PROJECT WANDERLUST

Symon and I share the same passion for hiking so when he said he wanted to visit Canada, a couple of places such as Kananaskis and Wedgemont Glacier came to mind. I’ve been sending him pictures of the views to get him hyped up before he arrived until I realised that we would need a car to get around. So I scratched everything and had to think more local. Something we can easily access by bus or some sort.

Ahh, Grouse Mountain!

Peak of Vancouver

It’s a shame that I didn’t think of it sooner but you can’t blame me…Symon has been to French Alps and have climbed other majestic mountains in Europe (mountains that I’ve only seen and heard of in movies!) A part of me really wanted to show off Canada so I’ve thought of bringing him to trails that he might find challenging for his level.

Grouse Grind is only a 2.9 km trail up the mountain with a summit of 1,127 metres and a base of 274 metres above sea level. Can definitely be done by beginner hikers. (My parents did it in 2 hours!)

Sunsets Like No Other

I know for a fact that most of you residing in Vancouver have trekked the Grouse Mountain at least once in your lifetime. But have you guys considered going a bit later than your usual hiking routine? Sayyy…5pm?

I THINK YOU SHOULD.

I have been to Grouse Mountain a couple of times already but I’ve never seen it this astonishing and serene. I often hike mornings so seeing the overview of Vancouver in colour just brought it to a whole new level.

It was so pretty that one of our photos got featured in Vancity Feed’s instagram!

 

Budget

If you’re backpacking around Canada or just on an all time low budget like Symon and I, all you’d need to worry about is your fare (Depending on the zone that you’re coming from, it can be as low as CAD2.75) and CAD10 for your trip down with the gondola. You might think of pushing it and decide to trek down the grind but the narrowness and steepness of the trail may not be safe for a beginner hiker.

Not a fan of trekking?

The face of the Grouse Mountain, like mentioned, is accessible by gondolas. Tickets start at CAD43.95 giving you a round-trip skyride and a couple of shows like The Lumberjack and Ranger Talks. The Grizzly Bear Habitat was Symon’s favourite!

And if the 2,800 ft. view did not impress you, wait ’til you get the Peak experience giving you an impeccable view from 4,100 ft. above sea level for only CAD47.95 (seriously, it’s worth the extra CAD4!)

 

Getting There

First time in Vancouver and travelling without a car?  Grouse Mountain is offering a FREE shuttle ride from May through October. Departs at 999 Canada Place from 9am-5:30pm. (Pre-purchase of Alpine Peak or Ultimate Experience is required)

Care to DIY? Here’s a travel guide to get to Grouse Mountain by public transit:

Coming from Downtown:

• From the Waterfront Station, take the Seabus across to North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay)
• At the Lonsdale Quay bus loop, take bus #236 to Grouse Mountain

Coming from East Vancouver/Burnaby:

• Take the bus to Phibbs Exchange bus loop in North Vancouver.
• Take the bus #232 to Grouse Mountain