Ambleside Park Vancouver
A scenic West Vancouver park with a sandy beach, playground, dog park, and stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for sunsets & picnics
Ambleside Park Vancouver
Best Time
Ideal for sunsets & picnics
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic West Vancouver park with a sandy beach, playground, dog park, and stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park.
"This park is a prime spot for sunset views, perfect for families and dog owners alike."
🚗 Parking Fees Ahead
Be prepared for pay parking, especially if you're not a West Vancouver resident. Consider transit or cycling.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
This is a prime spot for sunset views; arrive early to secure a good spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, with Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge as a stunning backdrop.
+1
Family Fun
Various areas
Enjoy a sandy beach, playground, and ample picnic spots perfect for a day out with kids.
Dog-Friendly Amenities
Designated dog park
A dedicated dog park ensures your furry friends can also enjoy the park's open spaces.
Lions Gate Bridge Views
Waterfront
Admire the iconic Lions Gate Bridge from various vantage points, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Sunsets & Picnics
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Ahead
Be prepared for pay parking, especially if you're not a West Vancouver resident. Consider transit or cycling.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
This is a prime spot for sunset views; arrive early to secure a good spot.
🚲 Cycle the Spirit Trail
The Spirit Trail offers a safe and scenic route for cycling to the park.
🐶 Doggy Day Out
Bring your canine companions to enjoy the dedicated dog park area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Ahead
Be prepared for pay parking, especially if you're not a West Vancouver resident. Consider transit or cycling.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
This is a prime spot for sunset views; arrive early to secure a good spot.
🚲 Cycle the Spirit Trail
The Spirit Trail offers a safe and scenic route for cycling to the park.
🐶 Doggy Day Out
Bring your canine companions to enjoy the dedicated dog park area.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic areas make it ideal for a family outing or a relaxed meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ambleside Park is a highly-rated waterfront destination in West Vancouver, praised for its beautiful sunset views, family-friendly amenities like a sandy beach and playground, and a dedicated dog park. Visitors enjoy the scenic walks and the iconic backdrop of the Lions Gate Bridge. Some recent feedback notes the introduction of pay parking as a drawback, though many acknowledge its necessity for managing crowds.
"Best summer time spot ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
There's so much to do in the park. A dog park is really close to the main Ambleside park. Also there is a boat shed on one side of the park.
It is full of joy during summer with kids and dogs playing around. The park is really close to the Lions gate bridge where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset. 🌇 Also you can get on a floating pier to enjoy being near water. Some people also do fishing here don't know if it's allowed.
Also, some people like to surf and get on a kayak to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. There's one little cafe only open during the summer. One can definitely spend a beautiful evening there with friends and family for a BBQ evening and picnic."
Riddhi Loladia
"Ambleside Park in West Vancouver is a popular waterfront park offering a variety of amenities. Good places for photographers. You can watch Moon in the middle of Lions Gate Bridge. It’s such a beautiful view."
Jannatul Mousumee
"The walk-through is very relaxing, the view of Stanley Park is nice, and it allows you to see some ships passing through Lions Gate Bridge, come enjoy!"
Carlos Rodríguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ambleside Park by car, bus, or bicycle. If driving, be aware of new pay parking regulations. Public transit is convenient, with buses stopping near the park. For cyclists, the Spirit Trail provides a safe and scenic route.
Yes, public transit is a great option. Several bus routes service the area around Ambleside Park, making it easily accessible from various parts of Vancouver and the North Shore.
The Spirit Trail is highly recommended for cyclists, offering a dedicated and safe path. Some routes along 1st or 2nd Street also provide good bike lanes.
Yes, Ambleside Park is accessible by car, but parking is now paid for non-West Vancouver residents. There are designated parking areas within and around the park.
Ambleside Park is located at 1150 Marine Drive in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ambleside Park itself is free to enter. However, parking within the park is now subject to hourly fees for non-West Vancouver residents.
Parking fees are in effect for non-West Vancouver residents, typically charged hourly. West Vancouver residents may be eligible for a free annual parking pass.
The pay parking program is in effect 24/7, from 7 AM to 10 PM, and can cover extended periods. It's advisable to check the specific signage for current regulations.
Local West Vancouver residents can typically obtain a free yearly parking pass for the park.
Ambleside Park is generally open to the public from dawn until dusk, though specific amenities like the water park may have seasonal hours. The parking pay system operates from 7 AM to 10 PM.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ambleside Park offers a sandy beach, playground, picnic areas, sports fields, a dog park, and beautiful walking trails with views of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.
Yes, it's a very family-friendly park with a sandy beach, playground, and open spaces for children to play.
Washrooms are available. While an outdoor shower was noted as under renovation, it's best to check current facilities upon arrival.
Absolutely! Ambleside Park has designated picnic areas and is a popular spot for BBQs and picnics.
Yes, Ambleside Park features a dedicated dog park, making it a great spot for dog owners.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
Capture stunning photos of the sunset over the water, the iconic Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park views, and the general waterfront scenery. +1
The waterfront areas and the beach offer excellent vantage points for photographing the Lions Gate Bridge, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, the park provides diverse landscape photography opportunities, from sandy beaches and ocean views to the bridge and distant park vistas.
The park's location allows for views of ships passing under the Lions Gate Bridge, offering unique photographic subjects.
The entire waterfront is ideal for golden hour photography, with the sun casting a warm glow on the water and the bridge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during peak summer season. While parking is now paid, the convenience of having everything in one place—beach, playground, and picnic spots—makes it a worthwhile outing.
🐶 Dog Owners
Dogs are also welcome in other areas of the park on a leash, allowing them to enjoy the scenic walks along the waterfront with you. Remember to bring waste bags and be mindful of other park users. The pay parking system might be a consideration, but the availability of a dog-specific area makes it a convenient option for dog owners.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with capturing ships passing under the bridge or the vibrant colors of a sunset. The park offers a mix of natural beauty and man-made structures, providing diverse subjects for your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ambleside Park: Parking & Transit
For those looking to avoid parking fees or seeking a more sustainable way to visit, public transit and cycling are excellent alternatives. The park is well-served by bus routes, making it accessible from across Vancouver and the North Shore.
Understanding these access changes is key to planning your visit. Whether you choose to drive and pay for parking, opt for public transit, or cycle in, Ambleside Park remains a beautiful and accessible destination for all.
The Ambleside Experience: From Sunsets to Playgrounds
Beyond the beach, Ambleside Park caters to families with a well-equipped playground and ample picnic areas, ideal for a day out with children.
The park also features sports fields and walking trails, offering opportunities for recreation and leisurely strolls along the waterfront. During the summer months, a seasonal cafe adds to the convenience, and some visitors have noted opportunities for activities like kayaking and even surfing. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot to watch the sunset, a fun-filled day for the family, or a place to exercise your dog, Ambleside Park offers a multifaceted experience. Its combination of natural beauty and recreational facilities ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit