The Grind
If you’re reading this and you live in Vancouver, you’ve heard of The Grind. The Grouse Grind, that is. It’s a trail that leads you up Grouse mountain. But it’s no leisurely hike, let me assure you! If you don’t know about The Grouse Grind, let me enlighten you.
According to the Grouse Mountain website (www.grousemountain.com):
“Often referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the trail has become part of the fabric of Vancouver. More than 100-thousand hikers a year take on the challenge of the rugged terrain and steep climb, up an approximate 56 per cent slope (30°), which starts at the Valley Station of Grouse Mountain and finishes at the Peak’s plateau.”
The trail is nearly 3K long and has a total of 2,830 stairs (and they’re not all little stairs either — many are big stairs that you often have to use your hands to help you get over).
Now that I’ve introduced you to The Grouse Grind, allow me to boast about my 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter completing it on Canada Day along with me and my husband. We do it every year as a family, starting when my daughter was just 3 years old.
If you’re in Vancouver, try the Grind with your kids. I dare you to try to keep up with them!