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With tons of activities in all seasons and its close proximity to Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. But while you’ll see this mountain in the distance, you might wonder how to get there! Having lived in Vancouver, we’ve made the trip to Grouse Mountain many times and in many different ways.
The good news is you have plenty of choices when it comes to getting there and back. In this article, we are going to break down the logistics of each so you can choose the best option for you!
What are the best ways to get to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver?
Free shuttle (May-September)
You can’t beat the price of free. This free shuttle is an excellent and stress-free way to get to and from the mountain. The only caveat is that you must have an admission ticket.
Booking your ticket in advance is a breeze and the cancellation policy means you can get a full refund up to 24 hours before. On the day of your trip, you just show the bus driver the tickets you were emailed and you’re good to go!
Reserve your Grouse Mountain admission ticket here to access the free shuttle!
Public bus
If you prefer public transportation, you can catch the Seabus ferry from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay and connect with bus #236 directly to Grouse Mountain. It’s less direct and the times aren’t as flexible as the free shuttle, but it is another option for you nonetheless!
Tour
If you’re interested in seeing more than just Grouse Mountain during your visit (and I recommend you do) tours like this full-day tour of North Vancouver will have you hitting the best highlights of the North Shore!
You’ll see some of our favorite spots like Capilano Suspension Bridge and finish with a gondola ride up Grouse Mountain. Plus all admission fees and transportation are included, so you get to enjoy the best North Vancouver has to offer with the convenience only a tour can provide.
Book this full-day tour of North Vancouver with FREE cancellation here!
Taxi/Uber
While rideshare apps like Uber are convenient, they can get really expensive. There are lots of variables that go into how much an Uber or taxi will cost, but during the summer you’re likely to pay around $40 CAD one way. This price often goes up if traffic over the bridges is backed up during rush hour.
If you do prefer a taxi I would recommend taking the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and getting a ride from there to avoid crossing the bridges.
Driving (rental car)
Since we lived in Vancouver and had our own vehicle, this is how we would often get to the mountain. It is super easy (I might be biased because I’m a local) and after you cross the bridges it’s pretty much a straight shot.
The drive takes about 20 minutes unless you do it during rush hour. Never do it at rush hour! Avoid the bridges from 7-9 am and 3-6 pm if you can and it should be a smooth drive. If you do need a vehicle, we always rent with Discover Cars so we can compare prices and get the best deal.
Free shuttle from Vancouver to Grouse Mountain
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving, the free shuttle to Grouse Mountain is what I think you should do, it’s just so simple! We have taken this shuttle loads of times when we didn’t want to deal with driving back after a day of activities and our bodies were exhausted (plus it saves on gas!).
To use the shuttle, you must buy a Grouse Mountain Admission Ticket. But you need a ticket to access the mountain anyway, so we book online beforehand for convenience. We prefer booking on Viator because of the flexible cancellation policy. As long as you cancel 24 hours in advance you get your money back no questions asked!
Operating from May to September, you can catch the free shuttle at regular 30-minute intervals from Canada Place from 9 am to 6 pm. While the shuttle buses are large, it is still on a first-come first-served basis, so I recommend getting there early to secure a spot. This is a round-trip service so when you’re ready to leave, just catch one of the shuttle buses back to Canada Place.
Your Grouse Mountain ticket is only going to cost you $81 CAD and includes a ride on the incredible Skyride Gondola as well as some other amazing activities you can do on top of the mountain. We have a full guide on things to do on Grouse Mountain that’s full of ideas!
Book your Grouse Mountain ticket here to use the free shuttle!
Public Bus from Vancouver to Grouse Mountain
Taking public transportation to Grouse Mountain is a little bit more of a hop and a skip, but still perfectly doable!
The easiest thing to do is purchase a day pass for $11.25 CAD to cover any public transportation you take like the ferry or bus. It’s cheaper than paying individually for the rides and much less complicated. Please note there is a $6 CAD refundable deposit for the Compass Card used for the day pass.
The first step to getting to Grouse Mountain is going to the Waterfront Seabus Terminal. There is a machine here where you can buy your day pass which is convenient because you will be taking the ferry across the Burrard Inlet to Lonsdale Quay. The ferry has multiple departure times throughout the day that you can check here.
After your short ferry ride, you will be at the Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal. After you get off the ferry walk straight ahead and you will find the bus terminal. Keep your eyes peeled for bay 1 route 236. This is the bus you will be taking to Grouse Mountain! You can see the full bus schedule here.
The bus to Grouse Mountain is about 25 minutes. Combine that with your 15-minute ferry ride and maybe a little waiting in between and you’re looking at about an hour of travel. It may not be as direct, but it is certainly more of an adventure!
Related Read: Another must-do experience in Vancouver is taking a sunset dinner cruise – here’s our review on the BEST one!
Best Tours to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
Full-day North Shore tour from Vancouver including admission fees
If you’re in Vancouver from May to mid-October this popular full-day North Shore trip is our go-to tour recommendation for anyone wanting to see Grouse Mountain along with other fantastic destinations in North Vancouver. And it’s not just us who love it, this tour has HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews!
You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 11 am (call and schedule this ahead of time) and head to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. While I wasn’t too sure about this stop at first, it was actually really interesting as we learned about salmon and watched them jump over walls!
This next stop is either awesome or terrifying, and if you’re me, it’s a little of both! The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has you suspended 70 meters (230 feet) above the Capilano River. What I love about this area is the 360-degree views of the iconic evergreen forest. Keep an eye out for Bigfoot!
Rounding off a day of exploration is Grouse Mountain. The Skyride Gondola up to the top offers some epic views and even better are the two resident grizzly bears you get to meet when you make it up. Talk about a good day!
Entrance fees and transportation to all locations are covered in the $237 CAD cost, so this tour is perfect for a stress-free day!
Book our FAVORITE tour to Grouse Mountain here!
Half-day Combo Tour: Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Do you want to visit all of the highlights of North Vancouver, but don’t want to spend a full day out? This half-day combo tour is an excellent option for those short on time or who don’t want to be gone all day.
Just because this tour is a little shorter doesn’t mean you won’t see some amazing stuff! It’s loaded with fun activities at each stop. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 10:30 am and that’s when the fun begins.
On your way out of town, there’s a quick visit to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery where you can say hello to what will most likely be a delicious meal in several months. Seriously, the salmon in Vancouver is so good!
Both Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain have plenty to do over the 1.5 hours you’ll spend at each. Grouse Mountain has everything from grizzly bears to lumberjack shows so there is something for everyone.
This tour is only bookable from mid-April to mid-October for $246-$257 CAD (it’s slightly more expensive from Thurs-Sun) with entrance fees to each stop included.
Book tickets for this 5-star half-day tour here!
Small Group Tour to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Park with Skip-the-Line Access
If you’re looking for a more personal and VIP experience, this small group tour is our pick! You’ll get to visit Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge with a tour group of no more than 14 people and the best part – priority access to these attractions. Say goodbye to waiting in line!
The day begins at 10 am when you are picked up from your hotel and head straight to Grouse Mountain. There are 2 hours here which is plenty of time to catch one of the shows at the top, grab a bite to eat with a view, and take a quick walk along one of the short trails to take some photos. I highly recommend you also make time to see the grizzly bears Grinder and Coola!
The next, and last, stop is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. I love walking among the towering trees and taking in the views from the bridge. The rainforest here is stunning and if you’re feeling brave, try the Cliffwalk which is a series of elevated walkways literally built on a cliff!
If taking a smaller group tour with a guarantee to skip all the long lines is something you’re interested in this is a great choice. Tickets are $290 CAD and include entrance fees and round-trip transportation.
Reserve this small group tour here!
Related Read: While you’re thinking about booking tours, plan for a quick trip to Vancouver Island! These are the top 5 tours to Victoria from Vancouver to show you the highlights.
Taxi/Uber to Grouse Mountain
While I feel like most people reading this blog are familiar with using Uber or taxi services, I thought I would go into more detail about this option for getting to Grouse Mountain.
Is it convenient? Sometimes. Is it cheap? Hardly ever.
The problem with taking an Uber or taxi to and from the mountain is that it’s sometimes difficult to find a ride at all. This can be especially troublesome when you’re at the end of a long day and you have to wait to take a $45 CAD (that’s an estimate) ride back or figure out another mode of transportation.
Personally, that’s not something I want to have to worry about, so I’ve never done it. If you do want to use these services I recommend traveling before or after rush hour to avoid this issue!
Driving to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
As a local, driving to Grouse Mountain is easy and something I have done a lot. If you have experience and confidence with city driving in a vehicle that isn’t your own it’s a great option. Pop in the coordinates to the mountain and you’re good to go!
It takes about 15 minutes to get to Grouse Mountain from downtown depending on when you go. Just keep in mind that traffic in Vancouver can be a little crazy so if you can get stressed easily by driving, avoid the bridge during the morning and afternoon rush hours (roughly 7-9 am and 3-6 pm).
Once you arrive you will have to pay to park. For 3 hours it’s $8 CAD and a full day is $10 CAD. You can either pay at the kiosk or use the pay-by-phone app.
Our preferred option to get from Vancouver to Grouse Mountain
By far, the easiest way to go is with the free shuttle. You just can’t beat how convenient it is! And since it’s included with your Grouse Mountain Admission Ticket we suggest everyone considers this option first.
The next best option would be a day tour like the full-day North Shore tour since you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. A tour of Grouse Mountain is also nice because you get to learn more about the area and experience it through the eyes of a local!
And while I talked about driving up there I wouldn’t recommend it for visitors. Driving in Vancouver, especially over the bridges at rush hour, can be super stressful. If you do have a rental car, I recommend parking at the Seabus South Lot, paying $6 CAD, and catching the free shuttle to the mountain that you get with a Grouse Mountain ticket. Easy as pie!
Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, don’t miss out on some of the top attractions and activities:
- Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee you’ll see whales!
- Ride in a seaplane – One of our favorite memories in Vancouver was riding in a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $177 CAD. You can even take a seaplane to get from Vancouver to Victoria!
- Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-to’s. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour of some of the city’s best restaurants.
- Explore Kitsilano – One of our favorite areas in all of Vancouver is Kitsilano. This suburb is super trendy and has many cute stores, cafés, and restaurants that are well worth checking out. On top of that, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver and our top place to watch the sunset.
- Hiking – There are a ton of amazing hikes in and around Vancouver. Challenge yourself with the famous Grouse Grind, wander the trails near the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, or even drive towards Squamish and do The Chief.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!
Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:
Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$
Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.
You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.
I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.
Times Square Suites – $$
For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.
For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $232 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!
The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $
The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants and attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side (part of the fun when you’re staying cheap, though!).
It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!
For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There you have it – a guide on all the ways you can get from Vancouver to Grouse Mountain. It’s not hard to get to, but it’s best to have a plan and not just wing it on the day. I hope you have fun exploring Grouse Mountain and get a nice, clear day to take in the views from the top!
For more ideas for your trip to Vancouver, read our blogs about BC’s West Coast. We are your personal tour guides with everything from restaurant recommendations to road trip ideas. Here are a few Vancouver blogs that I think you might like:
15 Absolute BEST Tours in Vancouver (that you don’t want to miss!)
22 BEST Day Trips from Vancouver
Is Whistler Worth Visiting? My HONEST Review from a Vancouver Local!