Grouse Grind reopens for season after 'transformative' trailhead upgrades
Despite the rain, hikers streamed up the Grouse Grind Saturday, many of them taking a moment to appreciate the newly redesigned trailhead.
"They've done a fantastic job," said Greg Sullivan, who told CTV News he hikes the grind three or four times a week when it's open.
"People put a lot of effort into it. It's going to get so much use this year. It's going to really make it a special place."
The famously grueling uphill trail had been closed since September for annual maintenance, trail improvements and a trailhead upgrade project, according to Metro Vancouver, which manages Grouse Mountain Regional Park, where it is located.
The $3.5-million upgrade project included new seating, stretching bars, improved access for hikers and first responders, and a new footbridge at the trail's one-quarter mark.
"We’re excited to welcome everyone back for the season to a Grouse Grind Trail that is safer and has more amenities, but still offers the challenge people crave," said Delta Mayor George V. Harvie, the chair of the regional district's board of directors, in a news release Friday.
“This is another great example of how Metro Vancouver is working to provide the public with better access to nature and the many benefits that come from spending time outdoors.”
The grind sees roughly a quarter million visitors each year, according to the regional district.
Saturday's opening came about a month earlier than last year's opening day, a fact Metro Vancouver attributed to unseasonably warm and dry weather this spring.
Shannon Shandro and Jacqueline Bruce were among those tackling the hike Saturday morning.
"It's pretty social," Bruce said, when asked what she looks forward to most about the trail opening each spring.
"We talk the whole way. And then, I think, just the feeling of being at the top, it's just like, 'Yes.' It's a real accomplishment."
Asked the same question, Sullivan also mentioned the community as a big draw.
"I just love the camaraderie – a lot of great people up here," he said.
Anmore Mayor John McEwen – the Metro Vancouver board's vice chair and the chair of the regional parks committee – called the improvement project "transformative."
"Not only is the area more welcoming and attractive, it responds to the needs of hikers by giving them space to warm up for their big climb, fill their water bottles, and get familiar with the park maps," McEwen said in the release.
The improvement project was funded by the federal and provincial governments, as well as Metro Vancouver.
The Grouse Grind is a 2.5-kilometre trail that starts at 300 metres above sea level and gains 1,100 metres of elevation over its brief length. It's open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, but will be closed all day on Monday to allow Grouse Mountain Resort to undertake "work related to the construction of a new gondola," according to Metro Vancouver.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
COMING UP @ 3:30 P.M. City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.