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Snowshoe Grouse Mountain

North Vancouver, British Columbia

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2.7 miles

Elevation Gain

705 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Gabbert

Great views of the city along with snowshoe trails for every level located a short distance away from downtown Vancouver.

A 25 minute drive outside of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a great escape from the city for a myriad of winter activities. If you can swallow the pricey ticket for the gondola ride and accompanying activities at the top, you’ll be welcomed by spectacular views with relatively little effort. Whether it be skiing, snowshoeing or simply taking the gondola to the top of the mountain for some food & brews, its a fun adventure.

From North Vancouver take Highway 1 to the Capilano Road exit and take that all of the way to the Grouse Mountain parking lot. It is here you’ll buy your tickets and board the gondola. The gondola itself isn’t anything revolutionary, but as you climb up the views become increasingly spectacular as it whisks you away to the Peak Chalet at 3700 ft.

Once you get off the gondola it’s a short 50 yard walk to the start of the snowshoe trails (note: you can rent snowshoes at the mountain if you didn’t bring your own). While the trails themselves aren’t expansive, there is more than enough trail and distance for any skill level. If you are going for a leisurely stroll and prefer minimal elevation, you can partake in the Blue Grouse Loop (1km) or combine that with the Whistler Water Way for an additional 1.1km. If you are ready for a strenuous, leg-burning workout, take the Snowshoe Grind all of the way to the top of Dam Mountain – a 4.3km long, 705 ft. elevation gain trail. And, if you’ve still not had enough you can walk along Discovery Loop for another 1.4km. Whenever you decided to turn around and head back down to the Peak Chalet, you’ll be greeted by spectacular panoramic views of the city of Vancouver and its surroundings as you descend.

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Features

Snowshoeing
Scenic

Snowshoe Grouse Mountain Reviews

Grouse mountain always has something to do year round and is so beautiful. I could see Mt Hood from the wind farm observatory and watched some great shows one about lumberjacks and one looking at the birds of Canada. Both spectacular. The restaurant has all types of great food. A must do when going to Vancouver.

If you make a reservation for the Observatory you don’t need to pay for the gondola ride. The menu is pricey but if you’re having dinner anyway well worth it! Went night snowshoeing in April to see the full moon and I highly recommend! Guides are very knowledgeable, the hike is not long but definitely a work out!

Grouse has amazing views of Vancouver, and is definitely worth a visit any time if the year if you visit the city. Though the mountain can get quite busy (if you can, try to go mid-week), there's so much to do outside snowshoeing, including ice skating, skiing/snowboarding, food in and out of the chalet (Beavertails!) and Theatre in the Sky. Take a look at all the activities they have going on on their website www.grousemountain.com to make a day out of it!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Crown Mountain

Hike Goat Mountain

Photograph the Cleveland Dam

Hike Up Brothers Creek Loop

Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Hike to Norvan Falls