BCMC Trail

The trail is steep, involves continuous steps for the duration and requires stepping over many tree roots, rocks and slippery sections. Do not take this hike lightly - it may be short but it is steep and intense. Come prepared with the right footwear.

The trail no longer begins at the same starting point as the Grouse Grind. Instead, Grouse Mountain have built a separate entrance at the lower car park. From here the trail quickly gains elevation up a short gravel path before climbing up a set of stairs built in 2023. The trail meanders through a short flat section in the trees before joining the old route up through the trees.

Very soon after you'll head over a metal bridge across a small stream. To your right, you'll see an opening in the forest. Just after the bridge, lookout for the junction that takes the BCMC route steeply up the mountain. From here onwards the trail is severe, uneven and involves stepping up over many rocks and roots.

The trail is actually open all year around, though additional considerations are required if you plan to do it outside of the suggested season.

• In summer the trail is clear and as described.
• In the depths of winter, the trail is usually snow-covered for at least half the distance (the top half). Since the trail is so steep, you absolutely must have snow spikes for your boots, and you'll need to factor in additional clothing and reduced daylight hours. Take it from me, Grouse Mountain gets very cold at night.
• In the late months of fall (November), the trail may start to have patchy snow. You should be prepared for a mixture of conditions, from rocky and dry, to snowy, slippery and wet.
• In the spring, as the snow melts, there is the added risk of potholing, where gaps form in the melting snow (and ca nbe hard to see). This makes ankle and knee injuries far more of a problem. I would suggest avoiding these conditions unless you are an experienced hiker.