Located just 30 minutes by car north of;Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, well known for its wintertime skiing, is actually a great year-round family attraction center- no skiing required. Although the cold winter months bring on its own unique set of activities, my family had the pleasure of visiting during the summer months. Enjoy these tips for visiting Grouse Mountain on days where the snow has yet to fall.

In order to get to the Peak of Vancouver, you have two options: take the free Grouse Grind Trailhead (aka "Nature's Stairmaster", a 2.9k (1.8 mile) climb up 2,830 stairs rising 2,800 feet from your original start) or take grab a ticket for the SkyRide (North America's largest aerial tramway). Since we were on vacation, and I guess slightly lazy, we opted for the SkyRide to the top. My kids loved the views of Vancouver on the way up and a few surprise thrills on the way down made it an even more exciting treat. 

Once on top of the mountain, the fun has just begun. The basic alpine pass option give you entry to a variety of peak activities including The World Famous Lumberjack Show, the Birds in Motion Show, Wildlife encounters (including grizzly bears, wolves, and owls), and more. Additional passes offer families the chance to head up to the Eye of the Wind to take a peek out the wind turbine that sits atop the mountain; thrilling ziplining and paragliding possibilities, helicopter tours; and more. The top of the mountain is also home to a variety of dining options including both quick service, grab-and-go items, and fine dining restaurants. 

The World Famous Lumberjack Show was the highlight of the visit for my girls. Watch lumberjacks climb 60 foot poles in a heartbeat, slice through tree trunks with skill and precision, and balance on a rolling log. The show is very upbeat, exciting, and a ton of fun!  

In cooperation with the Pacific Northwest Raptors company, enjoy watching birds of prey in free flight as they soar around and over your heads in the Birds in Motion Show. The show held the attention of all of my children (even my 3-year-old) and offered some breathtaking up-close views of some amazing bird species.

Tips: 

• Score;cheap flights to Vancouver
• It's easy to get to Grouse Mountain. Your ticket includes bus transfer from Canada Place.
• The weather at Grouse can be significantly colder than below in Vancouver.
• The Grouse Grind is recommended for active kids age seven and up. It is not recommended for novice hikers.
• Explore more with;this video of Grouse Mountain.

  

Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to Grouse Mountain from the Vancouver Tourism board for the purpose of this review. I was not required to state any particular view; all opinions are my own.

 

Photo credit; Katie Bodell;