Grouse Grind at Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, BC

Jolene from Burnaby writes:

I went on the grouse grind in June. I'm not a hiker and I thought I was going to die. Once you did it you feel so healthy and proud of yourself for doing it.

Posted: July 28, 2010 05:14:18 PM PST

phl Jerome from Shreveport, la writes:

My wife completed this trail. I'm so proud of her! Way to work babes muah love ya

Posted: July 25, 2010 08:33:42 AM PST

Richard Szabo from Penticton BC writes:

I've heard of the Grouse Grind for years but never had the chance to venture up it until last week. I sure wish I found this sooner!! I loved the climb as I like chalenging myself. I made it from the bottom tag marker to the top marker in 46:09. I now have a goal for the next time to do it in under 45 min. I just wish the start of the downhill trail was better marked as I ended up running down the main logging road and ended up in Lynn Valley! A fair distance away from where I started!!

Posted: July 24, 2010 09:58:41 PM PST

Harjot Kataria from Vancouver writes:

The bcmc trail which runs alongside the Grouse Grind is a nice alternative for those looking for a change. It's not quite as steep but is a little longer and a LOT quieter. Well marked once you're on the trail.

The starting point is at the same junction where the Baden Powell Trail splits from the Grouse Grind (three trails meet at this point, the middle one is the bcmc)

Posted: July 10, 2010 10:30:54 AM PST

TODD from St Albert, AB writes:

I did the grind this week for only the second time. This is truly one of the best hikes in Canada you can do, and the feeling of accomplishment as you look down at Stanley Park from the top is worth the trip. The first time it took me an hour and twenty minutes, but this time I managed to eek out a 1:07 but have to say it took a lot of work, and the thighs were burning hard by the 3 quarter mark. For those looking for a scenic walk in the bushes, this is not a trip you should try. All that is to be seen from most of the path is trees, rock, and steps...and more steps. There is a decent view of a waterfall about half way up, but there really isnt a place to stop and picnic, and you likely wouldnt make it up to the spot with a pack full of cheese doodles and soda.

Posted: May 12, 2010 07:42:05 PM PST

Al Mishima from Honolulu, HI writes:

Best hike I've ever experienced. This is far superior and more challenging than the hike tourist take in Hawaii, the Diamond Head Lookout.

I've hiked this twice and will attempt to do so every year when visiting Vancouver, BC.

Posted: May 6, 2010 11:17:51 AM PST

Charlotte from Houston writes:

After first reading about the Grind I knew I would have to do this before I left Vancouver. I picked the Thanksgiving weekend so I would have extra time to recover...

Having only four hours of sleep (couldn't sleep) the night before the climb I was very nervous especially after reading at 2 a.m. that it was over 2,000 "steps" which is really a nice name for boulders, rocks, branches, etc. My mind was playing tricks on me so it convinced me I should have my travel insurance card and emergency contacts with me in case I had a coronary. My friend and trainer who went with me was so great and told me I didn't need that.

But, wow that climb was just as the name implies...grinding, climbing, grunting, panting, measured breaths....moments of asking yourself "why are you doing this to your knees...."

However, when it was all over I was so happy, yet stunned that I actually did it. The views are beautiful and yes you definitely need a change of clothes. It was October 10 and my head was soaking wet.

Tips that my trainer told me which turned out to be good ones: When stopping don't look up because you will be daunted by what is ahead. Look down and see what you've just accomplished. It is almost better to keep one's head down and take it one step at a time and concentrate just on that moment, that boulder. Be positive. YOu will be passed by people who think it is no big deal but remember it is a big deal especially for Grind Virgins.

Be happy and be proud of yourself.

Posted: October 12, 2009 09:05:14 AM PST

Antonio from Burnaby writes:

I would like to say, this Grouse Grind is the ultimate challenge of testing yourself , so called the "the agony of defeat" At first of knowledge of its existence , scare the hell out of me of staring at this mountain, and even completing it,never alone attempting it for the challenge of endurance of mankind and personal quest.
I have done this mountain now 7 times this year and it calls me to the challenge every time . I have improved my time since beginning of 2hrs and a half, down to recent 1hr and 10 minutes, what a challenge. To me that is great for the body and mind and soul.
Now I am going to make it lower than that last time ,1hour or lower next time out this week, I must! I must! Italian Stallion, Rocky.

Posted: October 5, 2009 08:03:04 PM PST

richard william from london,on writes:

what's with the grind? straight up a mountain for 2 hours..is it the air that makes vancouverities do such nonsense.

Posted: September 17, 2009 10:21:07 PM PST

Rob from Baltimore, MD writes:

Did the grind for the first time today! It was awesome. My time was 1 hr 36 minutes. I am VERY glad that I chose to wear hiking boots over tennis shoes. The terrain is pretty rough. Lots of rocks and tree roots. Having the ankle support was good as was the harder soles.

I'll definitely be back!

Posted: August 31, 2009 10:50:37 PM PST

Ellen Z from Portland, OR writes:

My friend and I hiked the Grind last Friday. It was a pretty killer hike for me since I have a bad knee and asthma, but it was worth it. I recommend this hike for anyone who wants to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Bring 2 bottles of water and a dry shirt for the top. Please be kind to slower hikers (like me) and give some warning if you're going to pass on the left side of the trail - it's very narrow in some places and it's easy to lose your footing with tired legs. The view at the top is awesome but the beer is expensive.

Posted: August 30, 2009 11:15:53 PM PST

Herve from Nottingham, UK writes:

I did the grind this saturday. I didn't know what to expect and was equipped to continue further (backpack, change of clothes, waterproofs, food and drink), but I managed 49 min., taking it easy at the beginning to pace myself and navigate the traffic but walking briskly for the last part where I could. I really enjoyed this; the view, for sure, but mainly the effort if I am honest (the fog made the view a bit limited sadly, although there were quite a few hikers going up, some hitting their limits and also poorly equipped). I paused at the cafe on top and pushed on to Grouse, Dam and Little Goat before turning back as with running gear only, a small backpack and a limited map I felt it was safer to do so. I must come back to push all the way to Crown; and to improve my time up the grind. This is a a lovely place and I can only imagine how beautiful the views must be.

P.S. A useful tip for all is to take a spare shirt to change after the grind. I was equipped and changed into a Helly Hansen to push on as it was getting cool with the fog. Even in summer this may be advisable.

Posted: August 17, 2009 11:01:08 AM PST

RM from Calgary, AB writes:

My first time to do the Grouse Grind this past weekend without doing my Google homework. I only came upon this website today. But I've done a few hikes before and so I came to the Grind with expectations.

Shocked to see that it was more vertical and the trails do not zig-zag longer. I think they should add to Gate notice that the Trail is rated "Difficult" along with the Distance/Elevation Gain so newbie hikers like me get that info from the base. Without info, I was not surprised to see a toddler or even month-old newborn being carried up the "Difficult" trail.

Also a warning to those new to the Grind that loose stones can come down right at you if you happen to do a rest stop almost directly above other stops.
I was hit by one of those stones on my foot saved by my runners but one could have easily hit me on the head.

Posted: July 27, 2009 07:46:47 PM PST

Jeffrey Ai from Vancouver writes:

I've hiked this trail for 4 times. The good thing of this trail is :
* Lots of attractions on the top(bears, lumberjack show, bird-of-prey show, theatre, hang gliding, and free cable car for skiers in winter)
* No need to go downhill because you could spend 5$ to take cable car

The bad thing of this trail is nothing spectacular to see on the trail itself. It's just climbing and climbing.

Posted: June 1, 2009 07:47:59 PM PST

Elvia Russell from Surrey writes:

Every summer, as soon as Grouse opens, I love to go and hike it at least once a week. It's a fantastic workout. I burn more calories hiking Grouse than I do on any other type of exercise. Even being on the treadmill for 45 minutes doesn't do what Grouse does for me.
The scenery of course is absolutely beautiful. It's SO WORTH IT. Can not wait till it opens.

Posted: May 4, 2009 01:40:09 PM PST

Jason Tan from North Vancouver writes:

My friend and I heard the Grouse Grind opened last week, so we hiked it this morning. The trail is completely clear of snow but there are some muddy sections near the top.

I found out today that if you have a season's pass to ride the gondola back down, you can drop off a bag and they'll take it to the top for you. This is great because we don't have to pack a change of clothes with us, we can drop them at the bottom and they'll be waiting for us when we finish the Grind.

Posted: June 17, 2008 05:18:13 PM PST