After a couple of days to settle into being in Vancouver we went for a hike. We have been waiting to do this hike for awhile, but were a little unsure how Evie would do with it.
I will admit that it was harder and steeper than I had anticipated. The incline started as soon as we got to the base and there were a lot of stairs….like about 2800. It was all up no flat parts at all. It isn’t called the grouse grind for nothing.
This is the sign at the start.
We estimated at the beginning that it would take about 2.5 hours to get to the top. We kept reminding Evie to slow down as it was a long way to go and it was hot. We paced ourselves, rationed our water, snacked on banana and almonds and stopped for a little rest when needed.
There was a sigh at the top that said “Legs are you mad?” I don’t know if they were mad, but they were a little quivery.
The reward at the top was a cookie
A ginger bear. The bear shape is significant because there are two grizzly bears at the top. They were orphaned cubs that could not be released into the wild. We did see one of them pretty close up. That was amazing and I will have pictures to post later when I am back home with a computer. We also watched a lumberjack show that Evie loved, she really enjoyed it.
And from the top you get an amazing view.
Our finish time was 2 hours! Better that I thought we would do.
The gondola ride down was prettying cool too.
If you like to hike and are up for a challenge I would recommend that you do the Grouse Grind if you visit Vancover. However, keep in mind it is physically strenuous, a lot of climbing stairs and heights. I am physically active and I found it very difficult at times, definitely felt the burn.
As for taking small children I would say don’t, some places were very steep with a huge drop off. Evie is 8, very active, regularly does strenuous activity and has good balance so I wasn’t too concerned that she could handle it. Though I was holding her hand at times and keeping her close to me on the inside edge.
If you don’t have the time or physical ability you can take the gondola up as well.
I will post more about the lumberjack show and the Grizzlies once I download the pictures from my camera.
The Art Gallery, Evie loves this room and we have multiple pictures of her in it. That screen in the background is a film of Picasso painting on a window.
Went to the beach 
This art installation (at the seawall)was really cool. The wind would blow the sails and it made the heron’s wing go up and down
the totem poles in Stanley Park
How cute is this creperie, I love it!
The Olympic cauldron from Vancover 2010 Olympic Games
reading after a trip to a bookstore
To an old diner for supper (Moderne Burger) 
Cherry Lime Soda
An Eiffel Tower made of macarons!
cookswithevie 