The Grouse Grind has officially opened for the season, which means you’ll likely see a cast of zany characters flocking to the trail.
The popular hike, sometimes affectionately called “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” is a must-do for every Vancouverite at some point. However, some take it more seriously than others.
Here are five classic Grouse Grind hiker archetypes you’ll see on the trail:
The #WeekendWarrior
@beckyoverbeck #youcandoanythingyousetyourmindto #grousegrind #foryou #inspiration #motivation #beckyoverbeckfitness #viral #bc #mountain #fyp #fitat70 #inspire ♬ Bloom (Bonus Track) – The Paper Kites
Whether you’re the 70-year-old who sprinted past the young and strong, the fighter who hand-climb the grind for charity, or the high-achiever pushing your personal best, we offer you our highest respect.
The Left-behind
@_kevinnavia Tag your non hiker friends #grousemountain #grousegrind #vancouverbc #vancouver #yvr #tourism #hiketok #hikersoftiktok #adventuretime #travelblogger #travel #activeliving #fitnessmotivation #northvancouver #northvancouverbc ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
The lonely, forgotten stragglers who have been left behind by their friends and partners are a common sight along the trail. Pour out some Gatorade for these lost souls.
The Ignorant
@jemfit The grind is so hard it makes you cry #snapchatfilter #sadfilter #grousegrind ♬ original sound – Julie
Those who woke up and chose jeans or flip-flops just leave the rest of us scratching our heads. Are they out-of-town tourists who are just way in over their heads? Are they first-timers just unprepared? Either way, we shudder to think of what their feet are like after hiking in sandals.
To avoid being considered an “ignorant hiker” Grouse Mountain urges all trail users to prepare to take on the challenging hike by wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, as well as bringing water, food, and a cellphone.
The Pretentious
@jemfit It might be slightly exaggerated😆 but this is what it feels like #grind #grousegrind #fasttime #timing #hiker #hiking #grousemountain #vancouverbc ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery – Dante9k Remix – David Snell
Then you have those who think they’re out here summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Maybe they burst past you kitted out to the nines. Maybe they look like they tumbled out of an Arc’Teryx catalogue. Either way, it seems like the reason they hit the trail was to feel superior to others.
The Famous
You know we live somewhere special when A-listers choose to be here, too! From Chip Wilson and Owen Wilson to the Canucks and Ryan Reynolds, it seems like everyone’s seen a celeb on the Grind at least once.
2024 Grouse Grind Season
If you’re planning to tackle the Grouse Grind multiple times this year, there are several kinds of passes available.
The Grouse Mountain Regional Park gate is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm.
With files from Daily Hive Staff.