Grouse Grind Trail reopens for the season

North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind—a fitness-test favourite for locals—has reopened for the 2026 hiking season.

One of Metro Vancouver’s most popular and challenging hiking trails opened for the season Tuesday.

The Grouse Grind, which has been dubbed nature’s Stairmaster, will be open from 7 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. daily. The exact closing time will vary depending on daylight, the regional district said in an announcement.

“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.

The popular trail closes every year for the winter when conditions are too hazardous, and the reopening date is weather dependant. In some years the winter closure has lasted until May.

The hike takes between two and a half to three hours on average, according to the regional district.

“The hike is rated difficult because of its steepness. You need to be in good physical shape to tackle the trail. It is not a walk in the park. There are no flat sections—it is straight up,” the regional district’s website says.

“If you have any health issues, e.g. high blood pressure, heart problems or breathing problems such as asthma, the Grouse Grind Trail is not for you.”

The Grouse Grind routinely makes the list of the 10 trails in the province with the most calls to search and rescue crews.

The BC Search and Rescue Association has created a trail-specific video safety guide to help hikers better prepare for their trip.