The simplest car free way from downtown Vancouver to Grouse Mountain is the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and then bus 236 up to the base. The bus ride is about 25 minutes, and the whole trip usually lands between 45 and 60 minutes. By road it is about 12 km and 20 minutes.
SeaBus and the 236 from Lonsdale Quay
Board the SeaBus at Waterfront Station and cross to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The 236 starts there and climbs north, ending up on Capilano Road and Nancy Greene Way at the Grouse Mountain base. A second route, bus 232, runs from Phibbs Exchange for anyone coming from the east side of the harbour.
Grouse Mountain advertises a discount on mountain admission or ski tickets for transit riders, redeemable at Guest Services, so ask about it when you arrive. Check the TransLink trip planner for the next 236 departure, because frequency changes by time of day and season.
Driving across Lions Gate Bridge
The mountain’s own directions send drivers along Georgia Street, through Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver, then up Capilano Road for about 5 km. Another way in is the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge and Highway 1 westbound to the Capilano Road exit north.
Parking at the base
All lots at the foot of the mountain are pay parking. Grouse Mountain lists $10 for 3 hours and $12 for the full day, payable through the Pay By Phone app or at machines in the lots. Rates change, so confirm on the Grouse Mountain site first. On holiday weekends the mountain has run overflow parking and a shuttle, and its website posts those notices.
In winter, look at road conditions before driving up the final stretch.
A cab up Capilano Road
A taxi works for a group, for skis and boards that are awkward on a crowded bus, or for a late return when buses are sparse. Work out a rough cost with the taxi fare estimator or compare with the Uber calculator.