Ziplining, ice skating and bears, oh my! There's a lot more to Grouse Mountain than just skiing and hiking. This gentle giant that watches over Vancouver from the north shore - a mere 15-minute drive from the city - is rife with activities year-round. In our guide below, we've covered all the ways Vancouver's most beloved mountain tempts you to get out and play.

• Things to Do Any Time of Year
• Things to Do in Spring, Summer or Fall
• Things to Do in Winter

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Things to Do Any Time of Year

SkyRide
Few experiences are more quintessentially Vancouver than being surrounded by pristine mountain wilderness while admiring a view of the gleaming city below. On the SkyRide, a tram that climbs to 1,100 metres (3,700 feet) in 12 minutes, you'll dangle above the piney mountainside while taking in the cityscape and views of neighbouring peaks, the Pacific Ocean, inlets and bays, and the Gulf Islands. Such experiences don't come for free (unfortunately) - admission is 34.95 for adults and $12.95 for children - but the continuing popularity of the ride confirms that the views are just that amazing. (Departs daily, every 15 minutes 9am-10 pm.)

Wildlife Refuge
At the top of the SkyRide, after you've recovered from the breathtaking views, you'll be greeted by two grizzly bears. But don't worry, the fuzzy and fascinating creatures are safely protected within the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. The refuge also has a grey wolf habitat at the base of the mountain.

Theatre In the Sky
This high-definition electronic cinema shows Born to Fly, a dramatic aerial adventure shown through an eagle's perspective, at the top of every hour. Animal Tracks: Baby Grizzlies, the story of Grinder and Coola and their journey to the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, shows at the bottom of the hour. (Daily, 10am-9pm.)

Dining
If you want to refuel after a long hike or enjoy a glass of wine après ski, there are several dining options including The Observatory (fine dining), Altitudes Bistro, Lupins Café or the Rusty Rail BBQ & Grill. Feast your eyes on the spectacular views as your taste buds feast on delicious dishes.

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Things to Do in Spring, Summer or Fall

Grouse Grind
A favourite with locals, this hiking trail is called the Grouse Grind - and sometimes "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" - because of its steep grade and total elevation gain of approximately 850 metres (2,800 feet). It is a thigh-burning hour-and-a-half trek, depending on your fitness level, but it's an invigorating way to get a great workout and to take in stunning outdoor beauty in a short time.

Ziplining
Air Grouse Mountain Zipline now lets you fling yourself above old-growth forests and gorgeous canyon scenery on a series of ziplines. You begin at Blue Grouse Lake, where you'll traverse a set of original lines and then zip across the peaks of Grouse and Dam Mountains on a new set of lines, which whiz you along at speeds of up to 80km/hr (50mi/hr).

Shows and Programs
Grouse Mountain features a variety of family-friendly entertainment in the spring and summer. Check out the Lumberjack Show, where performers re-create early 1900s logging culture through a lumberjack face-off. The Birds in Motion Demonstration allows spectators to watch the fastest birds in the world - falcons, eagles, owls and hawks - while flying free at Blueberry Bowl.

Chairlift Rides
In summer, the Screaming Eagle chairlift takes foot passengers to The Cut, a famous slope and the iconic vantage point of Metro Vancouver. Get your camera ready!

Paragliding
Adrenaline junkies will jump at the chance to tandem leap from the Grouse Mountain Peak and land in Cleveland Park for a stomach-flipping elevation drop of 1,006 metres (3,300 feet).

Helicopter Tours
If you thought the views from the SkyRide were good, wait until you see them from them from a bird's-eye perspective. Air Grouse Mountain Helijet offers breathtaking tours that will reveal the fascinating geography of the Vancouver area on a breathtaking and thrilling ride.

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Things to Do in Winter

Skiing and Snowboarding
Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is an appealing option for those wanting to hit the slopes without significant travel time. Whether it's green trails off the Screaming Eagle chair or ominous-sounding black trails (such as Purgatory and Devil's Advocate) from the Olympic Express chair, the terrain is varied enough for all levels of downhill skiers and snowboards to find their niche. There are also two terrain park zones to try out your freestyle moves. Lessons and rentals are available on site, too.

Night Skiing
In wintertime, the mountain stays open until 10pm, a great chance to schuss through the snow while enjoying views of sparkling downtown Vancouver. Local stalwarts are known to head up to the slopes after work to get in an evening of carving.

Snowshoeing
Explore a variety of snowshoeing trails running through Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park. Guided tours and sessions are also available. For example, on Monday evenings, you can experience the serenity of striding across a moonlit landscape. Or opt for the snowshoe and fondue combo package (yum!). Snowshoe rentals are available.

Ice Skating
A fun day for the family or a romantic date can be had on the 740-square-metre (8,000-square-foot) ice skating pond. Skate rentals are available. The Peak Chalet is steps away in case you need to warm up by the fireplace or grab a bite at the Lupins Cafe.

Sleigh Rides
A festively painted sleigh pulled by a snowcat takes groups on a short loop through the snowy terrain. Families especially enjoy the ride, and participants occasionally are lucky enough to spot an eagle or other wildlife along the way.

Sno-Limo
If someone in your party doesn't ski or snowboard, they can still join you on the slopes. The Sno-Limo program allows non-skiers to sit comfortably and let a chauffeur do the skiing. Packages range from 1-5 hours.

Don't Miss This on the Way: You'll pass the Capilano Suspension Bridge en route to Grouse Mountain. Stop in for a visit, and you can walk across a swaying footbridge strung across a plummeting canyon with the Capilano River rushing below; learn about the area's history; and play in the Treetop Adventures, a series of elevated suspension bridges.

Getting to Grouse Mountain
Follow Georgia Street through Stanley Park and across the Lion's Gate Bridge. Take the North Vancouver exit to Marine Drive, then left up Capilano Road for 5 km (3.1 miles).

The public transit system offers regular service to the base of Grouse Mountain every half hour. Catch Bus 232 from Phibbs Exchange or Bus 236 from Lonsdale Quay. For more details, visit the Translink website.