Last Updated on September 10, 2026
Grouse Mountain is one of those Vancouver attractions that can get expensive pretty quickly when you’re bringing a whole family along.
And if you’re wondering whether you can visit Grouse Mountain without paying for a ride up, the answer is yes.
You just have to be willing to hike for it.
If you’re up for a serious hike, there’s a way to experience Grouse Mountain while spending considerably less — and, as a bonus, you’ll get to feel pretty accomplished by the time you reach the top.
Mountain Admission Pricing
A Mountain Admission Ticket includes round-trip travel via the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola and access to a variety of mountaintop attractions that vary with the season.
| Adult (19-64) |
Senior (65+) |
Youth (13-18) |
Child (5-12) |
Tot (3-4) |
Infant (0-2) |
Family (2 Adults/2 Children) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN ADMISSION TICKET | $89 | $79 | $69 | $49 | $5 | Free | $229 |
| MOUNTAIN ADMISSION TICKET – LOWER MAINLAND RATE | $74 | $69 | $59 | $39 | $5 | Free | $179 |
At the time of writing, online pricing for a download ride is:
- $20 per person for ages 13+
- $10 per child ages 5–12
How Much Can You Actually Save?
For a family of six like ours, the numbers can add up quickly when you’re paying for four kids and two adults.
For us, the the ride down was $90 total, and a local rate for roundtrip at $277. If we were tourists, it would cost my family $347 for a round trip ride. That is a considerable savings since we’re a hiking family.
And if you choose to hike the BCMC back down instead?
You skip the transportation cost entirely.
That’s why the Grouse Grind up + BCMC down option is such a great budget compromise.
You get the iconic Grouse Grind experience, you get to hike two different trails, and you don’t have to pay for a gondola ride.
Of course, if everyone is exhausted after the Grouse Grind climb, spending the money to ride down might suddenly seem like the best $90 you’ve ever spent.
The Grouse Mountain Budget Hack
The biggest way to save money is simple:
Hike up instead of taking the skyride or gondola.
The Grouse Grind is the famous route, but you also have the option of using the BCMC Route. And depending on how you plan your day, you can either pay for a one-way ride down or hike back down the BCMC.
There are four main combinations:
- Grouse Grind up → Skyride down
- Grouse Grind up → BCMC down
- BCMC up → Skyride down
- BCMC up → BCMC down
So you can choose how much hiking — and how much money-saving — you want to do.
Note: The Grouse Grind closes during winter. The BCMC is open year-round, but hike prepared.
One VERY Important Thing To Know
Before you decide on your route, there is one thing you absolutely need to know:
You CANNOT hike back down the Grouse Grind.
The Grouse Grind is an uphill-only trail. You cannot hike to the top, turn around and descend the same trail.
This is important because you need to decide how you’re getting back down before you start your hike.
If you hike the Grouse Grind up, your choices for getting down are:
Take the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola back down with a download ticket, or hike down the BCMC Route.
You cannot simply hike the Grouse Grind in reverse.
Option 1: Grouse Grind Up + Skyride Down
This is probably the option most people picture when they think about hiking Grouse Mountain.
You tackle the Grouse Grind, celebrate making it to the top, spend some time enjoying Grouse Mountain, and then take the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola back down.
The download ticket is a one-way downhill ticket for hikers.
That is still a significant saving compared with purchasing a regular round-trip mountain admission package for everyone, especially when your goal is to hike up rather than ride.
And after climbing 2.5 km and nearly 800 metres of elevation gain, relaxing on the skyride or in a gondola while you enjoy the views is not exactly a bad reward.
Option 2: Grouse Grind Up + BCMC Down
This is the option I really want to highlight for anyone who wants to save even more.
You can hike the Grouse Grind up and take the BCMC down.
You get to experience the famous Grouse Grind on the way up, but instead of paying for the gondola to return to the bottom, you descend using the BCMC Route.
The BCMC is a separate trail that runs alongside the Grouse Grind and can be used for both ascending and descending.
It’s a more rugged route, with roots, rocks and fewer built-in features than the Grind. So while this saves you the cost of the Skyride, don’t mistake it for an easy stroll down the mountain.
After you’ve already climbed the Grind, your legs may have some opinions about this plan.
But if your family is comfortable with hiking and you’re looking for the best balance between adventure and budget, this is a fantastic option.
You get two different mountain trails in one day and don’t have to pay for a ride back down.
Option 3: BCMC Up + Skyride Down
If you’ve heard about the Grouse Grind and thought, “Absolutely not,” there’s another option.
Take the BCMC up instead.
The BCMC is still a challenging mountain hike, but it has a different feel from the Grind.
You can hike up, spend the day at Grouse Mountain, and then purchase a Download Ticket to take the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola back down.
This can be a good choice if you’d rather have a more rugged trail experience and don’t specifically need to check “Grouse Grind” off your Vancouver bucket list.
Option 4: BCMC Up + BCMC Down
If your goal is to spend as little as possible and you’re prepared for a serious hiking day, this is the most budget-friendly option.
Hike up the BCMC and hike back down the BCMC.
No gondola ticket.
Just your hiking shoes, water, snacks and two very determined legs.
This is also the option that gives you the most hiking for your money — which is technically an excellent deal, although your legs may disagree.
So, How Hard Is the Grouse Grind?
The Grouse Grind is not a casual family stroll.
There are AEDs (defibrillators) along the Grouse Grind… and honestly, that tells you everything you need to know.
It’s approximately 2.5 km, with about 800 metres of elevation gain and 2,830 steps.
Grouse Mountain itself describes it as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” and honestly, that description feels pretty accurate.
The distance sounds short until you realize just how much of that distance is straight up.
There are steep sections, lots of stairs and very little opportunity to forget that you’re climbing a mountain.
It took us a couple of hours with the kids in tow, with breaks along the way, and the kids surprised us with how well they handled it.
Our youngest is only 6, so we were especially proud to see her make it all the way to the top.
Was it hard? Absolutely.
Was everyone tired? Also absolutely.
Was it worth it? Yes.
There’s something pretty special about accomplishing something difficult together as a family.
The average time, according to grouse mountain, is 2-2.5 hours to complete the grind. Without the kids in tow, I have completed the Grouse Grind in under 50 minutes, but I would allow for 2.5 hours if you are planning your day at the mountain; it’s better to have extra time than miss what you want to see!
Hiking The Grouse Grind With Kids
If you’re considering the Grouse Grind with kids, I’d definitely make sure everyone understands that this isn’t your average hike.
Go at your own pace. Take breaks. Don’t worry about how quickly other people are moving. And bring enough water.
Kids can be incredibly determined, but they can also go from “I’m doing great!” to “I have made a terrible mistake!” surprisingly quickly.
We found that taking our time and making the climb part of the adventure helped.
Instead of focusing on how much farther we had to go, we celebrated the little milestones along the way.
And reaching the top? That was a pretty awesome feeling for all of us.
What To Pack For The Grouse Grind
If you’re hiking up Grouse Mountain, pack like you’re actually going to hike up a mountain — because you are.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
Water: Bring plenty. You will sweat, especially on a warm day.
Snacks: You’ll want something to keep everyone’s energy up. Protein bars, fruit, trail mix or other easy-to-carry snacks work well.
Good hiking shoes: This is not the trail for your cute sneakers with questionable traction or flip flops.
Layers: Weather can change, and you’ll want options.
A spare shirt: If you’re anything like me, you’ll be very happy to have a dry shirt waiting for you at the top.
Deodorant: Trust me. Bring it. Your family — and everyone standing near you — will appreciate it.
Small towel or face cloth: A little sweat towel can be surprisingly useful.
Small backpack: Keep it light. You don’t want to carry unnecessary weight all the way up.
Phone/camera: Because when you reach the top, you’re going to want photographic evidence that you actually did that.
Plan Your Day Around The Mountain Schedule
If there are specific attractions you want to see — especially the Lumberjack Show or Birds In Motion — check the current schedule before you go.
Schedules can change seasonally, and you don’t want to finish your hike at the top only to realize you’ve just missed the activity you were most excited about.
We like to think of the hike as part of the attraction rather than something we have to rush through.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Watch The World-Famous Lumberjack Show
This was one of our favorite things to do at the top, and it’s especially fun with kids.
The Lumberjack Show isn’t just a guy standing around chopping wood. It’s a full-on outdoor competition featuring professional lumberjack performers and a series of seriously impressive skills.
The show is set up around two old-school logging camps, with competitors battling it out in events that include log rolling, axe throwing, a 60-foot tree climb, two-man saws and a springboard chop.
And yes, the tree climb is exactly what it sounds like — watching someone race up a towering tree is pretty incredible.
The springboard chop is another highlight. A lumberjack climbs onto boards inserted into the side of a tall tree and works his way upward before chopping through the trunk. Grouse Mountain describes it as the only three-board springboard event in North America, which makes it a pretty unique thing to see.
For kids, it’s one of those shows that holds their attention because there’s always something happening. There’s competition, physical skill, giant logs, axes and plenty of moments where you find yourself thinking, “There is absolutely no way I could do that.”
The show is also a great way to give your legs a break after hiking up the mountain, and great for a good laugh too.
Tip: The Lumberjack Show is weather dependent, and showtimes can change, so check the current schedule before planning your day around it. Grouse Mountain currently lists multiple daily performances during its operating season.
Watch Birds In Motion
This is one you really don’t want to miss — and you need to pay attention because you may actually have to duck!
During Birds In Motion, we saw a bald eagle, great horned owl, raptor and red-tailed hawk. It was both fascinating and educational, especially for the kids.
But what really makes this experience so memorable is just how close the birds fly.
They don’t simply stay up in the sky or fly around at a distance. The birds fly right over the crowd, sometimes so close that their wings may actually brush past you. You really have to keep an eye on what’s coming!
Seeing these incredible birds fly just feet above your head is completely different from seeing them in a zoo enclosure or in a book. The kids got to see their size, speed and incredible flying abilities up close while also learning more about each bird and its natural behaviours.
It was one of those experiences that managed to be both exciting and educational — which is exactly the kind of attraction we love when we’re travelling with our kids.
And after hiking up the Grouse Grind, it was also a pretty nice way to sit down, catch our breath and let someone else do the hard work for a while.
Just keep your eyes up — you never know when you might need to duck!
Again, check the current schedule before you visit because Birds In Motion runs at specific times and schedules can change.
Visit The Resident Grizzly Bear
Of course, you can’t visit Grouse Mountain without stopping by the grizzly bear habitat.
Grouse Mountain has a wildlife refuge at the summit, where you can see its resident grizzly bear in a naturalistic mountain setting. And for our family, this was a pretty incredible part of the day.
It is the closest we have ever been to a grizzly bear!
The kids were fascinated watching the bear move around, explore its surroundings and do all the things a grizzly does — and honestly, it was one of those moments where you find yourself thinking, “We are actually standing this close to a grizzly bear right now.”
Seeing a grizzly up close is very different from spotting one from a distance while hiking or driving through the mountains. You get a chance to really appreciate just how enormous and powerful these animals are, while also learning more about them and the importance of protecting their natural habitat.
The wildlife refuge also adds an educational element to the visit. It’s an opportunity for kids to learn about grizzlies and wildlife conservation while seeing one of these incredible animals up close.
And after spending the morning climbing the Grouse Grind, it was a pretty nice reward to slow down, take a break and watch the bear for a while.
For our kids, this was definitely one of those experiences they’ll remember — and it’s another reason I think it’s worth giving yourself plenty of time at the top rather than treating Grouse Mountain as somewhere you simply hike to and immediately leave.
You worked hard to get there. Take some time to enjoy the mountain once you arrive. ️
Take In The Views
Don’t underestimate this one.
After spending the majority of your hike staring at the trail immediately in front of you, take some time to actually look around once you reach the top.
The views over Vancouver, Burrard Inlet and the surrounding mountains are incredible, and on a clear day you can really appreciate just how much elevation you gained getting there.
Find a lookout, take some photos, let the kids explore and give yourself a few minutes to simply enjoy the fact that you made it.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite parts of hiking with our kids. They get so focused on reaching the destination that sometimes we have to remind them to stop and actually look at where they are.
Keep Hiking Once You Reach the Top
Think reaching the top of Grouse Mountain is the end of your hiking day? Not necessarily!
One of the things I love about spending the day at Grouse Mountain is that there are several trails and hiking opportunities once you’re up on the mountain, so you can keep exploring instead of heading straight back down.
Once you’ve completed the Grouse Grind or BCMC, you’ve already done the hard work of gaining all that elevation. The trails at the top give you a chance to experience a completely different side of the mountain, with forested paths, mountain scenery and beautiful viewpoints.
Depending on the season and current trail conditions, you can explore trails around the mountaintop and venture farther into the alpine environment. Some routes are shorter and easier, while others can turn your visit into a much longer hiking adventure.
This is also a great option if you’re trying to make a full day out of your visit. Rather than hiking up, seeing the attractions and immediately heading home, you can pack a lunch or extra snacks and spend more time exploring the mountain.
And the scenery changes as you move away from the main mountaintop area. After spending most of the Grouse Grind staring at the trail directly in front of you, it’s pretty nice to finally have the opportunity to slow down and actually look around.
Just be sure to check current trail conditions before setting out. Mountain weather can change quickly, and some higher-elevation trails may have seasonal closures or restrictions. Wear appropriate footwear, bring water and make sure you have enough time and daylight for whatever route you choose.
If you’re visiting with kids, you don’t have to make every hike a huge undertaking either. Even adding a shorter trail or scenic walk after reaching the summit can give everyone a chance to explore a little more before you head back down.
And if you’re doing this as part of the ultimate budget-friendly Grouse Mountain day, it’s another reason hiking up makes so much sense: you’ve already turned the journey to the mountain into an adventure, so why not explore a little more while you’re there? ️
Look For Other Wildlife Experiences
The mountaintop wildlife refuge also offers other educational experiences throughout the season, including ranger and owl talks.
These are another great option if you’re visiting with kids who are interested in animals.
Rather than rushing through the mountain, check the day’s schedule when you arrive and see what lines up with your timing. Grouse Mountain’s current schedule includes ranger talks, owl talks and guided eco-walks alongside the larger attractions.
Make The Hike Part Of The Whole Experience
This is really what I love about doing Grouse Mountain this way.
If you take the gondola, the ride itself is part of the experience.
But when you hike up, the hike becomes part of the experience too.
You aren’t just arriving at Grouse Mountain and looking for something to do.
You’ve already accomplished something together before you’ve even started exploring the mountaintop.
Our four kids had to work for those views. Our youngest is only 6, and seeing her make it all the way to the top was a pretty big deal.
Once we arrived, we weren’t looking for the quickest possible way through the attractions.
We took our time.
We watched the lumberjack show, enjoyed Birds in Motion, visited the grizzly bear and took in the views.
It turned what could have simply been a trip to a Vancouver attraction into a full family adventure.
Plan Your Attractions Before You Start Hiking
If there are specific things you don’t want to miss, I highly recommend checking the schedule before you start the Grouse Grind.
The Lumberjack Show and Birds in Motion run at specific times, and you don’t want to arrive at the top after a two-hour hike only to discover that the show you wanted to see finished 10 minutes ago.
Build some flexibility into your hiking time, too. When you’re hiking with kids, you never know when you’ll need an extra snack break, water break or motivational speech.
And remember: you cannot hike back down the Grouse Grind.
If you’re hiking the Grind up, you’ll need to either purchase a one-way download ticket for the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola or descend via the BCMC Route.
Plan your entire day — hike up, enjoy the mountain, and then choose how you’re getting back down.
That’s what makes this such a fun budget-friendly Vancouver adventure: you can turn the journey to the top into part of the experience instead of simply paying to get there.
Final Thoughts: Is Grouse Mountain Worth It On A Budget?
Absolutely.
If you’re visiting Vancouver as a family and Grouse Mountain is on your list, you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to experience it. If you’re willing to put in the work, hiking up can turn a potentially expensive mountain attraction into a much more affordable — and much more memorable — family adventure.
You can hike the Grouse Grind up and take the Red Skyride or Blue Grouse Gondola down, hike the Grouse Grind up and the BCMC down, or tackle the BCMC both ways and skip the cost of the ride down altogether.
Just remember: you cannot hike back down the Grouse Grind. If you take the Grind up, you need to either purchase a download ticket for the ride down or use the BCMC Route.
For us, though, the savings were really just a bonus.
We took all four kids up the Grouse Grind, with our youngest only 6 years old, and watching them push through something that was genuinely challenging made the day so much more rewarding. By the time we reached the top, we had definitely earned our poutine, the views, the lumberjack show, Birds in Motion and some time watching the resident grizzly bear.
It was a full day of adventure, and one that gave us something even better than a budget-friendly outing: a family memory we’ll be talking about for a long time.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to visit Grouse Mountain and your family doesn’t mind a little sweat, sore legs and a whole lot of stairs, this might just be the way to do it.
Hike for the views. Stay for the adventure. And maybe pack a spare shirt and the deodorant.
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