The Peak of Vancouver, otherwise known as Grouse Mountain is greatly known for its excellent ski and snowboard runs. However once the snow is starting to go there is tons of stuff to do. With no snow, there are two ways to get up. First is the gondola which sports attractive views of the mountain and Vancouver and is part of the Alpine Adventure Ticket ($40) which includes most of the activities at the peak . The other (which is free) is the Grouse Grind is only a 2.9 km trail but it gains 853 metres in elevation and has 2,830 steps and you’ll burn around 1,500 calories doing it. it is also referred to as Mother Nature’s Stair Master. The trail head is just at the entrance to the gondola parking. I have done both and depending on your fitness level and level of insanity will recommend both. Bring water, wear GOOD shoes.
Grouse operates as a wildlife refuge. At the base there is an enclosure with retired stars from the movie industry: wolves. At the peak there is Grinder and Coola, two rescued orphaned grizzlies who were found as cubs in 2001. Besides the wildlife there is ziplines, helicopter tours and the Eye of the Wind (cost plus to the Alpine Experience Ticket). The Eye of the Wind is the world’s first and only wind turbine that allows you to stand in a clear glass tower just three metres from the rotating blades. You can stand right in the heart of responsible, sustainable energy.





Chinese food in Vancouver dates back to the gold mining days when it represented an important dietary supplement. Chinese agricultural skills coaxed out most barren grounds the vegetables that supplemented the rather bland diet of the early miners and foresters.