When I first moved to Vancouver I found out about the Grouse Grind, a steep hike to Grouse Mountain (see the photo on the left – Stanley Park is in the distance below), I decided to try it. After completing it I firmly decided that I don’t like it and will never do it again. Yet every year since then I do the Grind as a season starter hike. Why? Probably because it’s so convenient and easy to get to from downtown Vancouver or any other city nearby. What other hike do you know of where you can get to by public transit or taxi? If you want to get to the top of Grouse Mountain without breaking a sweat, you can also do so by taking the gondola. Take a look at the short (about 2 and a half minute) video below to see what you can expect when you get to the base of Grouse Mountain.
With each year that I conquer the Grind I like it less and less. I can now say that I actually hate it. I can deal with the crowds and tourists. I just skip past them. But the increasing amount of stairs on the path is getting to be ridiculous. I might as well run up and down the staircase in the building I live in. Take a look at the short video below ( less than 2 minutes) to see what I mean.
Two other reasons why I hate the Grouse Grind: the cost to take the gondola down is $10! That wouldn’t be so bad if there wasn’t a large sign (which I always ignore) at the top informing hikers that it is forbidden to hike down. Those that don’t know about other trails heading down are stuck paying for the gondola. There are no trail maps at the Grouse Mountain Chalet because they want you to pay to get down.
In my next post I will show you all the wonderful things you can see and experience when you arrive at the top of Grouse Mountain. I only hate the hike, not the mountain!
Grouse Mountain and the Grouse Grind are located at the end of Capilano Rd in North Vancouver, BC Canada.
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