Grouse Grind opens for the year, rescue teams offer advice

The Grouse Grind officially opens this weekend, and North Shore Rescue has tips for a safe adventure for both locals and tourists this hiking season.

Located at Grouse Mountain Regional Park in North Vancouver, the Grouse Grind is a roughly 2.5-kilometre hike that sees people gain 800 metres of elevation as they make their way to the top.

FILE – The Grouse Grind. (Courtesy canada.ca)

Search Manager Dave Barnett says after four rescues in one day last week, people need to understand the trails. He says some locals even forget to do their research before heading out toward the mountains.

“Start with lots of water, be hydrated, have really good hiking boots, and leave yourself a lot of time,” he told CityNews.

“I think tourists and everybody just has to understand how strenuous that grind is.”

Barnett suggests those wanting to hit the Grouse Grind start earlier in the day, as he says taking advantage of the cool of the morning to avoid the heat can be a major benefit.

In addition, Barnett recommends being prepared to sleep out in the bush overnight if you’re doing any type of backcountry hiking.

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• 2 North Vancouver hiking trails rank among top 10 to get search and rescue calls: BCSARA

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A release from Metro Vancouver says it made the decision to reopen the Grouse Grind after most of the remaining snow melted off.