100 Years
at the
Peak of Vancouver

A century of stories.

Rediscover Grouse Mountain in its 100th year and join the year of celebrations with an Annual Pass+.

1926 - 2026

For 100 years, Grouse Mountain has been home to unforgettable memories. From first snow days and school trips to sunrise hikes and cherished family traditions — the Mountain has seen it all. 

The centennial year brings our history, events, and community stories together as we celebrate a century of Mountain Memories. Explore the milestones, share your memories, and celebrate the start of the next chapter with us.

Discover how our past has shaped us — and how we’re shaping the future — by watching the Grouse 100 video!

A man and a woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, smiling and sharing a meal, with a city view outside the window.
Nighttime outdoor celebration with a crowd watching fireworks in the sky, decorated with Christmas trees and festive lights.
A blue and red cable car suspended from a cable above a forested mountain, with a city skyline and a body of water in the background.

Through Our History

1894

First Tracks

The first recorded non-Indigenous hikers reach the peak and name Grouse Mountain after the Blue Grouse game birds spotted in the area.

Black and white photo of a man standing and five children sitting on a rocky cliff with a mountainous forest background.

1920s

Three vintage black-and-white photographs: the first shows a mountain road with a car driving on a winding dirt path through a forest, labeled "Grouse Mount Seymour Highway, North Vancouver, B.C."; the second depicts a large wooden house or lodge surrounded by tall trees in a forested area; the third features two men in winter clothing skiing on snow, with one adjusting his ski pole near a small snow-covered tree.

Mountain Access Made Easier 

1926: Grouse Mountain Highway opens to limited traffic, funded entirely by William C. Shelly, eliminating the need for a full-day hike.  

The First Lodge

1926: The original Grouse Mountain lodge opens, built from local yellow cedar.

Clubs on the Rise 

1929: Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Club starts to take shape as the Tyee Ski Runners and Grouse Mountain Ski Clubs form, to later merge in 1950.

1930s

Three black-and-white photographs of a snowy winter landscape, with trees, houses, and a ski lift, arranged in a collage.

Cabin Culture  

1930s: As skiing gains popularity, the Ski Village at the Bottom of the Cut (BOC) grows to over 200 cabins with its own mayor and council. 

The First Tow

Mid-1930s: The Tyee Ski Runners Club installs the first rope tow at the base of The Cut run. 

The Depression 

1935: Due to unpaid taxes through the Depression, the chalet along with Grouse Mountain Highway are forfeited to the District of North Vancouver, starting a 10-year shutdown. Avid skiers could still access the municipality-operated mountain in winter.  

1940s

Black and white collage of three vintage photographs related to skiing and a ski lift in a winter landscape. The top left photo shows a ski lift ascending a snow-covered slope with trees in the background. The top right photo depicts two people on a ski lift with trees and snow around and a group of people on the ground below. The bottom photo captures a ski lodge or station with parked cars, and people waiting or walking around in a scenic setting with trees and a distant landscape.

A Fresh Chapter 

1945: The Cromie family – then-owners of The Vancouver Sun – purchases Grouse Mountain for $75,000, starting a new era at the peak of Vancouver.   

Innovation at The Peak 

1949: The world’s first double chairlift opens, running from the top of Skyline to the Ski Village, known as The Village Chairlift.

1950s

A collage of three black and white and colored photographs: top image of a snowy ski resort with skiers and a chairlift, bottom left photo of a ski slope with elevators and staff, and a bottom right image of two smiling children holding a sign that reads 'Sun Ski Classes'.

A City Learns to Ski  

1950: The Vancouver Sun introduces Sun Ski School – Vancouver’s first ski lessons, offered for free. More than 8,000 people learned to ski at Grouse Mountain by 1964 when the program ended. 

New Heights 

1951: The First Cut Chairlift opens on The Cut, a second double chairlift bringing riders all the way to Peak Chalet and improving ski terrain access.  

1960s

Three pictures of ski resort infrastructure: a ski lift tower and cable car, a building with unique architectural design, and a cable car ascending a mountain with a view of a city and water in the background.

Up in Flames  

1962: Tragedy strikes Grouse Mountain as the original lodge is destroyed by a fire. The lodge is temporarily replaced with what now stands as The Outpost.   

The Sun Sets on Ownership 

1964: The Cromie family sells Grouse Mountain to Andrew Saxton Sr. and local investors.

Going Up!  

1966: The mountain’s first aerial tramway opens, bringing the public straight to Peak Chalet. The new Peak Chalet houses two new restaurants and a gift shop.  

1970s

Vintage ski competition scene with a skier navigating slalom gates on a snowy mountain slope, and a cable car labeled 'Grouse Mountain' against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and forested mountains in British Columbia, Canada.

Going Global  

1970: Grouse Mountain hosts Vancouver's first World Cup FIS Race, the du Maurier Giant Slalom. Through the ‘70s, the Resort also plays host to Western Canada’s first World Cup Freestyle Championships, and the annual Grouse Mountain World Invitational Hang Gliding Competitions.

Tram No. 2 

1976: The Red Skyride, a second, larger, 100-person aerial tramway system, opens to the public.

1980s

Wooden stairs leading through a dense forest of tall trees with sunlight filtering through.

Rise and Grind 

1981-1983: Formal development of the Grouse Grind trail begins in 1981, with trail completion in 1983. 

A New Era Begins 

1989: After obtaining controlling interest in 1974, The McLaughlin family purchases remaining interests to gain full ownership, making Grouse Mountain privately owned.  

1990s

Two photographs. The first shows a person dressed in traditional Native American attire with face paint and an elaborate feathered headdress, holding a drum. The second depicts two women in front of a theater entrance labeled "Theatre In The Sky," with one woman holding balloons and two seated women observing the scene, with flowers and lush greenery around.

Always in Season 

1990: The Theatre in the Sky opens as the Mountain’s first year-round attraction. 

Cultural Connection 

1998: The hÍwus Feasthouse opens, a Pacific Northwest Longhouse, introducing authentic First Nations dining, entertainment, and cultural programming hosted by a Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) First Nations Elder.

2000s

Collage of outdoor activities showing a bear cub in a forest, a mountain biking group riding on a trail, and a snow-covered ski lift with trees.

Full Speed Ahead 

2000: Vancouver’s first high-speed quad chairlift, the Screaming Eagle, is installed. Through the 2000s, the Magic Carpet for beginners, Olympic Express chairlift, and Greenway and Peak chairlifts are opened. Mountain Ziplines open for thrill-seekers, adding to summer activities. 

The World Circuit 

2001: The TISSOT/UCI Mountain Bike World Cup comes to Grouse Mountain.

New Residents

2002: The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife opens with rescue Grizzly cubs, Grinder and Coola.

2010s

Three photographs of people enjoying outdoor activities in winter. The first shows a woman in a white jacket celebrating with a Canadian flag and a fire staff in a snowy forest. The second displays a woman in a helmet on a ropes course surrounded by green trees. The third features a couple in warm winter clothing standing under festive string lights and snow-covered trees, smiling.

Peak Prime Time 

2010: NBC hosts live broadcasts throughout the Olympic Games, and Grouse Mountain runs 24-hour operations. 

Adventure Keeps Growing

The Mountain continues to evolve and expand its year-round operations, with upgrades including: The Light Walk, Skyride Surf Adventure, Mountain Ropes Adventure, and Kids Tree Canopy Adventure.

2020s

Collage of outdoor adventure activities: mountain biking in a forest, riding a mountain coaster through trees, and a father and daughter enjoying a ride on a mountain coaster at Grouse Mountain.

Proudly Canadian 

2020: Keeping it Canadian, Grouse Mountain is purchased by Northland Properties and joins one of Canada’s broadest hospitality portfolios.

Lift-Off for the Blue Grouse

2024: The new Blue Grouse Gondola opens with 27 eight-person cabins, replacing the original Blue Tram with faster access.

The Return of Mountain Biking 

2025: After a two-decade hiatus, mountain biking returns to The Peak of Vancouver with the opening of Grouse Bike Park.

Coming Soon: More Thrills 

2026: Summer operations continue evolving, and in spring 2026, the new Grouse Gravity Coaster is set to open.

Centennial Events

  • Centennial Kick-Off: NYE

    Wednesday, December 31

    Ring in the New Year – and our 100th Anniversary – with fireworks, extended hours, a variety of activities and entertainment, plus special food & beverage offerings.

    Learn more.

  • Family enjoying a ride on a mountain roller coaster through a forested area.

    Launch of the Grouse Gravity Coaster

    Coming 2026

    A year for the history books will feature the debut of the Grouse Gravity Coaster, an epic, adrenaline-fueled experience set against the iconic Vancouver skyline.

  • Two children, a girl and a boy, playing in the snow on a sunny winter day, walking down a snowy hill.

    Family Day Weekend

    February 14 – 16

    Enjoy a weekend of family fun with fireworks, games, and outdoor activities including a snowman-building contest, scavenger hunts, and a hockey shoot-out. 

  • Two skiers sitting on a ski lift at night above a cityscape with snow, trees, and illuminated city lights.

    24 Hours of Winter

    February 21 – 22

    In celebration of our Centennial, we’re reviving the community-favourite event with 24 hours of skiing and riding, a late-night park jam, and a sunrise snowga session. 

  • A woman dressed as a fairy in a pastel-colored dress with fairy wings, a person in a bunny costume with large cartoon eyes, and children at a table with Easter decorations and treats, celebrating at an indoor event.

    Easter on the Peak

    April 3 – 6

    Join four days of family-friendly fun! Enjoy a delectable Easter Brunch, meet the Easter Bunny, join an Easter egg hunt, and more at Easter on the Peak. 

  • A person snowboarding on a water surface, wearing an orange outfit, a helmet, and goggles, with water splashing around.

    Slush Cup

    Saturday, April 18

    Another classic event returns for the Centennial! Competitors attempt to cross a pool of slush on skis/a snowboard, cheered on by a lively crowd in the Beer Garden. 

  • Aerial view of a mountain with a green forest and a few buildings, overlooking a city and harbor in the distance under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

    Celebrate the World's Game

    June 11 – July 19

    Cheer on the home team and embrace the Canadiana spirit with lumberjacks, resident Grizzlies, and Altitudes’ poutine. Plus, wear a jersey on game day for a special Mountain Admission deal. 

  • Four women celebrating at the summit of a mountain, holding a sign that reads 'Seek the Peak, Congratulations! You've reached The Peak', with a city skyline and water in the background during daytime.

    Seek the Peak, presented by CIBC

    Saturday, June 13

    The classic sea-to-summit race: a 16km challenge with 1,400m of vertical gain and 1,000 racers. Prizes will be awarded for costumes celebrating 100 years of Grouse Mountain.

  • Four friends trail running at night, wearing headlamps and athletic gear, smiling and enjoying a nighttime outdoor run.

    Multi Grouse Grind Challenge, presented by CIBC

    Monday, June 22

    From dawn to dusk, participants take aim at the official record for most Grouse Grinds completed in a single day. Sean Green set a new record of 21 in 2025. 

  • Group of people practicing yoga outdoors, sitting cross-legged with their hands in prayer position, eyes closed, on yoga mats.

    Peak Yoga

    Saturdays, June 10 – September 26

    Start your summer Saturdays with a yoga session at the Peak of Vancouver! Peak Yoga is complimentary with an Annual Pass or Mountain Admission ticket. Registration is required.

  • A gondola lift with passengers riding above a forested mountain with a view of a city, water, and distant landscape in the background. The gondola is decorated with Canadian flags and bears the text 'GROUSE MOUNTAIN'.

    Canada Day

    Wednesday, July 1

    Celebrate Canada Day with iconic Canadian tribute bands, Canadian-themed food and beverages, and a Canadian celebration at The Peak of Vancouver.

  • A person with curly red hair holding a large axe, standing outdoors near a wooden target with a red and white circle.

    Lumberjacks & Line Dancing

    July 10 & August 7

    Yeehaw! Giddy up to Grouse Mountain for a special edition Lumberjack Show, plus country music and line dancing, mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, & a full BBQ spread.  

  • A man with glasses on his head playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone during sunset with trees and mountains in the background.

    Peak Sessions

    Select Evenings in July & August

    A unique musical experience with stunning city and mountain views as the backdrop. This is a ticketed event and not included with an Annual Pass.

  • People sitting outdoors watching a movie on a large screen at night, with city lights in the distance.

    Movies on the Mountain

    Thursdays in August

    Movies on the Mountain are back by popular demand. Enjoy a classic film in a unique outdoor mountaintop setting, with stunning cityscape views.

  • Two bears with a cake made of watermelon and fish for a birthday celebration outdoors in a forested area.

    Bear-thday Fun-draiser

    Saturday, July 25

    Rescued Grizzlies, Grinder and Coola, are turning 25 this year! Help the Mountain’s favourite residents celebrate their bear-thday with a fun-filled event supporting the Grizzly Bear Foundation.

  • Four friends enjoying drinks and toasting at an outdoor rooftop with city and water view during sunset.

    Grouse Centennial Festival

    August 10 – 16

    Join us for an epic week-long 100th anniversary celebration featuring cake, live music, a mountaintop marketplace, and exclusive food and drink experiences. Stay tuned for alumni deals and retro pricing!  

  • A bear with gray fur is using its paw to hold a carved pumpkin with the word 'TREAT' engraved on it, while standing on a large rock near a body of water.

    Halloween Pumpkin Smash

    Saturday, October 31

    Get in the spooky spirit! To celebrate Halloween, Grinder and Coola will be treated to a special pumpkin smash and kids can enjoy trick-or-treating. Join the fun for kids and kids and heart!

  • A snowy landscape with a small building labeled 'Santa's Workshop' with colorful lights, surrounded by snow-covered trees, a reindeer, and a Santa figure talking to a child.

    The Peak of Christmas

    November 20 – December 24

    Experience Vancouver’s North Pole with a Mountaintop celebration of the holiday season featuring Santa Claus and a variety of festive indoor and outdoor activities.

Annual Pass+

Three photos of people enjoying cable car rides. The top photo shows a cable car over a green mountain landscape with a clear sky. The middle photo features a person in safety gear hanging from a cable with trees and a cloudy sky in the background. The bottom right photo shows a group of four friends sitting on a ski lift, waving and smiling against a bright blue sky.

Celebrate the centennial year with year-round access to the Peak of Vancouver. The Annual Pass+ is designed for residents seeking all-season adventure, including mountain admission, one free Mountain Ropes Adventure, one free Mountain Zipline Tour, four tickets at 50% off to bring friends and family, and access to our centennial events.

Buy Now

Mountain Memories

A century of stories.
Share yours.

Submit a photo, video, memory, or post using #MountainMemories.

I've been doing the Grouse Grind Mountain Run for the past 3 years. Enjoyed the memories. - Philip

I've been doing the Grouse Grind Mountain Run for the past 3 years. Enjoyed the memories.
- Philip

Learning to ski at GMR as a child; still skiing at GMR - Daya

Learning to ski at GMR as a child; still skiing at GMR
- Daya

Inversion Sunset - Capturing this image was pretty epic! I've watch the sun set many times but it's not often we're sitting above the clouds. - Brad

Inversion Sunset - Capturing this image was pretty epic! I've watch the sun set many times but it's not often we're sitting above the clouds.
- Brad

Old ski passes from the 70s - Brian

Old ski passes from the 70s
- Brian

My first time skiing. Unforgettable memories. - Jin

My first time skiing. Unforgettable memories.
- Jin

2010 Winter Olympics, all of my Grouse Team, once in a lifetime moment and one of the coolest things I was involved in! - E Y

2010 Winter Olympics, all of my Grouse Team, once in a lifetime moment and one of the coolest things I was involved in!
- E Y

I’m from Brazil. I had an amazing experience at the Grouse Mountain!! First class snowboarding! - Pamela

I’m from Brazil. I had an amazing experience at the Grouse Mountain!! First class snowboarding!
- Pamela

Worked in GS from 2019-2020; best time of my life! - Samantha

Worked in GS from 2019-2020; best time of my life!
- Samantha

Anniversary Merchandise Collection

Inspired by history. Available soon at Grouse Mountain.

  • A white T-shirt with a vintage-style graphic of a grouse bird, trees, and mountains, and text reading 'Grouse Mountain District of North Vancouver', from the 1930s.
  • A maroon T-shirt with a graphic design featuring a lighthouse and the text "The Sun Grouse Mountain," from the 1940s.
  • White T-shirt featuring a vintage 1950s cartoon illustration of a man and woman on a gondola, with the words 'Grouse Mountain' above the image and 'British Columbia' and 'Canada' below. The shirt has a small logo at the bottom left corner.
  • A vintage 1960s teal T-shirt with white and blue text reading 'Grouse Mountain SkyRide Vancouver, B.C.' and a small gold label at the bottom left.
  • A white T-shirt with the text "Grouse Mountain Skyride" in pink and orange, featuring a small graphic of a gondola, against a black background. The bottom left corner of the shirt has a small gold label, and the text "1970s" is displayed below the shirt.
  • Maroon T-shirt with a graphic and text design, reading 'Grouse Mountain' with a stylized illustration of a mountain and cable car, from the 1980s.
  • White T-shirt with 'GROUSE' in large pink letters and 'MOUNTAIN' in smaller turquoise letters underneath, with a small gold sticker at the bottom left corner, displayed against a black background, labeled '1990s'.
  • Black T-shirt with a gold and white graphic design reading 'Grouse Mountain - The Peak of Vancouver' and a stylized mountain logo, labeled as from the 2000s.
  • White T-shirt featuring a black bear silhouette, a circular logo with a mountain and eagle head, and the text 'GROUSE MOUNTAIN Est. 1926'; 2010s era