Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is the easiest ski hill to reach in Vancouver and offers a variety of activities throughout the year, from skiing and ziplining to live shows. The ski season usually begins in late November or early December and lasts until around April. For the 2024/2025 season, skiing started on November 23rd. While winter sports are a major draw, the resort remains open year-round for other activities, with occasional short closures for maintenance. While Grouse Mountain is a ski resort in the winter, it is also one of Metro Vancouver’s most popular attractions all year long. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in every season, making it a great destination beyond just skiing.
Where is Grouse Mountain?
Grouse Mountain is situated at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, at the top of Capilano Road in North Vancouver. It is about a 30-minute drive from many areas in Vancouver and only 15 minutes from most parts of the North Shore.
Summer, Spring, and Fall Activities
In the warmer months, Grouse Mountain is just as lively as in the winter. Popular activities include ziplining, hiking trails, and visiting the Eye of the Wind observation deck (though it’s temporarily closed). Year-round attractions such as chairlift rides, a movie theatre, and dining options remain available.
Summertime also brings live entertainment, including the popular Lumberjack Show and Birds in Motion presentations. For adventure seekers, paragliding is an exciting option—even for beginners!
In 2025, Grouse Mountain will introduce a new mountain coaster, similar to an alpine slide or summer luge, as well as a brand-new bike park. These additions will enhance the resort’s already diverse list of activities.
Winter Activities at Grouse Mountain
As one of the three main ski resorts on Vancouver’s North Shore, Grouse Mountain features over 24 runs and four chairlifts, with some of the best terrain parks in the region. It offers excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, along with stunning views of Vancouver—especially at night.
Unlike other ski hills where driving in winter conditions is necessary, Grouse Mountain is accessible via public transit. Visitors park at the base and take the Skyride or Blue Grouse gondolas up to the resort, making it a convenient option for those looking to avoid challenging winter driving conditions.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Grouse Mountain
- Getting Up the Mountain: Besides hiking the Grouse Grind, the gondolas are the only way up. However, they may not be ideal for those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces.
- Best Views on the Skyride: Try to secure a spot near the front of the line so you can stand by the windows facing the city for the best views.
- Annual Passes: If you plan to visit multiple times (not just for skiing), an annual pass may be worth considering.
- Y2Play Pass: This special season pass, available for a limited time from late February, offers skiing for the remainder of the current season and the entire next season at a lower price than a full-season pass.
- Summer Visit Tip: Arrive early in the day to catch the Lumberjack and Birds in Motion shows.
Discounts for Students: BC students in grades 4 and 5 can ski at Grouse Mountain up to three times for free with a SnowPass, which costs around $30 and is valid at several ski hills across Canada.