RISE to the Top
Join us Saturday, June 6, 2026, for an inspiring hike up the Grouse Grind to support LDS’ transformative work creating bright futures for neurodivergent children and youth.
RISE to the Top 2025 Event Highlights
Our inaugural RISE to the Top 2025 event was a huge success, bringing over 350 participants, families, and allies, and raising over $96,600 in support of neurodivergent learners. From the energy on the Grind to the connections made, it was an incredible day of impact and inclusion.
We’re building on that momentum for 2026, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Together, let’s move and make a difference on this day of wellness, community building, empowerment, and inclusion.
Why Support LDS?
Like you, we believe all children, youth and adults deserve access to expert, specialized learning support, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to generous supporters like you, LDS continues to provide research-informed, individualized education for learners ages 3 to adult with learning differences.
When you join us for this event, your participation helps fund the LDS Bright Futures Bursary Fund, which provides crucial, life-changing learning and social-emotional support for neurodivergent learners, helping them build lifelong independence, confidence, and success.
Learn more about ways to have your company and team sponsor our event as a bright futures builder.
Become a SponsorAn Unforgettable Day
Get ready for an adventure that blends fun, fitness, and giving back. Conquer the Grouse Grind, whether by foot or gondola, and celebrate with us at a fun and delicious mountaintop reception and our Neurodivergent Wellness Fair. You’ll have the chance to win exciting prizes, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and be inspired by LDS and other business and community partners helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.
Your Ticket Includes:
- Guided warm up
- Staggered start to the Grouse Grind to allow space for those who’d like to compete as well as those who’d like to complete the hike at a more relaxed pace
- A gondola pass down the mountain (a dual pass up/down the mountain is also available upon request to make this inclusive and fun for everyone!)
- Fantastic event technical shirt
- Access to our Neurodivergent Wellness Fair at the top of Grouse
- Reception at the Grouse Chalet with delicious food and drinks to celebrate
- Awards and recognition for speed, spirit, individual and team achievements and more
Event Schedule
Rain or shine, we look forward to hosting you and your friends, family, and coworkers on this impactful day together!
- 8:00 am: Registration opens
- 8:45 am: Welcome & guided warm-up
- 9:00 am: Hike begins with staggered starts
- 9:30 am: Neurodivergent Wellness Fair opens (summit), coffee, tea, finger foods available
- 10:45 am: Lunch buffet opens
- 11:30 am – 12:30 am: Welcome from the Squamish Nation, stories of impact from LDS learners and families, and award presentation
- 1:30 pm: Event: wrap-up
Event FAQ
There are a few things to consider if it’s your first time hiking the Grouse Grind. Please read over this informative FAQ before you RISE.
If you are unsure about your fitness level or don’t have the appropriate equipment, we invite you to take the gondola up to our Mountaintop Reception and Neurodivergent Wellness Fair.
All parking lots at the base of Grouse Mountain are paid parking. It is recommended that you use the Pay-By-Phone app on your smartphone for convenience. Payment is also accepted at parking machines (coin, VISA, MasterCard, and AmEx).
Rates:
- 3-Hour Parking: $8
- Full Day Parking: $10
Yes. Details and directions are available here.
No. Pets are not permitted on the Grouse Grind or at the top of Grouse Mountain. This is for the well-being of the environment, other hikers and the wildlife on the trail. There are no exceptions.
Yes, washrooms are available at the Main Plaza (base) and the mountaintop chalet. Please note that there are no washrooms along the Grouse Grind trail itself.
We encourage participants to wear the event shirts provided during registration. Washrooms are available at the base to change as needed.
Ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for hiking.
There is no formal dress code for the mountaintop reception and Neurodivergent Wellness Fair, keeping in mind the family-friendly nature of the event. Feel free to stay in your hiking attire!
Pack lightly – bring only what you can comfortably carry, as there is no bag or coat check service available. We recommend bringing sunscreen and bug spray. Please bring a reusable water bottle as well.
Drones, pets, bicycles, sleds, hockey sticks, and skateboards are not permitted.
Please bring your own water bottle. There is a water-filling station at the base and ample water and refreshments at the mountaintop reception and Neurodivergent Wellness Fair.
No, Grouse Mountain is entirely smoke-free and vape-free.
For additional questions not covered here, please email Katherine at RISEtotheTop@ldsociety.ca. Please note that as this event takes place on a Sunday, responses on the day before the event may be limited.
RISE to the Top Sponsors
RISE to the Top is powered by community and made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.
Sponsorship helps us keep the event accessible, support neurodivergent learners, and ensure every participant feels included and celebrated. From event logistics to meaningful programming, sponsor contributions have a lasting impact.
Interested in sponsoring RISE to the Top 2026? We’d love to hear from you.
RISE to the Top Prizing Supporters
We’re looking for prize donors who want to support inclusion and community spirit. If your business or organization is interested in contributing items for participants or winners, we’d love to connect.
Interested in donating prizing for RISE to the Top 2026? Get in touch with us at RISEtothetop@ldsociety.ca.
Neurodivergent Wellness Fair Exhibitors
Are you a neuroaffirming business or organization? We’re inviting exhibitors for our 2026 Neurodivergent Wellness Fair.
Showcase your services, connect with community, and be recognized as part of a growing network of inclusive supports.
Interested in exhibiting? Get in touch with us at RISEtothetop@ldsociety.ca.