Peak Chairlift at Grouse Mountain

There’s a moment—somewhere around 4,000 feet above sea level—when the wind gets quieter, the city fades into a watercolor below, and your breath catches not from the altitude, but from the sheer wonder of the view. Welcome to the Peak Chairlift on Grouse Mountain, a hidden-in-plain-sight gem nestled just outside Vancouver. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience that lifts you into the sky, above forests and clouds, where the Pacific sparkles in the distance and mountain air feels like it’s been filtered by the gods.

Whether you’re chasing views, seeking serenity, or simply want to say you stood atop Vancouver, the Grouse Mountain Peak Chairlift delivers a moment you’ll want to bottle up and revisit again and again.

What to Know

The Peak Chairlift whisks you up to Grouse Mountain’s summit at an elevation of 4,100 feet, offering a 14-minute ascent that feels more like floating than traveling. Once at the top, you're treated to an open-air lookout where the sprawling cityscape of Vancouver kisses the Pacific Ocean, and mountain ridgelines roll off into forever.

During summer, access to the Peak Chair is included with a Mountain Admission Ticket, so you can bundle it with other mountaintop experiences like the lumberjack show, wildlife encounters, or sky-high dining.

Safety is top of mind too. Riders must be at least one metre tall, and safety bars are securely fastened throughout the journey. This isn't the adrenaline-pumping speed of a Coronet Peak Chairlift or Christie Peak Express Chairlift—it’s a slow, scenic glide to nature’s front-row seats.

How to Get There

Getting to the Peak Chairlift is half the fun. Begin your adventure just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver at the base of Grouse Mountain. From there, board the Skyride—a spacious aerial tramway that carries you high above the forest canopy and into the clouds.

From the top Skyride station, the Peak Chairlift is just a short walk away. If you’re on a guided experience like the Grouse Mountain Express Tour, transportation is fully taken care of—plus, you get skip-the-line access to the lift. No waiting, just soaring.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re looking to catch Vancouver at its most dazzling, aim for a clear summer day. The air is warm, the skies are blue, and visibility stretches far beyond the coastline. Morning rides tend to be quieter, perfect for photographers and serenity seekers. Evening visits, just before sunset, paint the mountains and ocean in dreamy shades of amber and rose.

Avoid cloudy or foggy days unless you’re the poetic type who enjoys the mystique of riding into the mist.

Highlights & Features

Soaring Elevation:

Ascend to 4,100 feet above sea level for one of the highest publicly accessible views in Vancouver.

Take in sweeping views of Vancouver’s skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and, on clear days, even Vancouver Island in the distance.

Included with Admission:

The chairlift ride is bundled into your Mountain Admission Ticket during summer.

Nature at Your Feet:

Hover over alpine meadows, forested slopes, and rocky outcrops teeming with life.

Photo Opportunities:

Every angle is postcard-worthy—bring your camera or just soak it all in.

Family Friendly:

A smooth and gentle ride perfect for all ages (height requirement: 1 metre).

Pairs Well with Adventure:

Combine it with the Lumberjack Show, Grizzly Bear Habitat, or mountaintop dining for a full day out.

Fun Facts

Not Your Typical Chairlift:

Unlike the Burfield Chairlift or Jiminy Peak Chair Lift, this ride isn’t just for skiers. In summer, it transforms into a tranquil sightseeing lift that anyone can enjoy—no snow required.

Grouse Mountain offers a unique trio of aerial attractions—the Peak Chairlift, the Skyride, and the Eye of the Wind turbine—making it one of the rare spots in Canada where visitors can enjoy three different elevated experiences in one trip.

Eco-Friendly Views:

Grouse Mountain runs several sustainability programs, and the lift operates with minimal environmental impact, allowing you to enjoy the view without guilt.

A Hidden Jewel of the North Shore Mountains:

While names like Granite Peak Chair Lift or Humphreys Peak Chair Lift might sound more rugged, the Peak Chairlift offers a blend of thrill and tranquility unique to Grouse.

A Brief History (Without the Yawns)

Long before it became a modern marvel, Grouse Mountain was climbed by adventurers on foot. The introduction of lifts transformed access, and the Peak Chairlift evolved into the jewel of the summit experience. Unlike quicker, more adrenaline-focused lifts such as the Peak Express Chairlift, this ride encourages a slower pace—inviting you to take in the scenery, reflect, and immerse yourself in nature.

What began as a ski lift has become a year-round ticket to one of Vancouver’s most poetic perspectives.

Conclusion

Whether you're a local exploring familiar ground or a visitor seeking memorable experiences, the Peak Chairlift at Grouse Mountain leaves a lasting impression. The breathtaking views are just the beginning—you’ll step off the lift with a sense of peace and wonder, as if you’ve touched the sky, even if only for 14 unforgettable minutes.