Vancouver's famous 'Mother Nature's Stairmaster' is a near-vertical climb up the face of Grouse Mountain through old-growth forest. The trail is extremely steep but extremely popular with locals as a fitness challenge. Take the gondola down. Open May to November.
The Grouse Grind is a 2.9-kilometre trail climbing the steep southern face of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, British Columbia, gaining 853 metres of elevation over a near-vertical ascent. Colloquially known as Mother Nature's Stairmaster, the Grind is one of the most popular trails in Canada, attracting an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 hikers each season and serving as a regular fitness benchmark for Greater Vancouver residents.
The trailhead sits at the base of Grouse Mountain and is accessible by public transit via TransLink — the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then Bus 236 to Grouse Mountain. A small paid parking lot is available at the resort base. No reservation or permit is required to hike up, but a gondola ticket must be purchased to descend; the Grouse Grind is a strictly one-way uphill route and descending on foot is not permitted.
The terrain is consistently steep, with grades averaging 35-40% through a mix of natural rock steps, exposed tree roots, and packed dirt. The lower third passes through a stand of old-growth red cedar and Douglas fir. The upper sections become more exposed, with rock slabs and constructed staircases installed to protect the trail surface. There are no water sources on the trail; hikers should carry at least 1 litre per person. The upper third offers little shade during afternoon hours.
The trail is maintained by Grouse Mountain Resort in partnership with the District of North Vancouver. It opens annually in early May, weather and snow-cover dependent, and closes in late November. A digital timing system at the base and summit records personal completion times; the average ascent takes 1.5 to 2 hours for recreational hikers. At the summit, Grouse Mountain resort offers restaurants, a wildlife refuge housing grey wolves and grizzly bears, lumberjack shows, and scenic gondola rides. A gondola ticket is required to return to the base, with discounted rates available for those who hiked up.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, BC
- Best season
- May to late November (weather and snow-cover dependent)
Highlights
- panoramic Vancouver views from summit
- Grouse Mountain attractions
- old-growth forest
- fitness challenge
Tips for visiting
- Carry at least 1 litre of water per person — there are no water sources anywhere on the trail.
- Budget for a gondola ticket to descend; descending on foot is not permitted and the hiker rate is lower than the full gondola price.
- Use trail running shoes or sturdy hiking boots with good grip — the upper rock slabs become slick after rain.
- The trail is busiest on weekend mornings between 9 a.m. and noon; arriving before 8 a.m. or on a weekday significantly reduces crowding.
- Check the Grouse Mountain website for the trail's annual open and close dates, which shift based on snowpack conditions each year.
- Dogs are not permitted on the Grouse Grind; the adjacent BCMC Trail on the same mountain face allows dogs.
When to visit
The trail is open May through November. Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. are significantly cooler and less crowded than summer weekend afternoons. June through early October offers the most reliable trail conditions.
Accessibility
The Grouse Grind is not accessible to wheelchair users, stroller users, or those with significant mobility limitations. The trail is an extremely steep, unpaved single-track with rock steps and exposed roots throughout. The Grouse Mountain gondola provides accessible summit access for visitors who prefer an alternative to hiking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to hike the Grouse Grind?
Hiking up is free of charge. A gondola ticket is required to descend since the downhill trail is closed to hikers; Grouse Mountain offers a discounted hiker rate that is lower than the standard gondola ticket price.
How long does the average hiker take to complete the Grouse Grind?
Most recreational hikers complete the 2.9 km ascent in 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Experienced trail runners often finish in under an hour. The digital timing system at the trailhead and summit records personal times.
Is the trail open year-round?
No. The Grouse Grind is officially closed from approximately late November to early May due to snow, ice, and trail maintenance. Exact opening and closing dates vary by year and are published on the Grouse Mountain website.
Is parking available at the trailhead?
A pay parking lot is available at Grouse Mountain Resort base. On busy summer weekends it fills by mid-morning; using the TransLink bus from downtown Vancouver via SeaBus and Bus 236 is a practical and popular alternative.
Are dogs allowed on the Grouse Grind?
Dogs are not permitted on the Grouse Grind trail. The BCMC Trail — an adjacent and slightly longer route ascending the same mountain face — allows dogs and is the recommended alternative for hikers with pets.