Grouse Mountain via Grouse Grind and Heaven's Sake

Grouse Mountain via Grouse Grind and Heaven's Sake in North Vancouver is the classic local suffer-fest: short, steep, and all uphill. Over just 4.2 km you gain about 939 m, so expect an extreme workout rather than a casual wander, with most hikers taking around two hours or more. It’s a point-to-point climb from the base of Grouse Mountain up to the tourist village and viewpoints at roughly 1231 m.

The Grouse Grind itself is basically a giant outdoor stairmaster through dense, mossy forest, with built-in wooden steps, rocky sections, and almost no flat relief. It’s shaded most of the way, which helps, but you’ll still be dripping by halfway, so pace is everything. At the top, Heaven’s Sake and the summit area open up big views over downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains, plus access to cafes, restaurants, and the gondola and chairlift network.

Current reports say the trail is dry with no snow, but it’s still strenuous and intense, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and real hiking shoes; poles help on the steeper pitches. Downhill hiking on the Grouse Grind is not allowed, so budget for the gondola down, which runs about $20 for hikers, and expect a fee for parking at the base. Summer and early fall are the most popular times, and once you’re up top you can check out the grizzly bear habitat with Coola and Grinder, ziplining, shows, and other activities before cruising back down by skyride.