If you’re a paragliding fan, you’re probably a fan of outdoor activities in general. Therefore it makes complete sense that you would end up in Vancouver at some point. While you’re in the area, you must try paragliding in Vancouver at Grouse Mountain. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried paragliding before and are keen to organise a tandem flight, or if you’re an experienced paragliding pilot who wants to a new challenge and some majestic new scenery.
We’ll discuss what’s on offer for those wishing to paraglide in Vancouver.
Why Paraglide in Vancouver?
Canada is full of natural wonders and at Vancouver, you’re lucky enough to have many excellent outdoor locations surrounding the city. Grouse Mountain is only 12 kilometres from the city; convenient for local paragliding enthusiasts and tourists who wish to try something new.
However convenience isn’t the only reason, or even the main reason, you should paraglide Grouse Mountain when in Vancouver. Despite their close location to Vancouver city, you’ll feel like you’re out in the wilderness. Grouse Mountain is steep, tall, has dense forest and will amaze you with its beauty. In winter it’s covered in snow and a popular place to snowboard or ski. Most paragliding here is done from June to September.
Tandem Paragliding at Grouse Mountain
Tandem Paragliding in Vancouver should be at the top of every tourists list! Tandem flights operate almost every day during the end of june to mid-september. These operators perform a very safe and professional service. Passengers often comment on how safe they feel as everything which is done by the pilot is in full view of the passenger. While pilots follow a route, they can alter the flight to suit your wishes.
If you want something smooth and calm or one with a few more thrills, they can make this happen for you. Another area of value is the quality of the experience – you’re not being taken on a watered-down flight – tandem flights take off and land at the same spot as where experienced, individual pilots fly. On your flight you’ll fly over Grouse Mountain and see some great views of Vancouver Island, Mount Baker, Lions and more.
You don’t have to be an extreme sports fanatic or even an adult to tandem skydive at Grouse Mountain. The main requirements are that you’re over 5 years of age and weigh less than 100kg.
Experienced Paragliding at Grouse Mountain
Experienced pilots can paraglide from the peak at 4000ft, those who are looking to get really high up can soar up to 6500ft. The views are amazing, with sights such as Lions Gate Bridge, Crown Mountain and some great birdlife such as bald eagles.
Launching is conducted at Grouse Mountain Resort, who have delegated a clear area near the chairlift as a paragliding launch site. Grouse Mountain Flying Team has developed a great relationship with the resort and have been put in charge of governing all non-commercial paragliding from their property. This not only ensures sufficient skill level and preparation from pilots, it provides access to excellent facilities which are dedicated for launching and landing.
For a small fee, pilots can launch at Grouse Mountain Resort and land at the base of Grouse Mountain at Cleveland Park. Launching and landing a paraglider at Grouse Mountain does require a bit of skill to avoid obstacles and is more suited to intermediate and advanced pilots rather than rookies.
Legal Requirements to Paraglide at Grouse Mountain
A good place to start is to register as a guest pilot and if you decide you want to paraglide here regularly, you can work towards becoming a full time member after twelve months. To become a guest pilot you must:
- Possess a P3 rating (intermediate level pilot)
- Possess up-to-date HPAC Insurance
- Be endorsed by two Grouse Mountain Flying Team members who can confirm you paraglide responsibly and possess adequate launching and landing skills
- Pay a 420 guest fee to cover your landing zone costs
- Possess suitable paragliding equipment – such as a paraglider suitable for the conditions (not a speed paraglider) a reserve parachute and a helmet
