North Vancouver’s iconic Grouse Grind now open for the season

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting your chance to climb nature’s stair master, you’re in luck because the Grouse Grind trail has officially reopened in time for the warmer weather.

Metro Vancouver Regional District announced the Grind will be open to the public as of Tuesday, April 21.

The 2.5-km trail, which is located in Grouse Mountain Regional Park, will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

“It’s a wonderful time to get outdoors and connect with nature, and tackling the Grouse Grind is a great way to boost your mental and physical health after a long, rainy winter,” said Metro Vancouver Chair Mike Hurley in a release.

The trail also reopens with some improvements, including several sections of stairs that were replaced as part of ongoing trail maintenance.

Upcoming trail upgrades

Metro Vancouver noted that additional upgrades will be made to the upper portion of the trail in the fall when the Grind closes for maintenance between Oct. 13 and Nov. 6.

“The changes made to the Grouse Grind during the off-season make it safer for hikers and help the trail last longer,” added John McEwen, vice chair of Metro Vancouver and chair of the Regional Parks Committee, in a statement.

“Now we’re ready to welcome hikers back for a new season of trekking. For over 50 years, Metro Vancouver has proudly cared for some of the region’s most cherished parks.”

The iconic trail is known to be one of the region’s more difficult hikes due to how steep it is. The path starts at 300 metres of elevation and reaches 1,090 metres throughout its duration.

Know before you climb

Those planning on visiting the trail should come prepared with proper footwear and clothing, as well as water, snacks, and a cellphone.

“It’s important to be in good physical shape to tackle the trail, and people with any health issues, like high blood pressure and heart problems, or breathing problems such as asthma, are advised not to attempt the steep climb,” stated the regional district.

“In case of emergency, the automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) have been reactivated on the Grouse Grind Trail and the BCMC Route.”

Hikers are also advised to leave enough time to finish the trail before it gets dark. Downhill hiking is not permitted on the trail, and visitors will need to take their return trip via the Grouse Mountain Resort Skyride and Gondola or the BCMC Route.

Visitors are also reminded that dogs are not permitted on the trail.

Will you be hiking up the Grouse Grind this year? Let us know in the comments.

With files from Daily Hive staff.