Grouse Mountain is only 15 minutes from downtown, it is considered one of Vancouver’s premier attraction that offers up a great outdoor experience. Most of Grouse Mountain’s summer and winter activities are free after you purchase a Grouse Mountain Admission ticket.
History
The first hikers recorded in history to reach the peak in October 1894 named Grouse Mountain. In the late 1800′s, climbing Grouse Mountain was no easy task, and took nearly three or four days to complete, back then there wasn’t a bridge to cross Burrard Inlet and no paved street to the base of the Grouse Mountain. The rugged crew of hikers dredged deep snow, climbed over rocks and of course fought their way past the dense forest. Grouse Mountain was named after Blue Grouse which was a breed of birds that were plentiful in the mountains, and this was what the band of hikers hunted while trekking to the summit.
After this first climb up Grouse Mountain and word spread the mountain started attracting hundreds of avid and adventurous hikers. Don and Phyllis Munday was one of the those adventure seeker and he built the first log cabin on the mountain. The Munday Alpine Snowpark to this day bears their name in honor of their contributions to mountaineering.
Activities
Skyride – Above the tall Douglas fir trees you can take in the beautiful view of the city of Vancouver, Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and white snow peaks of the mountainside. The Skyride is on of North America’s largest aerial tramway system. You can take pictures on the way up or once up top at the The Observatory you have a wonderful dinner.
Hours of Operation
The Skyride operates 365 days a year, departing every 15 minutes from 9am-10pm.
Wind Turbine Tours – This is the world’s first and only wind turbine that allows you to stand in a clear glass view POD at the top of the tower, 3 metres from its gigantic rotating blades. Get a 360-degree views of Grouse Mountain’s surrounding environment.
Hours & Price
Daily 10am-7pm, departing the Fire Pit area in the Alpine Plaza every hour.
Family (2 Adults, 2 Youth) – $59.95
Adult/Senior/Youth – $19.95
Child (12 & under) – Free*
Continue reading
Captain George Vancouver sailed into Burrand Inlet and landed there in 1792 and it was the catalyst of a big change in the lives of the First Nations near the Northwest Passage.