Known as both a resort and an attraction, Grouse Mountain is a popular North Vancouver year-round mountain playground. There’s no better view of Vancouver’s North Shore and the city of Vancouver than the one you’ll see from the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, an aerial tram that ferries visitors up the mountain 365 days a year.
Grouse Mountain, located just north of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a popular year-round destination, especially in the winter when it transforms into a winter wonderland with a variety of activities for all ages. Here’s a breakdown of the top winter activities you can enjoy on Grouse Mountain:
Grouse Mountain offers a mix of terrain for both beginners and more advanced skiers and snowboarders. With 33 runs, the mountain caters to different skill levels, and its proximity to Vancouver makes it a convenient choice for locals and visitors alike. The slopes are well-maintained, and there are several lifts, including the popular Skyride gondola, which provides scenic views as you ascend to the summit.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your style, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the mountain. Grouse offers marked snowshoe trails that wind through the forest and take you on an immersive, peaceful adventure in nature. Rentals are available at the mountain, and there are both easy and more challenging trails to choose from.
Grouse Mountain features an outdoor ice rink that is perfect for ice skating under the open sky, surrounded by stunning mountain views. The rink is typically open in the winter months and is suitable for skaters of all levels. It’s a picturesque way to enjoy winter on the mountain, and skate rentals are available.
While the Skyride gondola is a great way to access the top of the mountain year-round, it’s especially magical during the winter when you get panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape. At the summit, you’ll find restaurants, outdoor fire pits, and breathtaking views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains.
During the holiday season, Grouse Mountain hosts a variety of events and activities. The mountain is decked out with festive lights and decorations, and visitors can enjoy themed events like visits with Santa, holiday concerts, and special winter markets. The Peak of Christmas event, in particular, is a family favorite, with activities like sleigh rides, light displays, and even a chance to meet real reindeer.
For those looking for a more laid-back winter activity, tubing and sliding are fun options. Grouse Mountain has a dedicated tubing area where guests can slide down the snow-covered hill. It’s a fun and family-friendly activity that doesn’t require any special skills, and the thrill of zooming down the hill is a favorite among visitors of all ages.
Grouse Mountain is home to two resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, who live in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment. In the winter, the bears can sometimes be seen in a more restful state, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about these magnificent animals. Grouse also has a wildlife interpretive center with information about the local fauna.
Whether you’re looking to warm up after a day of skiing or enjoy a meal with a stunning backdrop, Grouse Mountain has a range of dining options. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find several restaurants with panoramic views, including the Altitude Bistro and the The Observatory, which offers fine dining and a cozy atmosphere.
For optimal snow conditions, Grouse Mountain boasts an extensive snowmaking system to ensure there’s always great coverage on the slopes. Whether the snow is natural or manmade, the resort maintains high-quality groomed runs for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
While the Grouse Grind is primarily a summer trail, it can still be used in winter (with appropriate gear). It’s a challenging uphill hike that takes you to the top of the mountain for those looking for a workout in the snow. However, it’s recommended to check conditions and be well-prepared if attempting the Grind in the winter, as snow and ice can make the trail more treacherous.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone just looking to enjoy a winter day in the mountains, Grouse Mountain has something for everyone. It’s a great spot to experience winter sports, relax in nature, or enjoy festive activities, all with the stunning backdrop of the North Shore Mountains and the city of Vancouver.
There are activities throughout the year as the Peak of Vancouver transitions from summer playground to a magical winter wonderland.
The Grouse Grind trail takes you through steep and rugged terrain from the North Vancouver plateau to the glorious Grouse mountain peak. The trail is only 2.9 km long, but it is very challenging with 2,830 stairs and an elevation gain of 2,800 ft. You can understand why “The Grind” is a favourite spot for locals to improve their fitness level in a hurry. On average you can expect the climb to take up to an hour and a half to complete, depending on your fitness level, novice hikers should allow up to two hours.
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC
www.grousemountain.com
