Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain rises above North Vancouver, British Columbia, with its base at 6400 Nancy Greene Way and a summit around 1,100 metres above sea level. The main way up is the Skyride, an aerial tramway that carries visitors to the Peak Chalet in about eight minutes, with views over the city, Burrard Inlet and, on clear days, as far as the Gulf Islands. At the top, the sightseeing admission includes several attractions that change by season. The Grouse Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is home to orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, with viewing areas and keeper talks. The Lumberjack Show, featuring log rolling and axe throwing, runs in the warmer months, while birds of prey demonstrations and a theatre presentation add variety. In winter the mountain turns into a ski and snowboard hill with night skiing, plus snowshoeing and ice skating on the pond near the chalet. Visitors can also hike the Grouse Grind, a steep 2.9-kilometre trail of about 2,800 stairs, then pay to ride the Skyride down since descending on foot is not permitted. A full visit usually takes three to five hours. The best vantage points are the terraces beside the Peak Chalet and the Eye of the Wind viewing area, with sunset in summer especially popular for photographs of the city lights turning on below. Crowds peak on clear summer weekends and holidays, with queues at the base station; arriving at opening or visiting in the evening helps. Cloud and fog can hide the view entirely, so checking the webcams and weather before going matters. Transport options include Bus 236 from Lonsdale Quay and the seasonal free shuttle from Canada Place. Admission is relatively high, though it covers the Skyride and most sightseeing attractions, and the mountain operates daily with seasonal hours.