Grouse Mountain

Night skiing above the city lights of Vancouver.

A small ski area on top of North Vancouver, reached by the Skyride gondola, with 33 runs and a view straight down onto the city and harbour. Night skiing, a mountaintop skating pond, the Light Walk and December’s Peak of Christmas make it as much an outing as a ski day. Good for beginners, families and after-work laps.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,198 ft

Summit

4,039 ft

Skiable terrain

212 acres

Trails

33

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

211″ a year

Snowmaking

75% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 17%
• Intermediate 54%
• Advanced 29%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Ice skating
• Sleigh rides
• Snowshoeing
• Scenic lift rides
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasLate November to Dec 24 (annual)Usually

  The Peak of Christmas

  Vancouver’s “North Pole” on the summit: Santa’s Workshop, the Light Walk, skating on the pond, sleigh rides and a sliding zone, all included with mountain admission or a lift ticket. Nov 21–Dec 24 in 2025.

• ChristmasNov 20, 2026–Jan 10, 2027

  Canyon Lights, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

  Millions of lights on the suspension bridge and through the rainforest, with hot chocolate, festive treats and live holiday music. One of Vancouver’s best-known Christmas light shows.

Where to stay

• hotelPinnacle Hotel at the Pier

  Waterfront hotel in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver, a short walk from the SeaBus and the Shipyards.

  15 min drive
• hotelFairmont Pacific Rim

  Luxury hotel on the Coal Harbour waterfront downtown, for a city-and-ski trip.

  25 min drive
• b&bThistleDown House

  A restored 1920 Craftsman heritage home on Capilano Road, run as a small bed and breakfast below Grouse Mountain.

  5 min drive
• hostelHI Vancouver Downtown

  Dorms and private rooms in the West End, the budget base for day trips to the North Shore hills.

  25 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Mountaintop skating pond · On mountain

  The only mountaintop outdoor rink in the Lower Mainland, included with mountain admission. Skate rentals about CA$10 for adults.

• Light Walk · On mountain

  Walk or snowshoe a lit path around Blue Grouse Lake after dark, starting through a glowing light tunnel.

• Sleigh rides · On mountain

  A loop through the snowy summit forest, running when there’s enough snow base.

• The Observatory · On mountain

  Fine dining at the summit with the city spread below; 3- and 4-course menus Wednesday to Sunday evenings, and the ride up is free with a reservation.

• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park · 5 min drive

  The famous swaying bridge over the Capilano canyon, plus treetop and cliffside walkways. In winter the whole park is lit up for Canyon Lights.

Après and nightlife

• Altitudes Bistro

  West Coast bistro in the summit chalet with cocktails, après and panoramic views over the Lower Mainland.

• Tap & Barrel Shipyards

  Big waterfront patio in Lower Lonsdale looking across the harbour to downtown Vancouver.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Vancouver International (YVR) · about 35 min drive
• Vancouver · about 0.5 hr
• Seattle · about 3 hr

Directions in Google Maps