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To hike Grouse Mountain or not to hike Grouse Mountain… that is the question!
Okay let’s be honest… I just used the headline to get your attention! Anyone that knows me knows that I would never actually be CAPABLE of hiking a mountain. However, watching all the people do the “Grouse Grind” did inspire me that I should at least add some form of exercise to my daily sloth like routine. I always associated Grouse Mountain with unnecessary pain and torture, but little did I know, it’s actually a pretty rad place full of surprising delights!
My friend had flown in for the weekend and I was looking for ideas on what to do. My roommate suggested Grouse Mountain. Again, images of me suffering a heart attack, fainting, or having to be rescued danced through my head. I was then informed… there was a GONDOLA! Now that’s more up my alley! I started doing some research online and saw that the price to take the gondola up the mountain was quite pricy, however I also saw a little blurb saying if you dined at The Observatory, a 5 star restaurant at the top of the mountain, and ordered an entree, your lift ticket price would be included. That seemed like a way better deal to me! I realized dinner would be expensive but at least the price of the ride ticket could be put towards food (and let’s be honest, wine!)
Since moving to Vancouver, I haven’t been all that adventurous with my activities so imagine my surprise when I realized Grouse Mountain was only a short jaunt away from downtown Vancouver! After we parked, we went to the ticket office where they had our tickets waiting for us already since we had made dinner reservations in advance! Now it had been raining in Vancouver for about a decade but by some miracle, it wasn’t raining the day we went! The ride up the gondola takes about 8 minutes with stunning views of all of Vancouver and surrounding areas. Once at the top of the mountain, there are a variety of things to do. They have a theater that plays short movies, a grizzly bear den, a beer garden, a skating rink and a few different restaurant/cafes (all of these activities are season dependent so best to call in advance to see what’s open at the time) We walked around, saw a giant grizzly bear, and sampled local beer!
After changing into the nicer clothes we had brought up with us, we arrived at the restaurant for the early time of 5pm, in hopes that we would catch a glorious sunset. Unfortunately it was mostly overcast but we did manage to catch a few rays of pink and orange, and I can only imagine how spectacular it would be on a clear day!
One of the good things about being at the restaurant so early was we were the only ones there and that meant the BEST TABLE IN THE PLACE! The views were absolutely incredible! I wasn’t blown away by the food if I’m being honest, and in my opinion I think it’s one of those places you go for the setting and the ambiance above all else!
I would definitely go back to Grouse Mountain especially in the summer and/or winter to see how different the experience is then! Maybe next time I go, I’ll be a skilled runner/hiker and it’ll be a whole new world to me! (don’t hold your breath) How about you guys? Would you hike Grouse Mountain or take the gondola???
You know, I’ve been living in Vancouver for 9 years now (where has that time gone!?) And still not done the Grouse Grind! I’m with you though… I could never hike it, gondola for me! Love the photos! A beer at the top certainly sounds fun!
I love hiking, but I’ve actually stayed away from the grind after hearing some pretty weird stories (climbing steps breaking, people getting stuck after an injury, etc).
Great experience write up babe! I actually have not been to grouse grind yet. Now I might knowing the deal with dinner + ride up 😉
Boyu xx
http://www.boyuba.com
We would love to hike it with you if we are ever near you! Looks like such a pretty fun place and you looked amazing at dinner
When are you ladies coming to visit!?
I feel the same way – my lifestyle is very slothlike, but if there’s a gondola I’m there! Looks like you got some amazing views too!
Looks like such an incredible place with beautiful views! And I just love a good IPA! ????
xx Kristin
Oh my goodness! This seems like such a nice time, much better than hiking up some silly mountain ????LOL
I totally agree! Gondola forever!
I was totally like you. I wanted to be the one person in Vancouver that could say I’ve never done the grind! Then my bestie came to town and forced me to do it with her. I suffered, but not as badly as I thought! Maybe we should go together and suffer!! 🙂
http://www.stylebymemory.com
Maybe it would be more “enjoyable” if we did it together???
Maybe it would be more “enjoyable” if we did it together??
How pretty is that view though!!! You could definitely hike girl! Think about the awesome photos you would get afterwards!!
And your view at the restaurant is superb
Helen xx
http://CH1K.com
Thanks for sharing! I need to head up there in the Summer! I’m a bit more #indoorsy this time of year lol
This place look amazing. I want to go there.
xoxo, Rachel

http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
It looks like a wonderful ride lol
I actually love hiking but totally have to be mentally prepared!
Your travels always look like so much fun babe! I wish I could be seeing such amazing views like you have here. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos with us. Hope you’re having an amazing start to the new week sweetie xoxo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Now this is my kind of hiking!! Hahaha I can totally relate to all of your conclusions about actually hiking this, but a gondola and a fantastic restaurant? Sign me up!! I love finding amazing things to do I your own back yard. Weekend travels. 🙂 BTW, living the new hair!!
I love both Vancouver and Grouse Mountain! How long have you been in Vancouver? You had got to come visit Seattle and meet me when you are here 🙂
Great pictures and looks like you guys had a wonderful time, the views from up there are sure stunning and you are making me miss it more now;)
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Kyla, Grouse mountain looks so beautiful. I enjoy following your travel adventures and nothing quite beats traveling in and around your local area. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful pictures. PS – your hair and outfit is so on point! Hope you have a great rest of the week.
– Elise xoxo
http://www.thewaterwanderer.com
Love your blog! Now, tell me where you got that scarf from 🙂 ????
BB Styled Boutique babe! It’s the best!
Whet a beautiful place! That view is stunning. Looks like you had a great time!
You could have rode up and walked back! This looks like a great place to visit. Regardens of the overcast you still got a good picture of the sunset too!
girl this sounds like you had so much fun! I’ve actually never been to grouse yet but.. um.. i would totally take the gondola hahahha!
Wow this looks like such a fun and beautiful place to visit! I would definitely love to hike it. I think I need to make a trip to Vancouver!
XO JAC
Looks like my cup of tea! I would probably hike the way up and take the gondola down haha – You’ve just inspired me to plan some sort of log cabin getaway this winter!! Hope you had a great time!
The photos showed wonderful views. I’m so jealous! Good thing you followed your friend’s suggestion. Can’t wait to see your pics during the summer. xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/what-to-pack-for-the-amalfi-coast/