The self-proclaimed 'Peak of Vancouver,' this mountain-top playground, accessed via Skyride gondola (included with admission), offers spectacular views of downtown glittering in the water below. In summer, your ticket also includes access to lumberjack shows, alpine hiking, bird-of-prey displays and a grizzly bear refuge. Pay extra for zip-lining and Eye of the Wind, a 20-story, elevator-accessed turbine tower with a panoramic viewing pod that will have your camera itching for action.

Reduce the admission fee by hiking the ultra-steep Grouse Grind up the side of the mountain; it's one-way only and costs $15 to return via the Skyride. Grouse lures visitors from downtown from May to September by offering a free shuttle from Canada Place. And in winter, it's all about skiing and snowboarding at this popular powdery playground.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Capilano River Hatchery

2.42 MILES

Just 2km north of Capilano Suspension Bridge, this government-run fish farm works to protect coho, chinook and steelhead salmon stocks. Visit from July to…

2. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

3.12 MILES

As you inch gingerly across one of the world's longest (140m) and highest (70m) pedestrian suspension bridges, swaying gently over roiling Capilano Canyon…

3. Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

3.89 MILES

Located in Lynn Canyon Park, the Ecology Centre houses interesting displays on the area’s rich biodiversity, including dioramas and video presentations…

4. Lynn Canyon Park

4.33 MILES

Amid a dense bristling of century-old trees, the main lure of this popular park is its Suspension Bridge, a free alternative to Capilano. Not quite as big…

5. Polygon Gallery

4.89 MILES

North Van's former Presentation House Gallery renamed itself and relocated to this dramatic, sawtooth-roofed waterfront landmark in 2017, providing…

6. Ferry Building Art Gallery

5.11 MILES

Housed in a cute wooden heritage building, which was once a ferry terminal when transit boats plied the waters between West Van and Vancouver, this…

7. Maplewood Farm

5.66 MILES

This popular farmyard attraction includes plenty of hands-on displays, plus a collection of more than 200 birds and domestic farm animals. Your wide-eyed…

8. West Vancouver Seawall

5.67 MILES

Take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver and hop off on Marine Dr at the intersection with 24th St. Peruse the stores and coffee shops in Dundarave Village,…