Mild Vancouver winter allows Grouse Grind Trail to officially reopen to hikers
The mild Vancouver weather this winter may not be a hit with everyone, but outdoor enthusiasts have reason to be excited now that Grouse Mountain has officially reopened.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Metro Vancouver Regional District announced Nature’s Stairmaster has reopened due to “favourable weather and trail conditions.”
The 2.5-km trail, which is located in Grouse Mountain Regional Park, will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
Hours will also be extended to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Feb. 6.
Metro Vancouver Regional District
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“Visitors are reminded to come prepared: wear appropriate footwear, dress for seasonal conditions, and carry microspikes as icy sections may be present,” stated Metro Vancouver on social media.
“Hikers should also bring water and a snack, and allow enough time to complete the hike safely.”
The iconic trail is known to be one of the region’s more difficult hikes due to how steep it is. The path starts at 300 metres of elevation and reaches 1,090 metres throughout its duration.
Those planning on visiting the trail should also come prepared with a headlamp or flashlight, as well as a cellphone.
Felipecbit/Shutterstock
Hikers are advised to leave enough time to finish the trail before it gets dark. Downhill hiking is not permitted on the trail, and visitors will need to take their return trip via the Grouse Mountain Resort Skyride and Gondola or the BCMC Route.
Visitors are also reminded that dogs are not permitted on the trail.
The Grouse Grind opening coincides with a period of warm double-digit temperatures in Metro Vancouver.
Sunshine makes its highly anticipated return to Vancouver on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 14°C, one of the warmest days of the week.
Rain will hold off until Friday evening, when the wet stuff returns just in time for the weekend. Keep your umbrellas and rainboots nearby as ECCC is calling for rain to continue until at least Sunday.