The Grouse Grind – North Vancouver
The Grouse Grind – North Vancouver
The Grouse Grind is a steep 2.9 km (1.8 mile) trail up the face of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. Comprised of 2,830 stairs with an elevation gain of 853 m from the city floor to the peak of Vancouver, this is a challenging hike that takes on average up to 1 and a half hour to complete. Although, for novice hikers, 2 hours is recommended. The very popular trail is hiked by roughly 150,000 people annually and can be quite busy at times.
The Grouse Grind is recommended for anyone who is reasonably fit and up for a challenge. The trail is a spring-to-fall hike only and opening hours change depending on amount of daylight. It is strongly recommended that you consume proper nutrition and properly hydrate before commencing the ascent. Click here to view the trail hours and conditions. The Grouse Grind is so steep and narrow that downhill travel is not permitted by Metro Vancouver, therefor hikers must purchase a download ticket on the gondola for $15, or use the BCMC trail to descend.
The trail begins to the east of the gondola, above the parking lot on the right when arriving to Grouse Mountain. Enter the fenced gateway and keep left up the trail. There will be another trail leading right which will be the Baden Powell Trail and BCMC Trail access. The well marked trail will quickly become steep as you work your way up the mountain. Neatly placed rocks and added wooden structures shape the Grouse Grind and its 2,830 stairs to the top. There will be markers announcing 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 way up the trail as shown in our pictures.
Check the frequently asked questions for the Grouse Grind on the Grouse Mountain website.
PARKING AVAILABLE AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
TRANSIT ACCESSIBLE TO THE GROUSE GRIND: YES
Take the 232 bus from Phibbs Exchange.
HIKING ON THE GROUSE GRIND: YES
MOUNTAINS AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
VIEWPOINT AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
PICNIC AREA AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
TOILETS AVAILABLE AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
There are no toilets along the trail, so take advantage of the facilities Grouse Mountain provides at the base of the trail before heading up or in the Peak Chalet at the top.
FOOD NEARBY THE GROUSE GRIND: YES
There is a Starbucks at the base of the Gondola and food available for purchase at the Grouse Mountain chalet.
CAFE NEARBY THE GROUSE GRIND: YES
NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE GROUSE GRIND: NO
Dogs are not permitted on the trail or at the top of Grouse Mountain.
CHARGING STATION AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
There are 2 electric vehicle charging stations located right beside the trailhead of the Grouse Grind.
ENTRY FEE AT GROUSE MOUNTAIN: YES
There is a 15$ fee to purchase a gondola ticket down Grouse Mountain.
Enter your Grouse Grind completion time in the comments to give others a time average estimate. 😊
Great challenge! Can be busy at times. Completed in 43.20 minutes on July 8th, 2019.