The Grouse Grind Vancouver is synonymous with hiking, yet many people seem to think the name is a bit of a hyperbole. It is not. It IS a GRIND. It is a painful, strenuous, sweaty, and agonizing hike – which will take the average person around an hour and a half to two hours to complete. Yes, there may be an insane number of seniors who hike up the trail (thereby creating a misplaced belief that the trail is pretty gentle), but my guess is those same seniors also run marathons, practice MMA, and do P90X daily just for fun.

Grouse Grind Timer at The Trailhead

Despite the grind, I love it. I put my head down, my earphones on, and listen to the soundtrack to all the classic 80s movie montages: The Karate Kid (“You’re the best…around…nothing’s gonna ever keep you down…”), Rocky 1, 2, 3 and 4 (“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”), and Top Gun (“Take my breath awa….”, errr, I mean, “Highway to the danger zone…”). I go with no breaks, passing people along the way, feeling pretty good about that, and then feeling pretty dejected when I’m passed by a speed demon disguised as a senior citizen (I reason that it’s because they’re wearing UnderArmor, which really cuts down on their drag, plus, I’m so much bigger and heavier than them). When I get to the top, I check my time (oh, 43 minutes, a personal best) and I raise my hands and belt out a loud, “DRAGO!!!”

Grouse Grind Path

The thing is, I can spot Grouse Grind newbs all the time and it both saddens and annoys me when they’re suffering because most their problems could be avoided if only they hiked it smartly. Here are some Grouse Grind tips:

This is my biggest pet peeve. I see it all the time. A guy or girl unable to climb up some rocks because of their skinny jeans and flip flops/high heels. They need to take the hand of the person they’re with for balance, and it slows every one else down. They look surprised, out of breath, and confused as to why this hike is so difficult. Look, there’s a reason why it’s not called the Grouse Fashion show or the Grouse Posers’ Party – it’s because it’s the f*ckin’ Grouse GRIND.

Those speed demons (a.k.a. freakishly fit senior citizens) have all got something in common: they wear shorts, a t-shirt, a hat, and a pair of hiking shoes, and they carry a Sigg bottle of water. That’s it! No back packs, no picnic baskets, and certainly no make-up purses. No wonder they’re so fast. That being said, I tend to bring a backpack because I like to train with the added weight. Yes, I know I’m being a hypocrite.

You will sweat. Lots. And there are no majestic streams of glacial mountain water where you can grab a cold drink. It’s called the Grouse Grind, not the Grouse Brewing company.

There are restroom facilities in the Grouse mountain parking lot. Use them. It’s hard enough holding in pee while watching a movie in a movie theatre let alone hiking up a mountain for an hour or so while holding in pee.

You’ll need to pay for the Gondola ride back down to the base of the mountain, unless you’re deciding on hiking down the mountain as well. Lucky for us, the ride down is a fraction of the cost for the ride up.

 It’s always more painful to stop and start. When you feel yourself getting tired, slow down, keep moving your feet no matter how slow it feels, turn up the tunes on your iPod, and remember, “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, standing up to the challenge of our rivals…”.

The easy part!

The Grind usually opens up in May when the weather in Vancouver improves and the trails aren’t as slippery any more. Grouse Grind competitions occur quite frequently, and being a competitive person myself, I do try to train with the intent of one day making it on the Daily Best list (but my time would have to be in the low 30’s to qualify).

Grouse Grind Hours of Operation:

The Grouse Grind is generally a spring to fall hike.  Opening late May to September.   During the summer months,  the trail is open from 6:15 am to 7:00 pm.

Good luck on your trip up the Grind. Who knows, we may pass each other on the trail – only to be passed by another senior citizen seconds later. Damn, those seniors really can excel at this hike.

Please share your best times in the comments below!

The post 6 Tips to Dominate Grouse Grind Vancouver appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Throughout my travels, I’ve always found my way back to Vancouver. I love this city. Whether you’re passing through to Whistler, or ambling down the Granville promenade, Vancouver certainly has something for everyone.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Rocky mountains on the east, Vancouver is positioned in the heartland of Canada’s natural and cultural diversity. Considering it’s Canada’s most ethnically diverse city, it’s natural to expect Vancouver to have a vibrant food scene.

And you would not be wrong.

Vancouver has a reputation for legendary Japanese food, the type worthy of a layover stop.

Traveling through downtown, especially the West-End, you’ll immediately notice the presence of numerous Japanese restaurants. These aren’t your typical sushi-and-everything-else type fare, these restaurants are distinct in their art, specializing in izakaya, yakiniku and even ramen.

Yes..ramen.

Don’t be mistaken though; these are not the instant, in-a-cup, hangover type ramen. But, in fact, these dishes are a true reflection of the artistic abilities of the chef; ramen has become a craft. Ramenya, or noodle shops as they are more colloquially known, have experienced a revival where you can now customize details from soup base to even the thickness of the noodles. In some cases, the toppings themselves warrant their own blog.

It’s not quite the famed Sapporo Ramen Alley in Hokkaido, Japan, but it’s certainly on it’s way:

Now for my top 10 best Vancouver ramen shops:

1. Marutama Ra-men
Address: 780 Bidwell Street, Vancouver
Website: japanesenoodle.com

Located on the north side of West-End, just off Robson St. Marutama is a hidden gem amongst a sea of noodle shops. Generally not as busy as it’s competitors, Marutama deserves special mention. Unlike other noodles shops, this Ramanya uses exclusively chicken broth for it’s soups, and has a soft-boiled Ajituske Tamago (egg) that is literally to die for. They also compliment their dishes with thin noodles so as not to overpower the flavor of their creations.

2. Hida Takayama Ramen
Address: 203-1610 Robson Street, Vancouver
Website: hidatakayamaramen.com

Although located along Robson st, in the West-End, Hida Takayama Ramen is often overlooked as it’s located inside a food court without a street side entrance. However, location seems less of an issue, and more of an advantage to those in the know. Sparse on their toppings, Hida’s claim to fame are their homemade noodles and broth that has been prepared for 3-4 days. Worth also noting, you can choose any noodle-size portion at no extra cost. Be sure to try their White Sesame Ramen.

3. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Address: 1690 Robson Street, Vancouver
Website: santouka.co.jp/en

A global Ramenya chain, I first came across them in San Diego and was salivating to see a location in Vancouver. Befitting West-end’s ramen alley, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has quickly established itself as a must-eat Vancouver staple. With their signature toroniku over a Shoyu, Miso, or Shio broth, any choice you go with will be the correct one.

4. Motomachi Shokudo Ramen
Address: 740 Denman St, Vancouver

For those on the prowl for some late night eats, you can’t go wrong with Motomachi Shokudo Ramen. Motomachi Shokudo Ramen has a very unique Bamboo-charcoal Miso Ramen that looks eerily reminiscent of Squid ink based dishes. Looks aside, this bowl of noodles is anything but classic, and still incredibly satisfying. A dish definitely worthy of the Ramen aficionado.

5. Kintaro
Address: 788 Denman Street, Vancouver

Right up the street from Motomachi Shokudo Ramen, Kintaro, at first glance appears to be a no nonsense, slurp-your-noodles establishment. But its longevity certainly speaks for itself. One of the oldest ramenyas in the city, this is a must for anyone serious about the art of the noodle. With a salty, rich and thick, cloudy broth complimented by fatty chasu, Kintaro is in high demand. Arrive early for dinner, or plan on a late lunch, as these tables fill up quickly. Oh, did I mention they also have a ramen with mozzarella cheese?

6. Ramen Jinya
Address: 270 Robson St., Vancouver
Website: jinya-ramenbar.com

Originally a Southern California chain, Ramen Jinya offers a fresh non-traditional perspective on ramen. Don’t be fooled by it’s heritage though, Ramen Jinya has some amazing selections. The pork broth Tonkotsu ramen is aromatic, full bodied and leaves an after-taste you’ll remember long after. This may be due to the charred garlic oil, but make no mistake their creations are delicious. Try their Tonkotsu Black Ramen.

7. Taishoken Ramen
Address: 515 Abbott Street, Vancouver

Located closer to Vancouver Chinatown and a brisk walk south from the other noodle shops, Taishoken Ramen is worth the detour. Tsuke-men, also known as “dipping ramen” is masterfully prepared by Taishoken Ramen, where a plate of cold noodles is paired with a soup to dip it in. This may seem off-putting at first, but once you grace your taste buds with the first strand of coated noodles, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been eating ramen like this sooner.

8. Gyoza Bar
Address: 622 West Pender Street, Vancouver,
Website: gyozabar.ca

Kaisen Tomato Ramen. Japanese ramen prepared with French style cooking. Nuff said!

9. Benkei Noodle Shop
Address: 545 West Broadway, Vancouver

Located far off from Vancouver’s Ramen Alley, Benkei Noodle Shop is more a neighborhood favorite, serving consistently satisfying classic ramen dishes. With the overall ramen inflation affecting the city, Benkei Noodle shop has managed to maintain it’s cheep-and-cheerful status. Try their generously portioned curry ramen.

10. Harvest Community Foods
Address: 243 Union St. Vancouver

Certainly not your traditional Japanese ramen shop, Harvest Community Foods sources their ingredients locally, creating a menu that changes depending on the season. They unabashedly marry western styles to the more traditional Japanese methods, artfully crafting ramen soup with ingredients like bacon. Like the name suggests, Harvest Community Foods is committed to sourcing from local farmers. Make no mistake, the flavor of their soup, is only rivaled by their largess to the community.

What do you think? What are your favorite Ramen shops?

The post 10 of the best Vancouver Ramen shops – Warning- You will be Hungry! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

What would you do in your hometown if you would be moving away forever in 2 days? My guess is, you would hit all your favourite gems and little hot spots in the city. You would eat at your favourite restaurant, sip coffee at your favourite coffee house, and sit on the steps of your favourite local landmark to watch people go by. Basically, you would go to all those small local things that couldn’t be found in any other city, and since you only had 2 days, you would have a fire under your ass to make sure you got to them all. There are just so many things to do in Vancouver.

Related post:  10 of the Best Vancouver Ramen Shops – Warning! You Will Be Hungry!

So what would I do in my last 2 days in Vancouver? Before I answer that question, here are some things that didn’t make it on my list:

• tourist traps like the Capilano Suspension bridge and Gastown;
• things that would have a long line up like Vij’s restaurant – great food and atmosphere, super busy, but no reservations?
• things that would be far to get to like Whistler-Blackcomb
• things that would take a long time to do and have a low rate of return like walking around in Stanley Park

Here’s a few of the things that would make it on my list:

The Coffee Shop: 49th Parallel Roasters/Lucky’s Donuts (Main Street)

This coffee shop serves some great coffee and also makes the best donuts in town (unofficially). Critics may balk at paying $3.50 for a donut, but let’s face it, everyone wants to know what makes a $4 donut taste better than the one you in a 6-pack from Safeway for $3.99. I’d get myself a nice cup of coffee and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut, find a seat by the fireplace, and sit and listen to the hipsters talk about their e-commerce business selling doggy yoga wear made of locally sourced Alpaca wool. Ahhhh, this is Vancouver.

The Tea Spot: East is East

I love myself some Chai tea. I used to brew Chai tea at home in an attempt to reverse engineer the best (again, unofficially) one in town: Darjeeling Chai Tea at East is East. Unfortunately, I could never get the right balance of spiciness and sweetness at home, and I still drive across town to grab a tea at least once a week. Yes, it’s that good. While you’re at East is East, I’d also recommend getting their Tibetan Mantu, a vegetarian dumpling dish that would convert any carnivore to vegetarianism.

The Bakery: Terra Breads

Locally, Terra Breads is a baking phenomenon. Without fail, every time my father-in-law flies into town, finding Terra Breads’ Fruit and Pecan Loaf is the first thing he inquires about (even before asking how my wife and I have been doing). Yes, Terra Breads products are sold in Whole Foods (at least in Vancouver), but go to one of their 4 locations (Olympic Village, Granville Island, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant) to get their full selection.

The Chinese Bakery: New Town Bakery (Chinatown)

The first thing you may notice about walking into this bakery is the large number of Chinese folk there. That’s normal. The other thing you’ll notice is the large number of non-Asians (white folk) and other Asian groups (ex. Philipinos) there too. That’s normal too and a sign that the message has gone international (or is it interracial?) that this bakery is the place to get your BBQ pork bun, apple turnovers, and coconut buns (all of which I recommend you getting). Take a number and wait patiently as you see fresh buns come out by the tray (steamed on bamboo trays still). The only thing that bugs me: Cash only.

The Scenic Walk: Yaletown to English Bay Seawall

I have a dog, and I do part of this walk everyday (when it’s not raining). Starting at the turn about at the base of Davie Street, you can walk along the seawall and catch a view of False Creek, Granville Island, David Lam Park, George Wainburn Park, and English Bay. It’s a great walk. You can also take the Aqua Bus or the False Creek Ferry at designated docking stations along the seawall and cross over to Science World, Olympic Village, or Granville Island (by the way, dogs hate getting into small ferries). Or, you can walk the entire way to English Bay and grab a bite to eat along Denman. It makes for a great way to see Vancouver.

The Casual Eatery: Bao Qi

Vietnamese beef noodle (a.k.a. pho) restaurants are as plentiful in Vancouver as MSG in Chinese food. Lucky for me, I found one of the best. What makes it the best is the broth: MSG-free, house brewed, clear, and tasty, I’m surprised people don’t pack the broth in a to-go container when they’re finished. What’s most surprising: it’s a downtown restaurant that serves exceptional food but without the exceptional prices. Note: there are no washroom facilities in Bao Qi, and you’ll need to head to Starbucks to use the one there (you’ll find pumpkin spice lattes seem to go well with pho)

The Dining Experience: L’Abbatoir

I know I said I’d avoid Gastown, but this is one restaurant I would make an exception for. L’Abbatoir is my go-to for any occasion: Valentine’s Day, Anniversaries, Birthdays. And, it’s not a tourist trap (no backpacks or fanny packs on customers in this hip establishment). It’s modern French food without the pretentious attitude or the over-the-top prices. It’s a romantic evening out with a bottle of wine and a warm, dimly lit atmosphere. It’s your get-out-of-jail-free card the next time you’re in the dog house.

There are some more things I would do, but that will have to wait for another blog post. What would you do in your last 2 days in Vancouver? In your hometown? I’d love to know.

The post Last 2 days in Vancouver appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.