From bears to bikes: 4 things you can only do at Grouse Mountain this summer (CONTEST)

Sometimes the best summer memories are waiting for us in our own backyard.

From the World Famous Lumberjack Show, to the Birds in Motion Demonstration, as well as Ranger Talks, Eco Walks, and the Pollinator’s Garden, there’s a good chance you’ve missed out on most of what Grouse has to offer. And can you really call yourself a true Vancouverite if you haven’t done every single nature-related activity the city has to offer?

So if you’re ready to see this beloved Vancouver icon with fresh eyes, here are a handful of ways to spend your summer at Grouse Mountain.

Scenic mountain biking

Grouse Mountain has created new scenic mountain biking trails this summer where you can take in the mountaintop vistas on a Trek Powerfly 5 FS, a state-of-the-art pedal-assist bike. While the new scenic bike trails are user-friendly, Grouse Mountain’s rental bikes have the motor power to get you through the more challenging patches of the terrain so you can enjoy a bike ride that is a bit out of the ordinary, but relatively worry-free.

The trails are rewarding, leading to lookout points overlooking a glittering seaport hugged by the North Shore Mountains. Bike rental for two hours is $49, four hours is $69, and a two-hour tour with bike rental is $99.

Tandem paragliding

Is there a better way of going down a mountain than launching from its peak, soaring like a feathered friend and gliding gently down a mind-clearing landscape of a city enclosed in mountain, ocean and sky? Starting June 29, Grouse Mountain will also have tandem paragliding on offer, taking off at the peak and landing in Cleveland Park.

That’s a glorious 3,300 feet bird-like descent that is hard to top. Regular rate is $199 and the early bird special takes off at 11 a.m. for only $169.

Mountain ziplines

It’s hard to top a mountaintop view with its rugged geologic show of peaks, canyons and valleys. To be able to explore this terrifying terrain airborne is the best kind of high. Grouse Mountain offers an exhilarating two-hour zipline tour into the abyss, Lara Croft style, across the Grouse and Dam Mountains with its five-line circuit.

This means you can zip through the beauty of BC’s old-growth forests and tectonic showdown from 200 feet at speeds reaching up to 80 km/hr. This five-line summer zipline tour is $89 and runs even in inclement weather.

Breakfast with the bears

BC is bear country and we are just living in it. It makes sense to learn a thing or two about these furry, misunderstood creatures, especially if you plan to enjoy your staycation in the great outdoors of our great province.

Early birds get the bear-themed breakfast at Grouse Mountain, so aim to hop on the Skyride early to witness their wildlife ranger feed the Grouse resident orphaned grizzlies, Coola and Grinder, listen to a talk about bear conservation and stay on theme and have breakfast at the Grizzly Lookout Cafe. This fascinating talk is included in the mountain admission; $56 for adults and $29 for children.

So, if you’re summer budget has you wanting an affordable staycation, think Grouse Mountain and things will be looking up. And if you’re feeling lucky, here’s how you can win a trip package right now.

Prize

One person could win “a perfect summer day for two adults,”courtesy of Grouse Mountain, which includes the following:

• Mountain Admission for 2 adults
• An Eye of the Wind tour for 2 adults
• A Scenic Mountain Biking guided tour or self-guided rental for 2 adults
• A Mountain Ziplines experience for 2 adults
• A $50 gift card to enjoy eats or treats on one of the Grouse Mountain patios: Altitudes Bistro or Rusty Rail BBQ

Contest

To enter to win this prize (two winners will be selected), do at least one of the following:

1. Follow @GrouseMountain on Instagram, tag two friends, and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry each)

2. Like Grouse Mountain on Facebook, tag two friends, and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry each)

3. Tweet the following (and tag two friends) on Twitter: (1 entry)

• Win a perfect summer’s day for two adults at @Grousemountain via @DailyHiveVan  RT to enter!

Contest entries will be accepted from time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on July 4, 2018. One (1) winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they enter by.

Contest Guidelines