Grouse Mountain is the small ski resort and tourist attraction occupying the peak directly above downtown North Vancouver. From the city it is impossible to miss: the visible flank of mountain, the gondola line, the Eye of the Wind turbine on the summit. From the top — accessible by the Skyride aerial tramway in about eight minutes — the view stretches from Mount Baker in Washington to the southern edge of the Pacific Ranges.
Summer attractions include the Eye of the Wind viewing platform inside a working wind turbine, the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife (grizzly bears Grinder and Coola, raised after being orphaned as cubs), lumberjack shows, ziplines, and a small alpine restaurant in a chalet-style timber building. Hiking trails from the top range from the gentle Blue Grouse Lake loop to the long Hanes Valley route down to Lynn Headwaters.
Winter is the ski operation: 33 marked runs, eight lifts, night skiing under floodlights with the city laid out below — one of the few major Canadian ski hills you can reach by city bus. The summer Skyride ticket is C$80 and includes most attractions; the lift tickets in winter are sold separately.