Find a Trail
Three Grouse Grind Alternatives to Hike this Week
Posted by: Matthew Inouye
Posted on: November 1st, 2018
As expected with any change of ownership, eventually changes often also find their way to the front lines. Grouse Mountain Resorts and the Grouse Grind are no exception. Announced last Summer, Grouse Mountain Resorts was purchased by a Chinese investment firm for a rumoured $200 Million. Last month, Grouse Mountain Resorts informed hikers they will be closing the Grouse Mountain Skyride and all facilities for two weeks -- a seasonal closure starting today and re-opening on November 13th.
Grouse Mountain Closed until November 13
Should you venture the Grind over the next two weeks, there will be no Caramel Machiatto waiting for you at the top. Rather, expect to turn around and take the cumbersome 1.5 hour trek down the BCMC trail.
If that doesn't scream, "Hike me!" here are three Grouse Grind alternatives to keep your heart pounding and your lungs filled with fresh coastal forest air.
Abbotsford (Abby) Grind
Did you know that Abbotsford has a Grind? It's okay, unless you're from the Fraser Valley east of of 200th Street in Langley, this Grouse Grind namesake is not even a concept. You'd be surprised that it's a quite popular hike. In fact, the City of Abbotsford announced nearly a year ago that they are exploring relocating the Abby Grind, as it's commonly called, to a more accessible location.
Hiking up the Coquitlam Crunch
Coquitlam Crunch
Following a season of significant renovations, the Coquitlam Crunch is the Tri-Cities Grouse Grind alternative. At a distance of 2.25 km and a 246 meter ascent, it is three quarters the distance and just under a third of the ascent of the Grouse Grind. And unlike it's longer, taller brother, you'll have to hike your way back down. But here's a trail designed for downhill hiking. The first third of Coquitlam Crunch are wooden steps designed as a loop. This allows you more space to avoid collisions.
Cardiac Hill
Boasting a distance of 300 meters and an ascent of 70 meters, you might be questioning the Cardiac Hill's entry on the list. For the unfamiliar, this is a small, but steep trail connector that links the Trans Canada Trail on Burnaby Mountain to the SFU properties. Cardiac Hill's unique trait, and why it's considered a Grouse Grind alternative is it's incline. This short segment has nearly the exact same grade as the Grouse Grind trail -- offering you a variety on the typical Grind. Think interval training.
We hope you give any of our three recommendations a try. Let us know if you have any of your own suggestions for Grouse Grind alternatives using the comments section below.
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