cost extra. It's plenty to fill a half-day.

Can I hike up for free instead of paying?

Yes, that's the famous Grouse Grind, a steep 2.5km trail nicknamed 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster'. Hiking up is free, but you still pay a fee (around $20) to download on the Skyride, since the Grind is uphill-only. It's a serious workout, not a stroll.

When are the views best?

On clear days, and especially at sunset, when the whole city, ocean, and Vancouver Island spread out below you. Cloud and fog can completely erase the view, so time your visit to the forecast. Evening visits also come with a lit-up city skyline.

Are the grizzly bears really there?

Yes, Grouse is home to two rescued grizzlies in a large mountaintop refuge, and they're a highlight, especially when active in warmer months. They hibernate in winter, so they're not viewable then. Rangers give talks about them through the day.

Is Grouse Mountain worth the money?

On a clear day, with kids or first-timers who'll use the lumberjack show, grizzly habitat, and viewpoints, yes. On a cloudy day you're paying premium prices to sit in fog, so check the forecast and the mountain webcams first. It's a weather-dependent splurge.

Nearby in Ask Vancouver

• Lynn Headwaters Regional ParkPark4.4 km · 55 min walk
• Capilano Suspension Bridge ParkAttraction4.8 km · 60 min walk
• Lynn Canyon ParkPark6.21 km · 78 min walk
• The Polygon GalleryMuseum7.77 km · 97 min walk
• Shipyards Night MarketMarket7.82 km · 98 min walk