Ride the Grouse Mountain Gondola (Skyride)
A ride up the Grouse Mountain Gondola offers spectacular vistas as it briskly transports you to the summit where you will find a wealth of year round activities and dining options
Although famous for it's Skiing and Winter activities, Grouse Mountain is a year round 'playground' with a wealth of activities throughout the year. This is a very easy place to spend an entire day, and indeed it is a great place to enjoy the sunset and then watch the city transform into a sea of lights as night falls.
Public Transit takes you right to the base of the Grouse Mountain Gondola (Skyride) where you can pay an admission charge for a spectacular gondola ride up to the Chalet and a variety of included activities at the summit. Alternatively, you can do it the 'hard way' for free and hike up the famous "Grouse Grind" trail which gains 2800 feet in just 2.9 km (summer only). This is a pretty tough hike so I would only recommend it if you are in good physical condition and have suitable footwear and clothing. The average person takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to ascend the Grouse Grind trail. If you do decide to hike up the Grouse Grind, you can get a discounted rate for the gondola ride back down from the top. The first lodge on Grouse Mountain was built by hand in the 1920's by hauling planks up the same route as the trail. Over the years it has grown and developed into the multifaceted destination it is today.
The peak of Grouse Mountain reaches just over 4000 feet above sea level offering spectacular views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day you can see all the way across Georgia Straight to Vancouver Island as well as to Mount Baker in Washington State.
Summer activities included in the admission are the Gondola (Skyride) up and down the mountain, The Theatre in the Sky, The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, The World Famous Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion Demonstrations, Scenic Chairlift Rides and Mountaintop Eco Walks. Othe exciting activities that are available for an additional charge include, tandem paragliding, ziplining, helicopter tours and also their newest attraction - The Eye of the Wind, a massive power producing wind turbine with an elevator and a 360 degree observation area (watch the video below for more on this).
Besides skiing, winter activities include the Skyride up and down the mountain, The Theatre in the Sky, The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, Snow shoeing (rentals available), Outdoor Ice Skating, Sleigh Rides, and The Peak of Christmas.
In addition to all the activities there are a wide variety of dining options on the mountain including The Observatory (Fine Dining), Altitudes Bistro (Contemporary Dining) and coffee bars.
For more information about Grouse Mountain see the Official Website: Grouse Mountain
