Willy M.
Yelp
We checked online for details on the how, who, when, where and the why.....why?.... because we wanted to get out of the downtown area atmosphere for the day and do something more scenic.
You can buy your tickets, transportation shuttle all online. That's exactly what I did. If you don't feel like driving from downtown(that's exactly how I felt), they offer shuttle service. There are about 3 pickup spots in downtown (between 9am -930am depending on which location you at), Canada Place, Hyatt, and the library. Taking attendance getting onto the shuttle was a bit of a process, not sure why they went alphabetical instead of checking who is in line first. It takes about just under an hour to get from downtown. Our driver was determined to get us there, he didn't slow poke it in the right lane while driving and passed the slow driving fools in the right and left lanes. I appreciated that. Great views on the way up too!
When we got to the drop off area, they will give you instructions on when the shuttle leaves to head back to downtown, give you specifics on when you should be heading down from the mountain to make sure you aren't late etc. If you bought your tickets online, you can get off the shuttle and go straight into the line to get onto the gondola. If you need tickets, you will need to get in a separate line with the rest of the general admission peeps getting tickets.
The line to get onto the gondola was organized, the staff will arrange you into groups for each gondola, while going up, it's best to sit with your back to the mountain so you can see the view looking down. It's about a 12 min ride up on the gondola, the views are wonderful!
While you are up there, there's a lot to walk around and explore, don't forget to pick up a map. You get off at the lodge, so if you want to check out some souvenirs, use the restroom, grab some lunch and all that stuff, this is where you do it.
At first we hit up the suspension bridge, took our photo ops, get your selfies etc. Traffic goes both ways on the bridge, it was fun, it wasn't scary and didn't seem very high but still cool. We then hit up a few trails and scenic spots to take in all the sights, the more popular trails aren't strenuous nor steep etc, it's very family friendly. There's a handful of other trails that are a bit tougher or if you want more of a challenge. Hiking boots aren't really necessary on the popular trails, most people wore sneakers, but there was still snow on some trails so it depends on which month you come by and which trail you take.
We shared a little lunch/snack at the lodge, it was fine, a bit pricey, mostly burgers, dogs, poutine, coffee, pastries etc. Plenty of seating inside and outside and staff was friendly so all was good.
Shuttle left around 3pm to head back and we got into downtown around 4pm or so. One guy never showed up and we waited for him for a while....guess he spent the night on the mountain with the cougars, both kinds.
Overall, it was a good experience and worth it, nice to get out of the city and enjoy some nice scenery and get some fresh air to have a nice day trip.