Grouse Grind

The BEST hike you will ever do in your entire life — not joking! This hike is super intense, it is at a constant steep incline for a solid one hour (if you are in extremly good shape you can maybe do it in 50 minutes?) It is a really well marked trail and you definitely wont be alone doing it. Bring some water, snacks and workout clothes, after all you will be climbing a little over 2,800 steep steps — excellent work out for your glutes.
During the first ¼ we felt good about ourselves but during the second ²⁄₄ thoughts like «why in the world am i doing this?» kept popping into our heads. the last quarter of the climb was the steepest, or so it felt. Once we were up top all the hardwork was worth it. We sat at the restaurant at the top and enjoyed the view for a few minutes. To get down you need to take the gondola and it costs $ 10 per person. To get up is about $ 30 so you save yourself some money and get a good workout by climbing!

Vancouver’s iconic hiking trail is a bit more effort than your average hike, but also much shorter, and with a place to rest and have lunch at the end. In fact it’s less of a hike and more of a hardcore gym aerobics session with mountain and forest scenery (prettier than two hours on the elliptical, if you ask me).
It’s very easy to tell if you’d like the Grouse Grind or not: does walking up 2,830 steps directly up a mountain sound like fun to you? If yes, do it! If no, please don’t feel you have to to enjoy Grouse: the top of Grouse is fun to explore all on its own, is accessible by gondola, and has more than enough leg-​stretching for a relaxed day out.
If you are not super athletic (I’m not), budget enough time. You will want to rest and catch your breath. I am about average fitness level and took some five minute stops for catching my breath and taking pictures of the views, and clocked in about two hours and fifteen minutes. It is very easy to overheat, so bring water, and dress for lighter than the weather you’re in (it was only about 2−3C out and by the end I was carrying both my sweater and my jacket in preference to wearing them!)
Keep in mind there are no washrooms on this trail, and for the upper two thirds no real «off the trail», either: it’s so steep there is a huge risk of just falling right off the mountainside. There are bathrooms at the bottom and the top, but make sure to stop before going up if you have a sensitive bladder.
Don’t expect to be alone, the Grind is popular, but all the hikers I encountered were friendly (one actually found a hat I’d lost on the trail — thanks stranger!)
I can’t wait to go again!

Two miles straight up a mountain? Don’t mind if I do. Climbing uphill is not in my nature as I am a native Floridian, but being fitness minded, I had to attempt the Grouse Grind while in Vancouver. I am giving this hike a great review as for as much pain it caused on the way up, I still rank this as one of the most memorable and satisfying activities my husband and I did while visiting British Columbia. Simply stated: This is a TOUGH climb but if you (or when you…) make it to the top you will be rewarded.
We took public transportation from Downtown Vancouver out to the starting point at the base of Grouse Mountain. We switched buses once so it wasn’t too bad. As soon as we arrived, we recognized the large warning signs. We also talked to a local who had just done the Grind once and was about to do it again. Wow.
While I have only done the Grind once, I came up with some tips for first-​timers:
— Pack light. My husband made the mistake of carrying a bag of stuff with him and those extra pounds did not help in this uphill challenge. Most people we watched were only carrying a bottle of water.
— Keep your pace slow and steady. There are ¼ mile markers so you can gauge how you are doing along the way. Most of the people that we saw pass us were going at a reasonable pace and passed us while we were catching our breath.
— Pay attention to weather. We went the first day of October and it was warm. Remember the tip about packing light? That goes for dress too if it’s hot. My husband wore cargo shorts and they got completely soaked in sweat by the end. We also went on a warm day, so if it’s cold, obviously dress appropriately.
— Enjoy it. This mountain climb is no joke! We consider ourselves pretty physically fit and this was tough for us. The warning signs are there for a reason. The hike is really peaceful and the view from atop is amazing.
There’s a restaurant, café, bathroom, and gift shop at the finish line that makes it feel really touristy but our sweaty selves were glad to reach these conveniences. Especially my lovely significant other who ended up spending $ 60 on a pair of new shorts so that he wouldn’t have to travel back in wet cargo shorts. We took it all in at the end of our trip and were really glad we made the trek. It took us a total of 90 minutes, which not very impressive but that gives us motivation to go back someday to try it again. Once we dried off and caught our breath, we took the $ 10 sky ride down. It makes for a relaxing and beautiful end to the trip.

Fun 2800 steps, 3700 ft high hike. Located in grouse mountain, walk up to a gate and enter into the woods. My initial start was quiet, no one was around and all i saw were trees and steps. As I continued, I heard voices of more and more people.
I wonderful hike up nature’s trail that is calming and challenging. Conquer the steps and treat yourself to some coffee and pastries up top. The trek down was challenging to find, so a native hiker recommended that I take the skytrain down for $ 10.
the view from skytrain was great, except the day i hiked up, it was cloudy and cold.
perfect fun group activity in north vancouver with an awesome view and touch of nature. loved it!

I’ve been to Vancouver several times before and visited all the touristy attractions, so a local flavor activity was next on my bucket list. I read about the Grouse Grind in a magazine that mentioned finishing this challenging uphill hike within 90 minutes is decent for out-​of-​towners, and is evidence of being in good physical shape. I wanted to test my cardio endurance so I accepted the challenge. Grouse Grind ended up being the most memorable event during my recent Vancouver trip!
This hike reminded me of being on Stair Masters except doing it in mother nature. The other difference is that each step in the Grouse Grind is not evenly spaced apart. There were frequent switchbacks and not many areas of flat terrain during the hike. The experience of endless climbing was comparable to hiking the Great Wall of China, except the path here consisted of a man-​constructed wood staircase.
Mental toughness was just as important as physical endurance to complete the Grouse Grind. I had to force myself to keep going, or else I wouldn’t be able to finish within 90 minutes. I watched numerous hikers 2 or 3 times my age climb pass me without resting, and that motivated me to not quit and continue with fewer breaks.
The first ¼ of the hike was easy, and the second ¼ was most tough due to the increased spacing between steps. Fortunately, there were markers along the trail (measuring elevation gain in ¹⁄₄₀ increments and is generally accurate) to let you know how far you are from the finish line.
The reward of making it to the summit for a view of Vancouver (overlooking North Van and Stanley Park) was amazing. My time of 85 minutes (1:25) was not remarkable at all, in fact well below the average time for men aged 70+ (1:06)! But I know with some more cardio and endurance training, I can do a lot better. My next goal is to complete it within 60 minutes. :)

Having just moved to Canada, we were told climbing the Grind would be the determining factor whether we were truly Vancouverites. The initiation process began on a Saturday mourning* in September.
On the sea bus over, our friends warned it would be no cake walk getting up the Grind. They said some people train weekly and that even star athletes and avid runners are challenged with the incline. That there’s even a gigantic warning sign to ward off amateur hikers looking for a pleasant stroll through the trees. The Grind is not for the faint.
About ten minutes in, after commenting how beautiful the forest trees and how cute the squirrels, we noticed our legs start to buckle underneath our bodies. I turned around and asked, «Does this ever stop?» An hour later I was drenched in sweat, my legs jello, and my water all gone. And I still had a ¼ more to go!
All in all, great feeling after your workout and definitely worth the trip. If you choose to take the Grind just keep remembering there is a wonderful beer and meal waiting for you at the top!
*pun intended

I love hiking trails and they are usually high on my ratings, but this one is different: beware if you’re unfamiliar and just looking for a scenic stroll, this is NOT for you!
The grind is a long (looooong) set of wooden stairs that will take you to the top of the Grouse mountain. With this in mind, people who do this hike are usually looking for a workout, not a leisure hike.
It’s not really scenic until you get to the very top of the mountain, and on the summer it can get crowded of people running up and bumping onto each other.
I’ve got to be honest: not my cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a challenge and to workout, it may just be what you’re after!
Free to hike, most people prefer to pay for the gondola down (to save their knees).

This is a physically and mentally punishing climb for the average hiker. (Like me.) Bring at least one dry layer of clothing. You’ll be soaked with sweat by the end, but after a few minutes at the top you’re going to get cold. Enjoy a beer in the Peak Chalet. You deserve it.

Grouse (verb): To grumble or complain.
Grind (verb): To oppress, torment, or crush.
Never has a mountain trail been so aptly named.
A sign towards the beginning of this trail declares it «nature’s stairmaster» and, like the name, no words could ring more true. I searched for another sign I imagined they had planted somewhere, «switchbacks are for pussies», but it was in vain. That sign existed only in my head.
In its 1.8 mile vertical climb to the top, the Grouse Grind rises from an elevation of 1,083 feet to an elevation of 4,150 feet. That’s a rise of 3,067 feet in the space of 1.8 miles. In comparison, I hiked Oahu’s Kuliouou Ridge Trail back in February and I thought it was a beast yet it rises only 1,900 feet in elevation over a 2.5 mile stretch. Canadians don’t mess around.
Adding to the «grind» portion of your adventure are the signs, posted at ¼ marks along your path. Though it’s explained nowhere it’s worth knowing that these markers refer to elevation, not distance. This accounts for the reason that certain segments feel so much more difficult than others: they cover the same elevation within a shorter distance. I’m talking to you, damned 4^th quarter.
It was on the 4^th section of the Grind that I rhetorically declared «I don’t think I can do it» knowing full well that I had to. The only thing worse than climbing the mountain would be climbing down it without having reached the pinnacle. Further, hiking down is prohibited. Never has the saying «the only way around a problem is through it» resonated more. I wanted to be through with this mountain.
Aside from my first five minutes on the trail I passed nobody; I was the person to pass. But it’s not a race. I reached the pinnacle and though my time (timing your climb is a Grouse thing) would impress no one I was both relieved and proud of my accomplishment. The hike should run you anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, give or take 15 minutes.
When done, my hope was to never see this hike again in my lifetime. With time and distance though, I’ve become somewhat in awe of it (and me, for doing it) thus the 5-​stars. If you want your ass kicked all the way to Sunday don’t miss an opportunity to hike the Grouse Grind. You’ll complain the entire way up and rejoice when it’s over.
Other stuff:
* I hiked on a rainy summer weekday. The trail is supposedly wall to wall people on summer weekends. Less so on rainy weekdays.
* If rain is predicted, go before it gets heavy. During heavy rain the trail is akin to hiking up a series of small waterfalls.
* Wear close-​toed shoes, bring a ton of water, and a change of shirts. I ignored the «change of shirts» and wound up having to buy one at the top. Sitting there in a wet shirt proved to be a freezing experience.
* There’s a whole lot of things to see and do at the top including a casual dining place and, upstairs from that, an actual restaurant/​bar with a fireplace and beautiful views. Also, live bears, a lumberjack show, and who knows what else? I was so cold all I could do was eat and drink and leave.
* The views from the top are supposedly spectacular. On this day, the mountain was completely fogged in. Zero views in any direction. If that matters to you, carefully choose your hike day.
* You’re required to take the gondola back down at a cost of $ 10 Canadian per person. This is no doubt one of the loveliest views ever but not when it’s fogged in. Then it’s just a transportation device. So, choose your hike day accordingly (you can also take the gondola up but c’mon now)…
* Easy to get to via public transit from downtown Vancouver but made even easier via a summer perk: a free shuttle that leaves daily (during summer) from Canada Place (Downtown Vancouver).
* 2 hours 15 minutes. I told you it’d impress no one.

This review is for those of us that love hiking but haven’t kept up their gym /​fitness habit: you will love Grouse Grind and can make it all the way up. The hike does not require you to scramble or traverse unsteady ground so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re strong enough to make it all the way up to the top. This hike will take a toll on your quads and feet because it’s a very steep descent but they the entire path is a staircase, all of it, so as long as you can keep going you will get to the top. It is a cardio challenge and you have to pace yourself, and at the end, you will be so pleased with yourself. To echo the other reviews, the first ¼ of the hike is mentally the toughest. You feel challenged as soon as you start and you think you’re feeling optimistic until the «¼ Mark» sign gives you a more grim outlook. Once you do make it to the top, you have a few different choices: take the gondola right back down, take the chairlift up to the summit, or hike up to the summit. I was with two friends and we decided to hike it to the summit. We were really exhausted from the hike up Grouse but we could see the summit and couldn’t help but want to summit. We hiked up and then took the chairlift to the gondola, and then the gondola down, very scenic views on the entire way down!
If it weren’t for the fact that on our way to the summit (which they advise you not to hike, but it’s completely safe to do so) we saw the two grizzly bears that Grouse keeps on premise surrounded by an electric fence this would’ve been a perfect day hike. It felt very archaic and cruel to see the two bears trapped in such a small space.

I was in Vancouver for the past few days and I decided to take on the epic Grouse Grind hike my first day there. People say it’s one of the most challenging hikes out there, so of course, I had to see for myself. There’s a free public shuttle that runs from downtown to the base of Grouse Mountain, but the first bus comes at 9am, so I decided to just take the local buses so I could get a head start. I got to the base of the mountain at around 7am and there were already quite a few people hiking!
You can definitely tell who the regulars are. They blew past the endless steps so effortlessly. Meanwhile, I was panting, sweating like a pig, and stopping for a break every 5 min (maybe even less). This is definitely a hike that you need to be in decent shape for. For me, this 2 hour stair master workout was the hardest hike I’ve ever experienced. I heard the record for getting the the top was 23 minutes. Whoever that guy was, he’s crazy. I probably won’t be hiking this trail again for a while, but it’s nice to say that I survived the Grouse Grind!
Once you get to the top, the views are phenomenal. On the day that I went, the sun broke through the clouds right as I was near the top. It was so beautiful! The last set of steps really looks like a staircase to heaven, with the light shining perfectly between the trees (or maybe just cause I was about to pass out). There are lots of activities on top of the mountain. I went to see the bear exhibit, and I did the zipline tour as well. I had a blast! It does cost $ 10 to take the SkyTrain back down to the base of the mountain, though, since they don’t allow you to hike back down for safety reasons. If you buy a zipline tour, the SkyTrain ride is included. So basically, be prepared to spend a minimum of $ 10 for this hike, unless you want to be a rebel and hike back down the mountain at your own risk.
If you’re in Vancouver and are up for a hard but rewarding challenge, hike up Grouse! I assure you it will be an experience to remember.

The first time I did the grind, I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into and I think thats the case for a lot of first timers. I always see people doing the hike in jeans. DON’T WEAR JEANS… Unless you’re taking the gondola both ways otherwise wear something comfortable and breathable. Your footwear is especially important. You will literally be climbing stairs for at least an hour. Hiking boots are not necessary but definitely wear a good pair of sneakers.
The first time is always the hardest. You will want to give up before you even get to the quarter mark but keep going, the view at the top is worth every step! The quarter marks also seems like the longest part of the hike and depending on your fitness level, it may or may not get easier. You may hate your life and question your decision to do the hike but just pace yourself! This is a great challenge and the feeling at the end is amazing!
There will always be people trying to beat a record so if you’re going slow, be kind enough to step to the side and let them pass. If you get tired, there are lots of spaces to the side for you to catch your breathe. I stop so many times and I always make it up eventually!
I would suggest bringing your phone in the case of an emergency. I have never seen them but apparently there are rangers on the mountain who are there specifically to make sure everyone is okay!
Never forget water!!! Salt water or powerade are even better. I would also suggest some healthy snacks to keep you going! Pack light though, towing up extra luggage will only slow you down and can possibly end up making the grind a horrible experience for you.
Once you’re at the top, the view of the city is absolutely breathtaking! Its a nice reward too for all your hard work! The first time I went, it was very foggy so keep the weather in mind. You also don’t want to do the grind if its very hot, not the best idea! When the weather is bad, the grind shuts down– you can check their website before you head up!
There are a number of activities at the top– ziplining, lumberjack show, paragliding, seeing the bears (kindda boring and sad) helitours-​you can spend all day on the mountain if you so pleased. Of Course in the winter there are all the winter sports to look forward to!
I wanted to try the restaurant but the wait was too long. I have always settled for the caf– nothing exciting and of course overpriced. One of the best parts for me is the the Beavertail truck at the top– I would climb the mountain every weekend for a killaloe sunrise if I wasn’t concerned about my weight!
Don’t forget your $ 10 for the gondola. Climbing down the mountain is not allowed although I have seem people do it– very bad for the knees. You will be packed in the gondola like sardines but if you can, grab a seat so you can take a great photo!

If you want to do this hike and never exercise, turnaround and buy a lift ticket up because you will not make it.
For those that exercise regularly, this hike will be challenging. You will break a sweat but will be rewarded with a sweet view at the top.
FYI: lift ticket up $ 40. Lift down $ 10. If you hike up, you can’t hike back down so be prepared to spend $ 10 on a ride down.
Level of difficulty: 8.5÷10

This is now my favorite place in all of Canada.
The hike — it takes about 2 hours for the non-​athletic hiker to get up the mountain, which although steep, is safely marked and fitted with wooden stairs. No pain no gain — and you’re not allowed downhill — just the right amount of challenge for a mid-​morning stroll for the entire family. Very proud of the parents.
Lumberjack show — an entertaining mix of fun & thrilling, I was at the edge of my seat for the last half. Don’t want to give too much away but man… what a great time.
Birds of Wonder show — WOW such beautiful creatures. Learned so much about their residential hawk, owl, falcon & eagle. Falcons flap differently, owls dance to see, and the bald eagle only gets his white hat after they reach the 4 – 5 mark. These birds are amazingly well-​trained and given alot of freedom in flying anywhere on the hunting grounds. The MC cooed and coddled the birds as if they adorable kitttens… too funny knowing that they’re deadly predators. Well, I guess kittens are too.
Grizzly Den — we spent majority of our hours watching Coolage & Grinder sleep, eat, swim, play and fight. Its an amazing opportunity to see happy brown bears sometimes only 5 – 10 feet in front of you. They are always hanging out within each other’s vicinity and Grinder is always pesting Coolage just like any typical younger bro.
Other areas to explore — we checked out TheHive which was small but informative featuring the buzz about bees, as well as watched several hummingbirds poke away at sweet water. Artistic wooden poles scatter the grounds, and assorted wildlife can be seen on the eco-​trail.
Lunch — their veggie panini was amazing. As were their fish tacos and small selection of beer/​cider. Parents did not like their pizza though, something about the crust not being «pizzahutty» enough. Lots of veggie choices.
Downloading Tram — this is the only mandatory payment of the whole trip ($ 10pp), and the views are actually worth it. You can see all of tall trees and most of Vancouver from the 15 min ride.

Wow. A tough hike. A lot more difficult than I expected. My parents couldn’t finish it so we had to turn back.
I will attempt next time I’m here in Vancouver.
If you plan to attempt it, be in shape. Don’t be like my parents :)

My two biggest tips: Go as early as you can manage, and bring at least a change of shirt.
I didn’t think I was going to be able to do any hiking while on vacation in Vancouver because I didn’t want to deal with renting a car, but the public buses can take you right to the base of the mountain. Hurrah! I arrived at about 7:45 in the morning and the trail was already full of hikers. I had no idea it would be this popular.
The hike is basically two miles of stairs. My Fitbit registered a bit under 300 flights, although I forgot to check how many flights I had gone up before I started. This means that you do need to be in decent (although not amazing) shape for this, and to go slower than you think is necessary. The scenery is beautiful forest, but at least for me I had to spend most of the time staring at my feet so didn’t appreciate it fully. The trail was crowded, but everyone was very good about moving over and passing politely.
Getting to the top feels like a great accomplishment! There’s a café at the top where you can buy snacks and water if you didn’t bring your own. And there are shows, activities, and rescue bears at the top. However, I highly recommended a fresh shirt or maybe even a complete set of clothes if you want to stick around. I went on a cool, foggy day and still sweat buckets. And of course, once I stopped hiking I got cold very quickly; I would have been miserable if I hadn’t brought a sweater to change into.
They’ve set up a timing system and made climb something of a game/​competition. It actually seemed reminiscent of the Fitbit system designed for nature. If I were a local, I think I would be here every weekend. But even as a tourist, I appreciate the setup.

The Grouse Grind has become somewhat of a tourist attraction lately but still remains a local favourite.
I remember coming here when I was in high school and only paying $ 5 for the Gondola download. Back then, there were barely any tourists and mostly avid hikers who had annual passes. Now, the trail is completely packed in the summer, with tons of people at the peak, dining and taking photos.
It isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, since they can now use the extra money to improve the safety of the Grind and upgrade the facilities at the top! The view remains breathtaking as always and I enjoyed every minute of the hike.
I have to admit though, I am not very fit anymore. When I climbed up in the Summer, I pretty much had not exercised for about a year so I was huffing and puffing halfway up the mountain. It took us between 95 – 100 minutes to get up to the top, with plenty of breaks and photography sessions. Make sure to pace yourself and keep hydrated!

If all you’re doing is walking around the block for your exercise, then shuffle on with ya bad self and keep a steppin’. This mountain will eat you up and spit you you out at the 10^th step. Take heed to the tremendous effort that will be required when doing the Grind. If you have weak knees, don’t do it!
Now, if you’re a cowboy or lassie, well giddy up and let’s hit the rodeo! This is a bull of a mountain and totally worth the climb. The view from the 4,000ft summit is magnificent! The path is a mixture of rocks, tree trunks and mountainside rising like a ladder towards the sky. On a clear day you can see way down yonder into these United States! It’s not that far really, but seriously the view of Vancouver Island, Washington State and the various surrounding provincial parks, truly show what affect the abundance of water has on this terrain.
At under 2 miles the hike should take you approximately 2 hours. Depending on your health, endurance and speed of course. When you reach the 1^st marker rejoice, but know that you’re only ¼ of the way there. HA! deadly.
On your way up take time to see your ascent through the forest. Look behind you to see that you are nearly at the tree tips. Then in another moment you are above the trees, above the clouds and well above the city below. Listen to the water trickling beneath your feet, over the rocks and from the trees. See the moss, the ferns, the mushrooms, even the mist rolling through the forest like some scary scene in a movie.
Once you see the chalet from the forest you have survived the rodeo! Take the ski lift down the mountain and look in awe at the mountain you just wrangled.

I am not an outdoors person, nor do I enjoy hardcore exercise (I only like Zumba because of the latin music and it’s fun). I agreed to do the grouse grind this year with my boyfriend and my friend… It wasn’t enjoyable during the actual hike but when you finish you get a huge sense of relief and excitement that you actually did it. I kept my mind on getting a Mcdonald’s cheeseburger as motivation (you should definitely keep a reward in mind to help you get through it hahahah).
Bring a small towel to wipe the sweat from your face, bring a water bottle, and some money for the gondola ride down. Other than that you just need your willpower and lots of sleep the night before

This is definitely an experience…
My advice for people doing it for the first time:
1. Bring a small backpack or a drawstring pouch for WATER, SMALL TOWEL, and a SNACK. (lol this sounds dumb but it might help give you a small energy boost on the way up)
2. Don’t wear heavy clothing like sweaters, zip ups, baggy pants — I recently went on a cool day with light rain when I got to the top and I wore a tank and shorts and survived. It does get kind of cold at the top but your body will be sweating so much from the whole trek that you should be ok.
Basically the less you carry the better. I sugges bringing a 500 mL water bottle but not your own HUGE plastic/​aluminum water bottles — it’s not worth carrying something heavy or bulky up the hike.
Take small steps throughout the whole hike and you’ll find it helps. Make sure you take mini breaks to give yourself and your legs time to get over the lactic acid build up.
I definitely prefer to do the grind in colder/​cloudy weather versus sunny. It’s so much more difficult when you have the sun shining down on you and the heat adding to the exhaustion. If you do go in the cold and don’t want your hands to freeze then gloves are a good option.
The gondola ride down is $ 10 a person so make sure you bring cash/​credit so you can get down. In my opinion a little pricey for a 5 minute ride down but it’s a lot cheaper than a gym membership!