BCMC Trail

The BCMC Trail is located just east of the Grouse Grind and offers a less busy alternative workout. The start of the trail is the same place as the start of the Grind before branching off onto the Baden Powell, then left at the junction up the steep hill to the Grouse Mountain chalet.

Note, most people take the Grouse Gondola back downhill as the steep, rocky slopes can be dangerous to descend. The Gondola costs $20 (as of 2021) and tickets can be purchased at the top in the chalet. The distance and time for this trail description are a one-way trip, different from other trails on the site, as it's assumed hikers will take the gondola back down.

After walking past the fence at the beginning of the trail, there is a junction on the right to the Baden Powell Trail, just before the start of the hill. This junction is about 5 meters beyond the gate, so if you have started to walk up a steep, rocky hill, you have missed it. Go right at the junction and follow the Baden Powell trail as it gradually climbs through the forest.

About 10 minutes into your hike, there is a junction on the left marking the way to the BCMC Trail. Looking for the tree markers as the area is well marked with unique markers for both the BCMC and Baden Powell Trails. Go left at the junction and begin your steep climb.

As you climb, look at the markers on the trees and note the numbers, keeping in mind the end is marker number 160. The marker numbers are not evenly spaced but it does give somewhat of an indication of where you are on the trail.

Around marker number 125, the trail begins to level off and there and climbs at a much more gradual pace. Eventually, you arrive at a junction with a wider path. Go left and continue up hill, being careful to step over the pipes and cables that are partially buried along the route. Only a few more steps and the Grouse Mountain chalet can be seen between the trees as you emerge from the forest and meeting with the crowds coming up the nearby Grouse Grind.