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Description
The break in the forest created by the powerlines has made a band of bushes that is rich with birdlife. On the southside of the trail, there are many points where you can look down and spot birds below while on the north side you can often sight them up on the slopes above you.
This area is especially rich during spring migration with plenty of warblers, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson's Thrush and much more. Summer brings Willow Flycatcher and Cedar Waxwing. Winter is the time of Varied Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Red Crossbill. Resident species include Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Common Raven, Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Black-capped Chickadee, Pacific Wren, Anna's Hummingbird, and Northern Flicker.
Hotspots along the trail include the bushy areas along the Grouse Mountain gravel parking lot and the pond area at the west end of the trail, and the exceptionally rich area around the gated part of the road at the top of Skyline Drive. That said, the whole of the trail is full of opportunities to spot not just the usual suspects, but a variety of less frequent species.
Details
Access
The Grouse Mountain Powerline Trail is located in North Vancouver. The best place to park is at the top of Skyline Drive. Alternately, you can park in the Grouse Mountain lot, though parking fees apply. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking spot. If travelling by public transit, you can take the bus to the Grouse Mountain Skyride, walk through the gravel parking lot, and then to the trail.
The trail can be walked to one end and back in an hour or so, however, as birder, you would likely want about 2 hours to have a thorough exploration. Of course, even though the markers are often good places to spot the various species of birds, they can be found across the length of trail.
Public washrooms are available at the south end of the paved parking lot at Grouse Mountain.
It is possible to bike the trail - be prepared for a few uphill/downhill sections and loose gravel.
The trail is also very popular with offleash dogwalkers, so feel free to bring yours along.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
HillyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Birding here is better earlier in the morning before it gets busy with hikers, joggers, bikers, and dogwalkers.
Infrequent black bear, mountain lion, and coyote encounters are possible along the trail. To learn more, visit the Wildlife Safety link below.
There are additional access points to the trail from the top of Grousewoods Drive, Molina Road, Malaspina Place, and Chalet Place.
The Starbucks at Grouse Mountain is the closest cafe and a nice spot to relax after your walk.
Links
- Wildlife Safety - Province of British Columbia
- eBird - Grouse Mountain - Powerline Trail
- Starbucks - Grouse Mountain