Grouse Mountain Tourist Destination in Vancouver, B.c., British Columbia, Canada

As Vancouver is a hub of activity all year because of its temperate climate, Grouse Mountain is a standard place to visit through all the seasons. There is plenty to do on Grouse Mountain from Summer to Winter and all seasons in between. In the winter one escape into the serene beauty of a natural winter playground only minutes away from golf courses and the ocean below. Just a short distance from the Peak Chalet, you'll find yourself a world away in the popular Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park. There are a variety of different groomed trails to choose from which guarantees that you'll discover something different each time you visit.

One can also tour the professionally groomed beginner and intermediate snowshoe trails of the Blue Grouse Loop, or head for Dam Mountain - a pristine loop of three main trails that circle Dam Mountain and Thunder Bird Ridge. You can find the trails very easily with clearly marked signs from the top of Grouse Mountain. For the snowshoeing enthusiast, there are a variety of classes and courses offered in the winter months as well, including: Beginner Snowshoe Clinics, Ladies Only Snowshoe Clinics, Snowshoe Drop-In Nights, Race Prep Clinics and Snowshoe Fondue Tours.

The skiing and snowboard runs are spectacular and picturesque. As a leader and pioneer in the snow sports industry, Grouse Mountain offers world class Freestyle Terrain facilities and expertise with its Parks, events, and team. Grouse Mountain is home to two main Terrain Park Zones that attract skiers and riders of all ability levels and ages from across British Columbia and around the world. Whether you are new to freestyle terrain or you are a seasoned veteran, you will find features that match your ability and progression level. Grouse Mountain also offers a variety of educational classes taught by world class instructors from beginner to advanced.

Don't have your gear? Feel free to step right into a pair of lightweight Atlas Snowshoes from the Grouse Mountain rental shop where one can also rent assorted ski and snowboard equipment. Are you unsure of the conditions? One can always contact Grouse Mountain guest services at 604.980.9311 for up to date weather and mountain conditions.

Other winter activities hosted on the mountain include things like the Skyride, ice slating, sleigh rides, the snow limousine, helicopter tours, a wildlife refuge, Theatre in the Sky and the annual Peak of Christmas - a favourite Vancouver holiday tradition with Santa Claus, reindeer, ice skating, sleigh rides, carolers and classic cartoons.

Summer activities include a wildlife refuge which is home to an assortment of animals like orphaned grizzly bears, grey wolves and a host of other species. This refuge is a world-renowned research, education, and conservation centre that is open for school field trips and to volunteers. The Adventures in Education program is a highlight for any children's group or school. This program offers a wide variety of dynamic educational and interactive mountain adventures that include science, social studies and recreational components. These programs help teachers meet curriculum objectives while providing students with hands-on, motivating and fun experiences. Programs offered include wildlife education, First Nations' cultural experiences, and recreational activities including ski and snowboard lessons, outdoor ice skating, nature hikes, guided snowshoe tours, and Peak of Christmas festivities.

The trip to the top of the mountain is around $32 CAD (including tax) for an adult and includes everything you find at the top of the mountain. You can also go parascending for an extra fee. Additionally, there are excellent restaurants and gift shop to pick out some souvenirs of your trip.

For more information on Vancouver, Vancouver landmarks and tourist information, please visit GoingtoVancouver.com at http://www.goingtovancouver.com