Grouse Mountain

Continuing north from Capilano Salmon Hatchery [1], Capilano Road becomes Nancy Greene Way and ends at the base of Grouse Mountain, accessed by North America’s largest aerial tramway (604/980-9311, adult $38, senior $36, child $23). For a sweeping view of downtown Vancouver [2], Stanley Park [3], the Pacific Ocean, and as far south as Mount Baker (Washington) [4], take the almost-vertical eight-minute ride to the summit of this 1,250-meter (4,100-foot) peak.

The gondola runs year-round, departing every 15 minutes, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. in summer, shorter hours the rest of the year. The trip to the top is a lot more than a gondola ride—and it’s easy to spend the best part of a day exploring the surrounding area and taking advantage of the attractions included in the price of the ride up.

Of the many possible hikes, the one-kilometer (0.6-mile) Blue Grouse Interpretive Trail is the easiest and most enjoyable. Another trail leads to a fenced area where wolves and bears are rehabilitated after being orphaned. A trail map is available at the gondola’s upper terminal.

Other summit activities include a fun but touristy logging show, chairlift rides, a First Nations longhouse with dancing and storytelling, and wide-screen movie presentations of the outdoor wonders of British Columbia and local wildlife. Mountaintop dining facilities are contained in a magnificent log day lodge decorated with stylish West Coast artwork.

To get to the gondola, cross the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown; take the North Vancouver exit, then follow Capilano Road for five kilometers (3.1 miles) up the valley. By public transport, take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then take bus number 236 to the gondola’s lower terminal.