As real estate agents we’re often selling homes on the Northshore. We have so many families buying homes in North Vancouver and it’s because of all the wonderful amenities. Just wanted to highlight the wonderful joy of having access to the ski hills such as Grouse, Seymour and of course Cypress.
Activities at Grouse Mountain
Whenever a relative or friend from out of town visits, one of the very first nature spots we bring them to is Grouse Mountain. It doesn’t matter whether they arrive in the heart of the summer heat wave or in the midst of a heavy snow day. The adventures to embark on atop Grouse are so rich in variety for all seasons. Did we mention, it’s a local favourite.
Growing up in Vancouver, it’s easy to take the mountains in the background of any nature picture you take for granted. The truth is, anyone who lives on the North Shore is immensely fortunate to have such a beautiful backdrop in their lives, ourselves included. One added perk of living in North Vancouver is just how close you are to mountains like Grouse. If you’re new to the city or just bought a home in the area, here’s our insider’s guide to Grouse Mountain.
Winter escape: skiing and snowboarding at Grouse Mountain
There’s nothing better than fresh powder on the Grouse Mountain ski slopes. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, you’ll love Grouse. Local North Vancouver skiers and snowboarders frequently hit the slopes on the weekends throughout the winter season at Grouse. When you get a surprisingly snowy winter like the one we just had, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to ski and snowboard as much as you can, while you can.
Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver has 33 ski and snowboard runs as well as 15 night runs. That’s right- skiing in the night while overlooking the bright lights of downtown Vancouver! You’ll find a great selection of one-on-one lessons if you’re not ready to speed down the slopes on your own yet.
For more advanced skiers and boarders, there are moderate to difficult runs available at Grouse Mountain. For skiers and boarders without their own gear, it’s good to know that Grouse Mountain provides ski and snowboard rentals as well as snowshoes. That way, you get to test out the slopes without lugging bulky equipment along with you.
Snowshoeing and more during winter on Grouse
Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, that’s perfectly fine because there’s nearly 10km of snowshoe trails to embark on. The resort boasts an eclectic selection of snowshoe classes and activities ranging from competitive snowshoeing races to guided tours for new moms. Snowshoeing is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the beauty of a fresh snowfall coating the trees and picture perfect scenery at Grouse Mountain.
During the winter months, check out the spectacular light display when the Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake opens. The lights are magically enchanting and a family friendly holiday season affair. The skate rink also opens when the weather gets colder and there’s even live entertainment to take in while you cruise on the ice.
Hiking the Grouse Grind
No mention of Grouse Mountain is complete without highlighting the Grind. In the winter, the mountain is host to the Snowshoe Grind. The snowshoe equivalent of the summer’s Grouse Grind, you’ll be trekking through the snow over a distance of about 4km and an elevation of 240 metres.
By contrast, the Grouse Grind is open when summer’s out. A slightly shorter distance of nearly 3km but with a more challenging elevation of 853 metres awaits anyone who takes on the steep but enjoyable hike. You can even get both your winter Snowshoe Grind and Grouse Grind hikes officially timed and ranked against others in the Grind Timer program.
There’s so much to do on Grouse Mountain regardless of the season. Residents of North Vancouver are the envy of other Greater Vancouver locals who live further away from such majestic mountain views. One final tip- just remember to check Grouse Mountain’s website for the current weather conditions before heading out!
