Exploring Ambleside Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park has incredible views, a great beach, access to hiking and biking trails, and lots more.
How to Get to Ambleside Park
By Car: From downtown Vancouver, take the Lions Gate Bridge to West Vancouver. On the other side of the bridge, follow the off-ramp onto Marine Drive West. Turn left from Marine Drive onto 13th Street and follow it into the park.
By Bus: From downtown Vancouver, take bus 250 or 257 to the stop on Marine Drive at 14th Street, then walk two blocks into the park.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit the park website to plan your trip.
- Dogs must be on leash in most of the park. They are not allowed in most beach areas.
- Smoking, vaping, cannabis, and drones are not allowed.
- There are washrooms throughout the park.
- Be safe in the park. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.
- Read our tips for safe summer hiking in Vancouver.
Stroll Along the Ocean
Ambleside Park’s oceanside walkway divides the beach from the rest of the park. The path extends for over a kilometre and has great views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and Point Grey.
Oceanside views. Photo: orenarypaladin/Pixabay
Ride the Skateboard Park
Revamped in 2016, the skateboard area at Ambleside Park is named for Peter Sullivan, a North Shore local and skateboard industry pioneer. The park has a mini-ramp and a street area and is popular with riders of all abilities.
Photo: Jonathan Lo/Supra
Hit the Beach
Chill out on the sand or take a dip in the ocean. Ambleside Park has a big sandy beach. In the summer, there is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty.
Enjoying the beach at sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout
Play a Round of Pitch and Putt Golf
Enjoy great views from the 18-hole, par-3 pitch and putt golf course. Even though the course is small, there are some challenging shots thanks to tee boxes set between trees.
Photo: Jhana Ellard/Unsplash
Let Your Dog Run Off-Leash
There is a designated off-leash area on the east side of the park where your dog can run off-leash. It even includes a beach if your pup wants to swim. Dogs must be on-leash in other areas of the park and there are areas where dogs are not allowed. Watch for signs around the park.
Bike the Spirit Trail
Eventually, the Spirit Trail will stretch from one end of the North Shore to the other. You can ride some of the completed sections starting from Ambleside Park. Heading west, the trail follows the shoreline to Dundarave Village. Or go east into North Vancouver to the Lonsdale Quay.
Biking along the Spirit Trail. Photo: Destination BC/@vancitywild
Shop at the Farmers’ Market
Browse for local produce, baking, prepared food, and crafts at the Ambleside Farmers’ Market. Find it at the 13th Street entrance to the park every Sunday between May and October.
Photo: Shelley Pauls/Unsplash
Go for a Hike
Hike from the ocean up into the rainforest on the Capilano Pacific Trail. The hike starts at the east end of Ambleside Park and runs upstream to Cleveland Dam in Capilano River Regional Park. Part of the trail is closed due to a washout, but you can follow signs to take a detour on nearby residential streets.
View along the Capilano Pacific Trail. Photo: Rohit D’Silva/Unsplash
