Grouse Mountain rises above North Vancouver with views across the city, the harbour and, on clear days, out to Vancouver Island. What you can do there depends heavily on the season: summer hiking and outdoor attractions, winter snow activities, and shoulder periods when some things are closed for maintenance. Plan by checking what's operating on your date first.

Seasonal access

  • Summer: outdoor attractions and hiking trails, with long daylight hours.
  • Winter: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating and seasonal events, once the winter season opens.
  • Shoulder seasons: expect some attractions to be closed between seasons or for maintenance.

What we found on November 9, 2026: Grouse Mountain listed the Grouse Grind as closed for annual maintenance until November 10, with the BCMC Trail open, and its Kids Tree Canopy Adventure closed for maintenance from November 2 to 13. Winter snow activities were listed as closed for the season ahead of the winter opening, and the mountain promoted its Peak of Christmas event from November 20 to December 24. Check the website on the day you plan to go.

Gondola and activity tickets

Access to the top is by aerial lift; the mountain's site lists its lifts and their status. A mountain admission or lift ticket covers the ride and many attractions at the top; some activities, such as ziplining or guided experiences, are sold separately. Buy online and check what's included before you go.

What can I do without hiking?

Plenty, in most seasons: ride the lift for the views, visit the wildlife refuge and ranger talks the mountain lists, watch a short film in its theatre, eat at a mountaintop restaurant, or join seasonal activities. Check which are operating on your date.

Is the Grind open?

The Grouse Grind is a steep, demanding trail up the mountain's face, popular with locals as a workout. It closes seasonally and for maintenance. Grouse Mountain listed it closed until November 10, 2026, when we checked. If you plan to hike it, check the trail status on the day, start early, carry water and know that it's a strenuous climb, not a casual walk.

Views and weather

The view is the main draw, and it depends on the weather. Low cloud can hide the city entirely even when the lift is running. Check a forecast and webcam if available, and keep the day flexible. Mountain weather can be colder and wetter than downtown; bring a layer.

Getting there

Grouse Mountain is in North Vancouver. Options include public transit via the SeaBus and a bus, a seasonal shuttle (check the mountain's shuttle page for dates and stops), taxi or driving. Allow time for the return journey; don't schedule a tight connection to a downtown flight or cruise on the same afternoon.

Fitting it into a trip

If you want a view from above that isn't from a mountaintop, our guide to Vancouver seaplane tours compares a scenic flight with other options.

FAQs

Is the Grind open? It closes seasonally and for maintenance. Check Grouse Mountain's site on the day.

What can I do without hiking? Ride the lift for views and visit the attractions at the top that are operating in your season.

Is it worth going on a cloudy day? Views may be limited. Choose a clearer day if the view is your main reason to go.

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