BURST
Get those hamstrings warmed up, the Grouse Grind is reopening.
The popular Metro Vancouver bucket list hike is opening officially on Tuesday, April 21, just as the region is experiencing a stretch of warm weather that will see temperatures reaching 17.
The Grind is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to start, though the closing time will change as daylight hours change through the spring and summer.
The trail had opened earlier this year in February following a brief period of unseasonably warm temperatures but quickly closed again the same month due to cold temperatures and winter conditions.
The trail offers a 30 per cent grade and 853-metre elevation gain, stretching 2.9 kilometres from top to bottom. The one-way hike rewards Grinders with spectacular views at the top before they descend on the mountain’s gondola system, which is the only way down from the Grind.
“It’s a wonderful time to get outdoors and connect with nature, and tackling the Grouse Grind is a great way to boost your mental and physical health after a long, rainy winter,” said Metro Vancouver chair Mike Hurley.
While high-level athletes such as members of the Vancouver Canucks can complete the Grind in under 30 minutes, most people take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Grinders heading up this year will enjoy several sections of stairs that have been recently replaced or repaired, while more updates are expected in October when the trail closes for more maintenance.
Those heading out to tackle the Grind are reminded to wear proper footwear and clothing, as well bringing supplies like water, food and a cellphone. Anyone with health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart problems or asthma, should avoid the Grind. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located along the Grouse Grind Trail and the BCMC Route in case of emergencies.
While you’re at the Grouse Grind, you can also stop to visit resident Grizzly bears Grinder and Coola, who emerged from winter hibernation last week on April 16. The pair are located at the Grouse Mountain refuge for endangered wildlife.
SO YOU WANT TO DO THE GRIND?
Endurance coach James Stewart’s top tips for those trying the hike for the first time
James Stewart, an endurance racer who has competed all over the world, came to Vancouver in 2015 to check out the Grind after hearing about it. He fell in love with the hike, the city and, ultimately, a girl, and never left.
Stewart and Vancouver’s Wilfrid Leblanc are the current record-holders of the Multi-Grouse Grind Challenge, the annual event held on the summer solstice — the year’s longest day — both having completed 19. Leblanc won it in 2019; Stewart equalled the record last year.
“(This trail) is almost as unique as it gets in the world. So just to have something like this with a steep trail, with a resort system right there, and this popular, I don’t know any other place that has it. So we’re very fortunate to have that, and it’s one of the reasons why I moved here.”
To those attempting the climb, here’s his advice:
• The No. 1 thing is: Don’t push too hard. At the one-quarter mark, there’s a sign on the trail that says, ‘At this point, downhill hiking is no longer allowed if you go any further.’
“So if you’re feeling tired or you don’t have enough food, this is the point where you can turn around and go back down. A lot of people get to that sign and they’re already done.”
• If you have a heart rate monitor, keep your heart rate no higher than 130 to 140 beats per minute.
• If you’re hearing your breath getting out of control, then you’re probably going too fast. Slow your pace.
• Don’t care about how long it takes you. Take as many breaks as you feel like, there’s nothing to be ashamed of sitting. There’s a few spots along the trail where you can sit down and cheer on the people that go past.
You don’t have to do it perfectly your first time. Just go there for the experience.
• Bring food and water because you’re going to need it.
With files from J.J. Adams.