Ambleside Park in West Vancouver

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“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ambleside Park is a 24-hectare park in the District of West Vancouver. It was officially designated as a park in 1918, and is the most popular recreational area in the district. The park has several recreational facilities, including baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, a fitness circuit, skateboard park, sports fields, and volleyball nets on the beach in the summer. Public park amenities include a concession stand, barbeques, picnic tables, a picnic shelter, playground, outdoor shower, and washrooms. The off-leash dog area is approximately 3.52 hectares in size and consists of beach access for dogs, grassy areas, and trails.

There is plenty to see and do at Ambleside Park. You can go for a coffee, take a stroll or swim, go fishing and crabbing, play golf, take your dog for a walk, and watch your kids as they play in the sand. Ambleside Beach is the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and admire the views of Stanley Park and Vancouver!

Ambleside Beach

Ambleside Beach is the perfect spot to watch boats, freighters, and seaplanes as they come and go from the Port of Vancouver. The park also provides a good vantage point to watch cruise ships in the summer as they pass under the Lions Gate Bridge. The ships are so close you feel as though you could reach out and touch them. The best time to view cruise ships is around 5:00 PM on Sundays. The beach has a lifeguard on duty from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily from June 25 to September 3, weather permitting.

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Ambleside Farmer’s Market

The Ambleside Farmers’ Market is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sundays from May to October. The market has a good selection of organic and conventional farmed fruit and produce, as well as many prepared food vendors that sell baked goods, breads, fish, jams, honey, vinegars, pastas, pickles, and salsas. Several local artisans sell their handmade artwork, jewelry, pottery, and skin care as well.

Ambleside Pitch and Putt Golf Course

The 18-hole “Ambleside Pitch and Putt Golf Course” is located at 1201 Marine Drive in West Vancouver. It is a par 3 course that is open daily from 9:00 AM to dusk from April 1 to September 29. Small group tournaments can be booked, for more information call 604-922-3818.

Ambleside Pond

The Green Heron returns to Ambleside Park in early April from wintering grounds in the south. The Green Heron flies north each year to mate, nest and raise its young. The bird is a rare sight in Metro Vancouver, and is only found at Ambleside Pond. Ducks, swans and turtles can also be seen in the pond.

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Ambleside Seawall

Of the many trails in the park, the most popular is the 1.2 kilometre (0.75 mile) shoreline trail that begins at the foot of 13th Street and ends at the Railway Bridge on Capilano River. Additional trails are located around the pond, through the grassy lawns in the dog area and around the sports fields.

Ambleside Youth Centre

The Ambleside Youth Centre is a fully supervised centre for youths aged 13 to 18 where they can spend time with their peers in a positive environment. Activities at the centre include air hockey, ping pong, pool and movies. The centre has a “One to One” program for youth that provides confidential support for addiction, anger management and mental health. The District of West Vancouver’s Summer Work Experience Program is operated out of the Ambleside Youth Centre. The six week program is designed to give youth the opportunity to learn life and workplace skills. Particular attention is place on improving self esteem.