Photo: Grouse Mountain
Not only is this unique attraction fully functional, but it offers an expansive view that will leave you positively spellbound.
Located on Grouse Mountain, The Eye of the Wind offers panoramic views of Vancouver. The sky-scraping tower measures an impressive 65 meters tall, and it measures 102 meters from the bottom of the tower to tip of a fully vertical blade.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
What else makes this mountaintop spot so special?
The viewPod is actually the highest vantage point in the Lower Mainland that is accessible to the public. So, if you are looking for a jaw-dropping view from way up high, this is the place to be.
And while the viewPod's perspective of the city is beautiful, the view of the wind-turbine’s blades is also incredible. For one, the wind-turbine's carbon-fiber blades are massive - each one spans a whopping 37 meters long. Further, you can see these mammoth blades whirling right past the glass as the viewPod hangs directly below their hub.
And just how fast are those blades moving?
The blade speed may reach up to an impressive 300km/hour at the tip. As a result, The Eye of the Wind is also capable of producing enough electricity to power 260 homes.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Although the tower is high, the elevator takes seven people up to the viewPod in less than one minute. The viewPod is 57 meters high from the base, and has room for 36 people at a time.
Built to withstand powerful weather, the tower is anchored 15 meters deep into solid granite.
Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Julia Grant, Communications Manager, Grouse Mountain, who explained why this soaring structure is truly one of a kind.
"Launched in 2010, the Eye of the Wind is the world’s first and only wind turbine that allows you to stand in a clear glass viewPOD at the top of the tower, three meters from its massive, rotating blades," she said. "Stand in awe of 360-degree views as you come face to face with the future of responsible energy."
Parts for the structure were sourced from Canada, Italy, France, Finland, Denmark, USA, Austria, South Korea and Mexico.
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Photo: Grouse Mountain
Photo: Grouse Mountain
The Eye of the Wind Visits - summer season (late May-Mid October)
$15.00 - Adult/Senior (17+) Drop-in viewPOD visit (does not include mountaintop access)
Free - Children (16 & under, does not include mountaintop access)*
