Grouse Mountain is an all-season attraction in Vancouver, Canada. While in winter the mountain is a popular ski resort, it has plenty to entertain visitors all year ’round.

Often called the “Peak of Vancouver”, catching North America’s largest areal tramway to the top will take you to 1,200 m (4,000 feet) in altitude at its peak.

The mountain was named after the blue grouse bird which can still be found on the slopes (by people like us!).

Things to do on Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
A big drawcard for us was visiting the two rescued bears who live in the refuge, Grinder and Coola. For a special bear experience consider having Breakfast With The Bears where, for an additional fee, guests are given .early access to the mountain to watch the bears and enjoy a bear-inspired breakfast. We felt we had adequate time viewing the bears when we visited in the afternoon, although the refuge viewing area was very crowded at the same time.

Birds in Motion Demonstration
We highly enjoyed watching this demonstration of raptor birds. The bald eagle, owl, Red-tailed hawk and Peregrine Falcon were introduced to us in a demonstration that educated and awed.

World-famous Lumberjack Show
We didn’t have time for this show, and as we have seen a lot of woodchopping elected to go up the ski lift at this time instead. The show is very popular however and features a crew of lumberjacks performing in an outdoor set features two logging camps from the early 1900s. During the 45-minute show the lumberjacks perform a 60-foot tree climb, two-man peg and raker saws, axe throwing, and a springboard chop.

Peak Chairlift Ride
Take the chairlift to the summit for a stunning panorama view of Vancouver. We highly enjoyed walking around and admiring the scenery and plant life, while our daughter wanted to play in the patches of snow that were still on the mountain in July.

You can walk to the summit but it’s a steep incline and, for a few dollars extra to take the chairlift, you get an incredible view for the 14 minute ride both up and down the mountain.

Try a BeaversTail
This fried dough pastry, individually hand stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail, is incredible.

Spot a Grouse
We found one on the summit just sitting by the main path and watching the tourists go by.

Getting there
Catch the free shuttle from Canada Place, departing every 20 minutes from 9:00am – 1:30pm and again from 2:30pm – 6:00pm, and the return shuttle departing Grouse Mountain every 20 minutes from 9:30am – 1:00pm and again from 2:00pm – 6:30pm. If you hire a car you can drive and pack in the parking lot.

Connecting Grouse Mountain with Capilano Suspension Bridge
We went to Capilano Suspension Bridge in the morning, catching the 8:30am free shuttle from downtown. We spent two hours at Capilano and then caught the local 236 bus to Grouse Mountain, a five-minute drive down the road. More info on visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge.

What ticket should you get?
There are three choices of tickets to buy.
Alpine Experience (Adult $44.95) Includes round-trip Skyride and access to plateau activities like visits with our resident grizzly bears and the new disc golf course.
Peak Experience (Adult $48.95) Includes the Alpine Experience plus the additional Chair Lift to the peak. You can walk this distance if you don’t want to pay the extra few dollars, but we enjoyed the view and not having to walk up a very steep hill.
Ultimate Experience (Adult $58.95) Includes Peak Experience plus entrance into the Eye of the Wind at the top of the peak – the world’s only glass viewPOD attached to a working turbine.