During the last day of my recent Vancouver trip, I decided to hike the Grouse Grind.
I took a bus from my Fairview area Airbnb to Canada Place (an iconic landmark in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown harbor) where I hopped onto a free shuttle to Grouse Mountain.
After arriving and talking to someone in guest services, I found the start of the trail where I began my ascent. I suppose I should have heeded the big yellow warning signs. Not even a quarter of the way up, I was thinking, what the f*ck did I get myself into? LOL.
Mother Nature’s Stairmaster
Commonly referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the Grouse Grind is a very challenging trail that is 2.9 km (1.8 mi) in length with 2,830 steps gaining 853 metres (2,800 feet) in elevation. For safety reasons, downhill travel is prohibited (meaning be prepared to finish if you start it).
It’s been a minute since I’ve hiked a trail this challenging. I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed when I looked up at the seemingly endless trail. I didn’t want to get discouraged so I watched my inner monologue. It also helped when I focused directly on the step in front of me, rather than looking too far ahead.
It didn’t bother me when people kept passing me or that they made it look easy. I took my time and listened to my body. Countless times, I stopped to catch my breath and take water breaks, allowing people to pass me as I didn’t want to slow anyone down. I was determined to finish, and I knew I would eventually.
The average hiker finishes the Grind in 1.5 to 2 hours. Um yeah… it took me more like 2.5, but I finished (and survived) and that’s what matters. Yay for personal victories!
