Grouse Mountain in Vancouver

[JenPinks]

Recommendations? Do's and don'ts?

 

[mollyclairesmom]

Recommendations? Do's and don'ts?

Loved it! We took the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge park first (glad it we did this first... It was way more crowded when we left). From there, we took the city bus up to Grouse Mountain (need exact change). It dropped us off right at the base of the mountain, and we bought our tickets and rode up. We loved the lumberjack show and the bird show. The view from the chairlift up top was amazing! We had lunch at the outdoor barbecue restaurant, and it was tasty... We ordered some sort of platter, and it was an economical way to feed all three of us (2A/1C).

 

[disneyfaninaz]

There are free shuttles to Grouse Mountain outside the cruise terminal. Loved visiting here. But, yes it does get crowded.

 

[anricat]

Loved it! We took the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge park first (glad it we did this first... It was way more crowded when we left). From there, we took the city bus up to Grouse Mountain (need exact change). It dropped us off right at the base of the mountain, and we bought our tickets and rode up. We loved the lumberjack show and the bird show. The view from the chairlift up top was amazing! We had lunch at the outdoor barbecue restaurant, and it was tasty... We ordered some sort of platter, and it was an economical way to feed all three of us (2A/1C).

This is exactly what we did.

There are a few other things to be aware of. First, we found the temperature to be much cooler at the top of the mountain and we were inadequately prepared with appropriate outer wear. It was much cooler and also drizzly. Also, people say it's not worth going if it's socked in and overcast. This really isn't the case. We had a great view going up the tram and once at the top, the view isn't really the thing anyway. There's a lot to do. The falcon show was great. Finally, I recommend buying tickets for both Capitano and Grouse online in advance. It was great bypassing the ticket lines at both places and heading right for the attractions.

 

[JenPinks]

Loved it! We took the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge park first (glad it we did this first... It was way more crowded when we left). From there, we took the city bus up to Grouse Mountain (need exact change). It dropped us off right at the base of the mountain, and we bought our tickets and rode up. We loved the lumberjack show and the bird show. The view from the chairlift up top was amazing! We had lunch at the outdoor barbecue restaurant, and it was tasty... We ordered some sort of platter, and it was an economical way to feed all three of us (2A/1C).

I was hesitant about the bridge because I am afraid of heights, but I dont want to miss out on anything. But that for the idea to do the bridge first! Did you buy that package admission to do all of those things at Grouse Mountain?

 

[amberwc]

I was hesitant about the bridge because I am afraid of heights, but I dont want to miss out on anything. But that for the idea to do the bridge first! Did you buy that package admission to do all of those things at Grouse Mountain?

No each place sells their own tickets.
About Grouse Mountain, if you see the lumberjack show, skip the one in Ketchikan, this one is MUCH better. Our kids still talk about it. They also have a breakfast with bears that looked interesting. And if you're a runner, I guess running up Grouse mountain is quite the thing to do.

 

[jrabbit]

... And if you're a runner, I guess running up Grouse mountain is quite the thing to do.

And that's just crazy talk!!! Take the Tram up the side of the mountain. Great Views, Not Sweaty, able to enjoy the activities at the top of the mountain, won't need a medic, ...

 

[amberwc]

And that's just crazy talk!!! Take the Tram up the side of the mountain. Great Views, Not Sweaty, able to enjoy the activities at the top of the mountain, won't need a medic, ...

I didn't say I did it, or that it sounded like a good idea to me, but you know there are CRAZY people out there!

 

[bcwife76]

No each place sells their own tickets.
About Grouse Mountain, if you see the lumberjack show, skip the one in Ketchikan, this one is MUCH better. Our kids still talk about it. They also have a breakfast with bears that looked interesting. And if you're a runner, I guess running up Grouse mountain is quite the thing to do.

It's called the Grouse Grind and trust me, no one really RUNS it so much as hikes or walks. It's crazy and I have never attempted it lol!! But if you do the Grouse Grind, you get to take the tram down the mountain for free.

 

[UK-Simon]

Be aware the grind is a pretty gruelling hike and not for the inexperienced or unfit. Average time is 90 minutes but that's going at a consistent pace. Don't take it on unless you know what you're getting yourself into!

The comment about the weather is true when overcast, although depending on when you visit don't think it's always cold. In the summer months on clear days it can be very hot up there!

I worked on the Mountain for several years and still live in Vancouver. It's a great place to see every Canadian sterotype in one place. It's definitely worth a visit!

 

[anricat]

In the summer months on clear days it can be very hot up there!

Don't I wish. August 7 last year we were freezing. The little tent thing next to the bears was full of people trying to warm up. We were wearing hoodies, but we could have used our jackets, mittens and hats! I basically should have checked the weather up there before heading up (not just the forecast for Vancouver).

 

[xlxo]

Do's

• take advantage of the free shuttles outside the cruise terminal
• do check the show schedule for the day to get best value. Lumberjack and Bird Show are FREE!
• do consider visiting post-cruise when crowds are lighter on the weekdays
• do check the weather forecast.... go on a day where there is no rain
• do consider bundling your visit with Capilano Suspension Bridge. While the Grouse shuttles does not do pickups from Capilano, the Grouse Shuttles will drop off at Capilano. You return to the city on a Capilano Shuttle. BTW..... Capilano was offering 20% discounts if you visit after 5pm when bridge crowds are thinner
• do bring a camera
• do bring sunscreen
• do plan a visit!

Don'ts

• don't go without checking the show schedule
• rent a car to get there
• don't get lost on the trails!
• don't recommend a visit in the rain
• don't feed your children to the bears
• don't try the Grouse Grid unless you really enjoy stair climbing

Depends....

• free gondola ride if you decide to have dinner at the Observator in the evening
• Eye of the Wind w/ Peak chairlift
• Bear Breakfast
• VIP deck
• Zip Line
• Helicopter tour
• the locals use Grouse for hiking. In addition to the shows.... spend some time exploring the trails

 

[SunDevilFanAZ]

We went to Vancouver last summer on our own. Grouse Mtn. was recommended. But.....

It was a cool rainy time when we were there. Even after asking if we could see everything because of the clouds and rain they kinda dodged the question. Should have been our clue.

I am not a fan of heights so the gondola ride up was more white knuckle for me than most coaster but everyone else liked it. Only takes a few mins.

Once up there the clouds and drizzle were so thick we couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of us. Good luck getting a refund.

We darn near had to climb in the grizzly pen to see them. While they were still going to have the lumberjack show we didn't stick around for it. Overall it was technically a bust but in hindsight the kids still had fun and laugh about it a year later.

So know this, if there is rain or clouds up there you more than likely won't see much and it will come at a pricey cost. If it is clear then have a blast.

 

[mamaburrito]

Has anyone done the Breakfast with Bears?

 

[jetskigrl]

Don't I wish. August 7 last year we were freezing. The little tent thing next to the bears was full of people trying to warm up. We were wearing hoodies, but we could have used our jackets, mittens and hats! I basically should have checked the weather up there before heading up (not just the forecast for Vancouver).

Yep, definitely need to keep an eye on the weather. It can go either way. We were there the beginning of August in 2014 and it was really hot. We just about melted while waiting for the lumberjack show since there was no shade. I was glad that we wore shorts and t-shirts. We also brought light jackets in case it was cold and ended up using them to try and shade us while sitting outside instead

 

[xlxo]

Has anyone done the Breakfast with Bears?

Found this Bear vid that may answer some questions..... please don't feed the parents to the bears.

Might need to do some research on taxi costs.... not sure the first shuttles can get you there in the morning on time.

 

[JenPinks]

Has anyone done the Breakfast with Bears?

Are these wild bears or confined bears?

 

[jrabbit]

confined. Pretty large enclosure.

 

[xlxo]

They are rescued Grizzlie bears. The wild black bears will not likely be joining you for breakfast.

• http://blog.wwf.ca/blog/2013/03/26/•the-grouse-mountain-grizzlies/
• https://www.grousemountain.com/wildlife-refuge
• https://www.grousemountain.com/wildlife-refuge/bear-cam

 

[JenPinks]

They are rescued Grizzlie bears. The wild black bears will not likely be joining you for breakfast.

• http://blog.wwf.ca/blog/2013/03/26/•the-grouse-mountain-grizzlies/
• https://www.grousemountain.com/wildlife-refuge
• https://www.grousemountain.com/wildlife-refuge/bear-cam

I don't believe in captive animals, that's why I was asking.