Vancouver’s iconic Grouse Mountain is celebrating a major milestone this summer—100 years of mountain adventures. From July 23 to August 3, 2026, the Grouse Mountain Centennial Festival is transforming the North Shore attraction into a festival hub with nightly drone shows, live entertainment, food trucks, and special anniversary experiences that make this the perfect time to visit.
Whether you’re a longtime Vancouverite or visiting for the first time, Grouse Mountain‘s centennial celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience one of BC’s most beloved attractions during its biggest party in history. Here’s everything you need to know about the festivities and how to make the most of your visit.
What’s Happening at the Grouse Mountain Centennial Festival
The Grouse Mountain Centennial Festival, presented by CIBC, runs for 12 days and packs in entertainment worthy of a century-long legacy. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the mountain becomes a celebration destination with activities suitable for everyone from families to couples looking for a memorable date night.
Nightly Drone Shows Light Up the Sky
One of the festival’s headline attractions is the spectacular drone shows illuminating the night sky above Grouse Mountain. These choreographed aerial displays combine technology and artistry to create a breathtaking visual experience that’s visible from the mountaintop and select areas below.
Live Entertainment and Local Flavour
Throughout the festival period, visitors can enjoy live music performances, local food trucks showcasing Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the mountain’s rich history. The festival atmosphere adds an extra layer of energy to the already stunning mountain environment.
Book your Skyride tickets in advance during the festival period. The centennial celebration is drawing larger crowds than usual, and pre-booking ensures you won’t miss out on the festivities, especially if you’re planning to catch the evening drone shows.
Beyond the Festival: What Makes Grouse Mountain Special
Whilst the centennial festivities provide extra incentive to visit, Grouse Mountain has been a Vancouver staple for good reason. The attraction offers year-round activities, from hiking and wildlife encounters to skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Summer visitors can experience the famous Grouse Grind hiking trail (affectionately known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”), visit the resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola in their natural habitat refuge, or take in the stunning panoramic views of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains from the Peak Chairlift.
Anniversary Offers Worth Checking
The festival features limited-time anniversary offers on admissions and experiences. These special deals make it more accessible to enjoy multiple activities during your visit, from the lumberjack shows to the Birds in Motion demonstration.
Festival Dates: July 23 – August 3, 2026
Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Getting There: Skyride from base terminal or drive to mountaintop parking (limited availability during festival)
Planning Your Grouse Mountain Festival Visit
To maximise your centennial festival experience, consider arriving in the late afternoon. This timing allows you to enjoy daytime activities like hiking or wildlife viewing, dine at one of the mountaintop restaurants as the sun sets, and stay for the evening entertainment and drone shows.
The Skyride gondola provides a scenic 8-minute journey from the base to the peak, gaining 1,100 metres in elevation. During the festival, extended operating hours accommodate evening programming, but check the official schedule as times may vary.
What to Bring
- Layers of clothing—mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the mountaintop attractions
- Camera or smartphone for capturing the views and drone show
- Water bottle, though refreshments are available for purchase
- Light jacket or fleece, especially if staying for evening events
Combining Your Visit With North Shore Exploring
Since you’re already heading to North Vancouver for the festival, consider exploring other nearby attractions. The newly opened Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre offers a glimpse into the area’s investment in community facilities, whilst Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon are both within a short drive.
For those interested in a fuller North Shore experience, many visitors combine Grouse Mountain with stops at nearby viewpoints, craft breweries, and waterfront areas in Lower Lonsdale, creating a complete day of exploration.
A Century of Mountain Memories
Grouse Mountain’s 100th anniversary represents a remarkable milestone for a Vancouver institution that’s provided countless memories for locals and visitors alike. From its early days as a backcountry ski destination to today’s year-round mountain resort, it’s remained a constant in Vancouver’s recreational landscape.
The centennial festival offers both a celebration of that history and a chance to create new memories against the backdrop of one of Metro Vancouver’s most spectacular settings. Whether you’re watching grizzly bears enjoy their fruit cake (yes, that’s part of the celebration), taking in the drone show, or simply enjoying the mountain air and views, this summer’s festivities provide a special reason to experience Grouse Mountain.
If you’re visiting during the festival’s final weekend (August 1-3), expect the largest crowds. Weekday visits, particularly earlier in the festival period, typically offer a more relaxed experience whilst still enjoying all the special programming.
The Grouse Mountain Centennial Festival runs until August 3, 2026, making this the perfect time to discover—or rediscover—why this North Shore mountain has captured hearts for a full century.