Vancouver hikers are invited to lace up their boots and get onto one of the region’s most popular trails once again.
Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced that the Grouse Grind is open to visitors starting Friday, November 8.
The trail was closed for a month due to annual maintenance and upgrades in Grouse Mountain Regional Park.
Grouse Grind
Several sections of the Grind were worked on, with crews repairing and replacing steps, stairs, and retaining walls “to increase trail resistance.”
Grouse Grind Trail, which attracts 250,000 visitors annually, had to be closed during the upgrades because the work being done was in steep and hazardous areas. Potential detours are not feasible.
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The current trail hours are from 7 am until 2:30 pm. Metro Vancouver also reminds hikers to be ready for any weather conditions.
“Please be prepared for cool temperatures up top – best to carry an extra layer. And, as always, remember the essentials: drinking water, headlamp, good quality footwear, and cell phone (in case of emergency).”
Metro Vancouver also recently enhanced public safety by installing three AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) along the Grouse Grind Trail at the 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 marks.
Metro Vancouver
“These publicly accessible devices feature both verbal prompts and visual step-by-step instructions, ensuring they are user-friendly for anyone in an emergency,” Metro Vancouver posted online,
“Medical responses are coordinated closely with first responders and partner agencies including the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, North Shore Rescue, BC Ambulance Service, and Grouse Mountain Resort. Remember, calling 911 is always the first step if you see someone in cardiac arrest, but the AEDs provide an additional tool to help. Happy hiking!”
With files from Amir Ali