20 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Vancouver Canada's Grouse Grind Trail

Tips and Hacks for the Grouse Grind Vancouver British Columbia

Climbing the Grouse Grind: Answers to All Your Questions

Our list of 20 things you need to know before climbing Vancouver Canada's Grouse Grind Trail will help you reach the top, whether you're an experienced trail runner or a first-time climber. The Grouse Grind is one of Vancouver Canada's most popular hiking trails, and it is often referred to as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" due to its steep incline and challenging terrain. Extending roughly 2.5 km (1.5 mi) up the face of Grouse Mountain, it gains over 800 m (2,624 ft) of elevation. Not for the faint of heart, this rigorous hike delivers a full cardiovascular workout, while immersing you in some of Vancouver's world-famous mountain scenery.  For those who reach the summit on foot, the spectacular views and sense of personal achievement are epic rewards.  Do you have what it takes to tackle this West Coast hiking challenge?

The Peak of Vancouver - 20 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Vancouver Canada's Grouse Grind Trail

Over 1 million people visit Grouse Mountain each year, making 'The Peak of Vancouver' one of the premier travel destinations on the lower mainland. Most visitors are whisked to the summit in the Red Skyline or Blue Grouse gondolas, where they can enjoy panoramic views over the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and the spectacular Cascade Mountain Range. Amazingly, there is also a wide range of attractions to welcome visitors to the top of the mountain, including a variety of guided eco-nature walks, a world-famous lumberjack show, a grizzly bear sanctuary, a mountaintop zipline and much more. Unsurprisingly, with so much to see and do, only the most intrepid outdoor enthusiasts attempt to ascend Grouse Mountain on foot by tackling the steep and challenging terrain of the Grouse Grind Trail.

20 Things You Need to Know Before Conquering the Grouse Grind

As someone who has hiked and paddled over 1,500 km (932 mi) of the trails and waterways in British Columbia during our cross-Canada hike on the Trans Canada Trail, climbing this mountainous path was a rite of passage.  Metro Vancouver is a hiker's paradise, featuring a huge number of outdoor adventures, ranging from the Capilano Suspension Bridge to Stanley Park, but the Grouse Grind offers a challenge like no other.  Whether you're searching for adventure on Canada's West Coast, participating in a group or charity event, or simply looking for a great workout, our advice for conquering the Grouse Grind Trail will help make your experience as smooth and fun as possible.

Below you will learn 20 things you need to know before tackling the Grouse Grind. This list will answer questions you might have before setting out, about what the climb is like, and about what you can expect at the top.

1. Can anyone do it? The Grouse Grind is recommended for anyone who is reasonably fit and up for an intense physical challenge. The hike is strenuous and it can be tough for beginners or those who are not in good physical condition, as it presents a serious cardiovascular workout. If you aren't used to physical exertion, you should consider training before attempting it, or starting with one of Vancouver's easier trails to determine how well you fare and how much you enjoy it.

2. How hard is it? Completing the Grouse Grind Trail is equivalent to ascending a 200 story building, or climbing 2,830 steps. This is 1.5 times the height of Toronto's CN Tower, and twice the height of the Empire State Building. This sounds impressive, but add to this the unevenness of the terrain, and you have another level of difficulty. Over 40 people per year need to be rescued by the North Vancouver Fire Fighters because they have underestimated the level of difficulty associated with this hike, so it is best to come prepared!

3. When is the trail open? The trail is typically open from early spring until late fall (May to November), but daily hours of operation change depending on the amount of daylight. During the peak summer season it is typically open from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm, but you should always check here for current trail conditions and opening hours before setting out.

4. Is it free? There is no cost associated with hiking the Grouse Grind Trail itself. However, if you choose to take the Red Skyline or Blue Grouse Gondola back down the mountain you must purchase tickets for your return ride. In addition, there is no free parking at Grouse Mountain, so unless you visit during the summer months and take advantage of the free shuttle from downtown Vancouver, you will need to pay for public transit or parking at the base of the mountain.

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets for your ride back down Grouse Mountain on the gondola online in advance to save money.

5. Is it busy? Around 100,000 people attempt to conquer the Grouse Grind Trail each year. This includes group events, where participants compete for fastest time to climb, raise money for charity, or engage in various team building exercises. Therefore, you can expect to see many other hikers on the trail during your climb. The busiest months are usually June to August.

6. When is the best time to go? If you prefer to avoid the crowds, head out early in the morning when the trail first opens. Also, check the weather forecast before you set out, keeping in mind that weather conditions at the top of the mountain may differ from those in Metro Vancouver. If possible, avoid climbing in very hot weather, or when it is raining hard, as the trail can become very muddy and slippery when wet.

7. Is the Grouse Grind well marked? The trail is well marked with orange blazes and other signage, and it is generally easy to follow. It is extremely important to stay on the beaten path to avoid getting lost, injured, or falling off the mountain.

8. What is the trail like? The trail climbs very steeply up the forested slope of Grouse Mountain, and it is mostly shaded by a canopy of tall conifers. Surprisingly, the first quarter seems like the longest, and it is the least steep, mostly consisting of large, more or less evenly spaced stone steps. The middle section of the footpath is the steepest, and the trail bed is rocky, uneven, and crossed by many exposed tree roots. Care must be taken with each step to avoid injury on the uneven surface. Luckily, the final quarter is less steep, with the natural stone steps becoming slightly easier to climb once again.

9. What should I wear? It is extremely important to wear proper footwear, such as trail runners or sturdy, well-fitting hiking shoes or boots. The terrain is steep and uneven, and the trail can get slippery, especially if it's wet or muddy. Moreover, good footwear will help you maintain balance and avoid injury. In addition, it is also important to dress appropriately, wearing flexible and breathable clothing meant for outdoor activity.

Pro Tip: Do not attempt this trail in flip flops, crocs, or sandals that are not designed specifically for hiking or outdoor adventure.

10. What should I bring with me? You should bring at least 1L of water in order to stay hydrated, as well as a light snack such as a banana or energy bar. However, there are no garbage or recycling bins along the route, so be prepared to pack out any trash. In addition, it is also important to bring a sweater and/or light rain jacket for the summit. Remember, you will likely get hot and sweaty on the climb up, but the weather at the top can change very quickly, and if it is cold or raining at the summit your body temperature can very quickly drop. Finally, don't forget your cell phone for emergencies and for taking photos of your epic climb and the stunning views you'll enjoy from the top.

Pro tip: Bringing a couple Band-Aids to prevent blisters or a small, lightweight first aid kit is also a good idea.

11. Are there washrooms on the trail? There are no washrooms along the trail, so it is a good idea to use the facilities in the parking lot at the bottom before you set off. There are also washrooms and many other services, attractions, and guided activities at the summit once you arrive.

12. What if I need to take a break? The climb is tough, and many hikers take breaks along the way. Listen to your body and rest when needed. There are a few benches on the side of the trail around the halfway mark, but otherwise there aren't a lot of viewpoints or official places to stop. However, it's okay to step over to the side of the path, stop, catch your breath, and rehydrate. As we learned during our CN Tower Climb, pacing yourself and taking things slow and steady is the best way to ensure you make it to the top!

13. How long does it take to hike the Grouse Grind? For most people of average fitness the climb takes between 1.5-2.5 hours, but elite athletes have completed the trek in less than 25 minutes.

14. Can I officially time my climb? If you would like to track your performance and see how you rank against other climbers you can purchase a Grind Timer Card at the foot of the trail which contains a radio frequency chip. Simply swipe the card at the start of the trail and again once you reach the summit, and your name and time will be displayed on the monitor outside the Peak Chalet at the top.

15. What if I'm slow? For most of us this isn't a race, so taking the trail at your own pace is perfectly fine. If you're taking your time, simply keep to the right. The trail can be very busy, especially during summer, and it is considered good trail etiquette to keep to the right so faster climbers and those who are striving to beat their personal best times can easily pass. This way, everyone can enjoy the trail in their own way!

16. Are we there yet? For many of us, it can feel a little daunting to tackle a trail that climbs relentlessly upwards with no reprieve. Luckily, to make the ascent more manageable, there are signs that mark your progress, letting you know when you reach the 1/4, halfway, and 3/4 points on the climb. Fortunately, the first and last quarters are the easiest, which gives you something to look forward to.

17. Can I walk back down? The Grouse Grind is a "one-way" trail, meaning that for safety reasons hikers are only allowed to ascend it. You cannot walk back down the mountain following the Grouse Grind Trail. To descend Grouse Mountain you can take the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse gondola down, or you can walk back down following the nearby BCMC Trail. If you choose to walk down, extra care should be taken, because the descent is also steep and will be tough to complete safely with tired legs.

Pro Tip: Purchase your tickets for the gondola ride back down in advance to save money. When purchased online tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

18. Can I bring my dog? No, pets are not allowed on the Grouse Grind, so you must leave your furry friends at home.

19. What is the best advice for reaching the top? If you aren't an experienced climber or a trained athlete, the best strategy for successfully completing the Grouse Grind Trail is to pace yourself, take breaks, and simply try to have fun. Specifically, try to adopt a slow and steady pace. This can be tricky at the beginning when it is tempting to rush in the excitement of the moment. However, if you start too fast you will get tired more quickly. Slow and steady wins the race.

20. Is climbing the Grouse Grind Trail fun? Yes! You will meet hikers of all ages on the trail who have come from all over the world to experience British Columbia's epic mountain scenery and outdoor adventures first hand. In our experience, the rhythm and energy of the other climbers can help you maintain a steady pace and motive you to keep going, and their enthusiasm and words of encouragement are awesome. Nothing re-charges the system like someone smiling, giving you a thumbs up and saying "almost there!"

Conquering Vancouver's Grouse Grind Trail

In conclusion, conquering the Grouse Grind Trail in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is an epic outdoor adventure. Our list of 20 things you should know before climbing the Grouse Grind might sound like a lot to remember, but the most important takeaways are to be prepared, don't underestimate the difficulty, and have fun! Always remember, everything big is achieved one step at a time – go for it!

20 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Vancouver's Grouse Grind

 Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for the Grouse Grind in Vancouver Canada