Health & Fitness

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro without Leaving Vancouver

Challenge yourself and some friends by hiking the Grouse Grind seven times to support the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

By Curb Ivanic /

Credit: Colin Mutchler

Challenge yourself to climb the Grouse Grind while helping the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Need some motivation to get up the Grouse Grind? Register for the Mount Kilimanjaro Grouse Grind and raise money for a good cause while you climb

Towering at 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Since it’s not as technical a climb as most other high peaks, it’s a popular trekking spot with over 40,000 hikers climbing one of the six official trek routes each year.

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Grouse Grind – The Local Equivalent

While still a challenge, Vancouver’s Grouse Grind gains a more modest 853 metres. In fact, you would need to climb the Grouse Grind seven times to equal one ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. Now that really would be a grind!

But you can take part in just such a challenge.

On September 29, The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is holding its annual MKGG fundraiser, during which you and your teammates can each climb the Grouse Grind with all proceeds going to the Society.

This date coincides with the trek by the Ascent for Alzheimer’s Team, which will be climbing the real Mount Kilimanjaro.

Grouse Grind Event Details

The goal is for your team to climb the equivalent of Mount Kilimanjaro. So if you have a team of seven, you each have to climb the Grind once. If you only have a team of five, two of the members have to climb it twice!

If you’d like to participate but don’t have a team, not to worry. You can still register solo and the Alzheimer Society will set you up on a team.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, product discounts at local merchants, a post-event party and their photo taken at the top. Each person is asked to raise at least $500.

This sounds like a great event and will give you a goal to train for this summer. Use my tips for hiking the Grouse Grind to help you with your training and on the event day.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, apply to join the Ascent for Alzheimer’s team and climb Mount Kilimanjaro yourself. The good news is you’ll only have to do it once.