Flightseeing – Grouse Mountain – July 24, 2010
This week I was able to take my friends, Brian & Teresa, on a fun adventure from YVR to Grouse Mountain – The Peak Of Vancouver as we repositioned a helicopter from our hanger to the mountaintop. Each day in the Summer Helijet operates amazing flightseeing adventures from our pad next to the Grouse Mountain chalet, starting at just $99/person.
On this day our adventure began with an easy Canada Line trip from downtown to Bridgeport Station and a short Community Shuttle bus to the Helijet office/hanger at the airport. After a short safety briefing and familiarization by Kim our great pilot, we departed from the south side of YVR and headed north over the airport.
It was a beautiful clear morning so the views seemed never-ending. As Delta and the South Arm of the Fraser River fell behind us, the varied skyline of downtown Vancouver mirrored the majestic North Shore Mountains beyond. This high vantage point gives places and sights we see every day a new and unique perspective. A sneak peak down into BC Place looking at the renovations happening to the roof-less stadium is a sight not many will get to see. Climbing over Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver and into the mountains, (trying in vain to see if we could spot the black bears that Kim had seen earlier in the week), we soon landed at the Grouse Mountain helipad. It was a short flight but the memories won’t soon be forgotten, I think Brian and Teresa enjoyed their first Helijet experience and helicopter flight over Vancouver.
The last few years, the Staycation (vacation at home) movement has really taken off and a visit to Grouse Mountain really highlights how much there is to see and do just a few minutes from home. Many locals think of Grouse Mountain for winter skiing or in summer, the famous Grouse Grind, a hike up to the peak from the valley below.
Grouse has so much more to offer! In addition to the amazing Helijet Helicopter Tours, there is a whole host of activities to make the most of your trip to the Mountain. Included with your Grouse Mountain Super Skyride admission is the Theatre In The Sky-a high definition film about the history of Grouse Mountain, the Grizzly Bear habitat (it was feeding time for Grinder and Coola when we were there), Birds Of Prey demonstrations, Logger Sports Show and Chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. Sitting in one of the patios and restaurants at the chalet offer breathtaking views over the whole of Metro Vancouver and, if it’s clear enough, on to Vancouver Island and Washington State. The observation deck in the Eye of the Wind (a power generating wind-turbine). ZipLining and Paragliding are also available on the mountain for additional fees.
With all this available, it’s easy for the whole family to spend the day on the mountain and not run out of activities. If you are looking for a getaway from the everyday think about a heading up to Grouse Mountain…stop in and say “Hi” to our Helijet staff if you’re there!
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