633-step climb: The Urban Grind is back at Harbour Centre for 2017

The Urban Grind is coming back to Vancouver this March as the Harbour Centre opens its iconic lookout to the city’s stair climbers.

Climbers can ascend Harbour Centre’s stairs every Tuesday afternoon in March. It is a 633 step climb up the 28-storey building to reach the tower’s Lookout observation deck, located 553 ft (169 m) above street level.

Stairwell inside Harbour Centre for the Urban Grind. (Photo by: Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

It’s the urban version of the Grouse Grind, which is closed during the winter and early-spring periods due to poor trail conditions. For the time being, the Urban Grind in downtown Vancouver provides avid Grinders with an indoor alternative without having to head to the mountains.

And just like the Grouse Grind, climbers of the Urban Grind at Harbour Centre will be rewarded with incredible 360 degree panoramic views of the Metro Vancouver region upon completion at the top.

The Urban Grind at Harbour Centre will be open on March 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. There is a $5 cost, but the experience also includes a free beer and a free $5 slip to Harbour Centre’s lower level food court.

The view from the top. (Photo by: Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

If you’re looking to climb the equivalent of the Grouse Grind, you are permitted to ascend and descend the stairs as many times as you desire. For those of you mad enough to try, it will take about five climbs to complete the Grouse Grind equivalent.

This year, BC’s very own elite Tower Runner, Shaun Stephens-Whale, will be on site on March 7, 14 and 28 to share his stair climbing tips. His most recent accolades include winning the 2017 Rainier Tower Fight for Air Climb in Seattle, and placing third in the Climb to Abu Dhabi Vertical Marathon and third in the Empire State Building Run-Up.

Urban Grind 2017 at Harbour Centre

Dates: Every Tuesday in March (on March 7, 14, 21, and 28)
Times: Enter anytime between 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Location: Harbour Centre (access through lobby at 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver)
Cost: $5
Perks: FREE $5 slip to Harbour Centre’s food court, one FREE beer, and a great workout that ends with incredible views.