Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver: Everything You Need To Know for the Best Experience (by Two Locals)

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Are you looking for the best guide of Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver? You’ve found it! Eric and I absolutely love Ambleside Beach and we’re very excited to bring a detailed guide with everything that this stunning area has to offer.

As you may know, Eric grew up and lived in Vancouver so he was super excited to show me Ambleside the first time I came to visit, years ago. I fell in love with the beach right away. The West Coast vibes are so prominent, it’s a dream place for me! We both have been to Ambleside endless times and have lots of (positive) things to say about it to guide future travelers.

From having dinner in the sky to spending quality time on this West Coast typical beach, there are lots of things to do at Ambleside Beach. This beach is actually one of the best beaches in West Van for many reasons. One thing is sure, we highly recommend adding it to your Vancouver itinerary regardless of whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, friends or alone.

Is Ambleside Beach good for couples?

Eric and I have spent extensive time at Ambleside Beach and in the Ambleside Beach area and absolutely love it. It’s one of our favourite date ideas when we’re in Vancouver. West Vancouver beaches are quite romantic so you can’t really go wrong but Ambleside has got that special something! Here’s why we think Ambleside Beach is great for couples.

Romantic walk at Ambleside BC beach

Between the West coast vibes, the sandy beach and the beautiful views, Ambleside definitely is a romantic beach. The view is absolutely incredible, especially at sunset or at sunrise. It’s perfect for a romantic walk for example.

Breath of fresh air at Ambleside Beach West Vancouver

Ambleside Beach provides an open view on the West coast of Vancouver, the city of Vancouver and the ocean. It provides wide spaces that are perfect when you wish to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your partner while spending some time in nature. We love to sit and watch the vastness of the ocean together as it makes us feel closer!

Endless date ideas at Ambleside Beach

The beach also offers endless possibilities of date ideas for all couples whether you’re more active or just want to chill. There are sports activities available, but also restaurants, walks and of course the beach itself. 

Ambleside Beach address

Ambleside Beach address is Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1A4, Canada. Ambleside Beach extends from 1150 Marine Drive in West Vancouver to the mouth of the Capilano River by Lions Gate Bridge.

Directions to Ambleside West Vancouver

Ambleside is located in West Vancouver between the mouth of the Capilano River and Lawson Creek. For a bigger picture, Ambleside Beach is located on the North Shore, north of Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver. Here are the directions to reach Ambleside and Ambleside Beach.

If you’re coming from the North Shore

If you’re already on the North Shore, it’s quite easy to get to Ambleside Beach. Whether you’re already in West Van or coming from North Vancouver, you’ll have to join Marine Drive and then turn off 13th Street to reach the Ambleside Park and Beach area.

From the North Shore, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to drive to Ambleside Beach.

If you’re coming from Downtown Vancouver

Coming from Downtown Vancouver is just as easy but can reveal to be a bit more time consuming. From Downtown, you’ll need to drive across Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge to reach the North Shore. Note that Lions Gate Bridge closes about once a year for maintenance. If it’s closed when you’re visiting, you’ll have to go around to the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge and drive across North Vancouver. Note also that traffic in Vancouver has revealed to be increasingly busy in the past few years. There is now traffic jams starting at 2pm! The toughest part is usually getting across the bridge as that’s the only way people can take to reach the North Shore.

From Downtown Vancouver, it takes about 15 minutes to drive to Ambleside Beach without traffic.

Ambleside bus station

It is possible to reach Ambleside Beach by bus. From Downtown, you can take Bus 250 to Horseshoe Bay at the West Georgia Street and Seymour Street bus stop near Granville Station. The 257 Bus (Horseshoe Bay Express) also takes you to Ambleside from the same station. The journey from Downtown takes about 30 minutes by bus without traffic.

On the North Shore, you can take the 255 Bus from the Lonsdale Avenue and 13th Street bus stop to Marine Drive. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Ambleside train

There are no trains to Ambleside.

Ambleside Beach parking

There are a couple of Ambleside parking options you can use to come to Ambleside Beach.

The first one is parking at Park Royal. Park Royal is a shopping area with many stores, malls and restaurants. There is a large parking lot at Park Royal. Note that it’s quite busy on the weekend and can be difficult to find a spot then. It’s quite easy to reach Ambleside Beach from Park Royal. In the back of the parking lot, you’ll find a lot of trees with a small path called the Capilano Pacific Trail. You can take that path that leads you straight to Ambleside Beach in just a few minutes. The trail is well maintained so you can wear everyday shoes. Parking at Park Royal is free.

Your second option is parking at Ambleside Beach. There is a parking lot by the Spirit Trail and there are numerous parking spots all along the beach as well. Parking is free but can get busy especially in the summer and on weekends.

Your third option is parking on Marine Drive. There is an underground parking lot behind Earls called Grosvenor Amblesides’ Parkade that allows retail parking for two hours at no charge. This is another Ambleside free parking option.

Ambleside Beach

Though we talk about Ambleside Beach, we should really talk about Ambleside Beaches as there are a couple of beaches in Ambleside. 

The dog beach in Ambleside

The first Ambleside Beach you’ll find when coming from Park Royal is an Ambleside dog friendly. There, dogs are allowed to be off-leash and it is known among locals as the dog beach. This is a sandy beach which is rather short and just off the Capilano Pacific Trail. From there, you’ve got prime views on the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver. Lions Gate Bridge is in the foreground, showing how majestic it really is. It’s particularly nice at night as the bridge lights up then.

The main beach in Ambleside 

If you continue on the trail, you’ll reach the other Ambleside Beach which is the “human” beach. This is the main Ambleside Beach which is much longer! The beach is a sandy beach with wooden logs and pebbles in certain areas closer to the pier. On the East side of the beach, you’ll find views over Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver while on the West side of the beach, you’ll find views on the West Coast of Vancouver. 

Ambleside Beach is absolutely a popular area of Vancouver especially in the summer. During July and August, locals and visitors head to Ambleside Beach for a swim and to take in the sun. You’ll see many people laying on the beach or on the soccer field behind in the shade of the trees.

The Ambleside Pier

The main Ambleside Beach is split in two by a small rocky pier. On the pier, you’ll find the Squamish Nation Welcome Figure which resembles a totem. 

The Ambleside tides

Ambleside Beach is subject to a tide. This means that the beach can sometimes be a bit narrower and sometimes larger. It also means that when the water retrieves, it creates tidal pools which are often exciting for kids (and dogs lol).

Romantic things to do at Ambleside Beach

As we set out above, Ambleside Beach is a great spot in West Vancouver to organise a romantic date or activity with your partner. Here are some ideas that we’ve had or that we’ve done together at Ambleside Beach.

Picnic on Ambleside Beach

Whether you’re visiting Ambleside Beach in the winter or in the summer, if it’s a sunny day then it’s a great day for a picnic. Ambleside Beach is surrounded by stunning scenery. From the city to the coast, the beach provides some of the best views in Vancouver which set the perfect ambiance for a romantic picnic.

You can get some picnic food in Park Royal or on Marine Drive. You can also get some takeaway from Meinhardt Fine Foods. In the summer, you can grab some food and treats from the concession directly. 

Now you’ve got two choices as far as the picnic location goes. You can either picnic directly on the beach or on the soccer field. The beach is a great option year-round for a picnic. In the winter, you can sit on the wooden logs or on the benches if the sand is too cold. In the summer, you can sit on the beach and even take a post-picnic nap! In the peak of summer, it might be a bit too hot to eat on the beach so another alternative is to have your romantic picnic on the soccer field. The grass and the shade from the trees will keep you cool.

Picnic on the grass and walk by the pond

An alternative to the picnic on the beach idea is having a picnic by the Ambleside pond. The area is super cute with the pond and a couple of Willow trees. It’s a nice spot, especially in the summer when temperatures rise and you’re looking for some shade. There are a couple benches there as well which are great to talk or to read a book together.

Grab ice cream and walk the Ambleside Beach Pier

Another romantic thing to do at Ambleside Beach is grabbing ice cream and walking to the pier. From the pier you can see the whole beach along with the surrounding elements and the ocean. It’s a cool view and cool setting. Plus, who doesn’t like eating ice cream on their date?

Ambleside Beach sunset getaway

One of the most romantic thing to do at Ambleside Beach is coming for sunset. You can even integrate this idea to one of the others and bring ice cream or a full picnic. Sunsets in Ambleside are incredible. The sun sets over the water and really brings this calming West coast atmosphere that Eric and I love so much.

Things to do in Ambleside and Ambleside Beach

Ambleside Park West Vancouver encompasses the beach and a range of other diversified activities for everybody. In this section, Eric and I go over the different Ambleside things to do and events in the area.

Chill on the beach at Ambleside Vancouver

One of the main activity year round is obviously to chill on the beach whether that’d be to tan or to take a lovely walk. Both have their pros and cons but we especially love laying down, reading a book and taking in the summer sun! Though the beach gets busy in the summer time, it’s quite large so you’re not squished like sardines.

Go for a swim

Knowing this is the Pacific Ocean might prevent you from trying to go in. However, some are courageous enough to dip their toes and more! 

The beach is sometimes monitored by lifeguards. There are two lifeguard chairs on the beach but the beach is quite large so they can’t monitor the whole area. If you have kids or have difficulty swimming, make sure to take your precautions and check whether the lifeguards are on duty.

The water at Ambleside is subject to water tides so it can be a bit shallow or quickly deep depending on the time you go at. The water temperature in the summer is too cold for us but it’s not glacier cold hence why many people take their chances!

The extremities of the beach are mainly made of pebbles. If that’s where you want to set up camp, we recommend brining water shoes. Otherwise, the rest of the beach is comfortably made of sand. 

Ambleside Farmers Market, one of the top Ambleside activities

Behind the playground, you’ll find one of the best activities at Ambleside Beach: the Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is usually on every Sunday from May to October from 9am to 2pm. In 2023, the Farmers Market season will start on May 7. There are about 40 vendors and most are local. From organic products for your kitchen and food to try on site to crafts and decor, there is quite a bit of variety at this farmers market. 

We recommend going to the Ambleside Farmers Market at least once and heading there in the morning to get the best experience. 

Ambleside shopping

One of the things that people do most when coming to Ambleside is shopping. Ambleside is home to a large indoor and outdoor shopping centre called Park Royal. There are dozens of stores and restaurants in Park Royal. It’s a cool place to shop as a couple but also as a family or with friends. From Lululemon to Lush, Sephora, there is everything you need to shop for both men and women. There is also a large range of restaurant and cafes such as White Spot and Starbucks. 

What we particularly love about Park Royal is the atmosphere. Though the mall is a typical shopping centre, the outdoor area is pretty different with cute west coast decorated shops and a lighthouse in the middle. It’s got little streets too making you feel like you’re in a small town! 

Golfing at Ambleside Beach

If you like going to the beach but remaining active while doing so, you’ll be happy to know that there is a golf course right by the beach. When coming from Park royal, you’ll find this golf course on your right just near the dog beach.

The golf course is a 18-hole pitch and putt course. It officially opens on the 1st of April every year but sometimes open a couple weekends before that. While playing, you get views on Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and of course, Ambleside Beach. It takes about two hours to go around.

You can rent all the material on site which is super practical and is also a great date idea in Vancouver! The Ambleside Par 3 Golf Course fees are CAD$14 per adult. You can find more information here.

Peter Sullivan Skatepark

Right next to the concession, you’ll find the Peter Sullivan Skatepark. The skatepark isn’t very big but has got lots of different ramps and cool signs. It’s a great skatepark for all levels and people there are quite nice. It’s obviously even nicer considering the surrounding scenery! If you like skating, come at sunset or sunrise to catch the best light while you ride.

Ambleside playground

Ambleside is also home to one of the best West Vancouver playgrounds for kids. The playground is located right next to the concession along the beach. It is a large playground with a lot of different structures for kids to climb on and play on. There are slides, spinning structures, swings and more.

Ambleside Beach fishing

Fishing in Vancouver is a popular activity and it’s no different at Ambleside Beach. Though you can catch sole and tomcod pretty much all year round in the area, you’ll need to wait between early summer and fall to fish salmon. The quantity of salmon in the area depends on the levels of the Capilano River. If the levels are high, salmon will quickly swim up the river making it hard to catch them. If the levels are low, they have to hang out by the beach making it easier to catch them. 

There are rules on who can catch salmon so we highly recommend you ensure you’re well equipped and authorised to fish in the area. If you’re not, you can check out those who are and learn from them. It’s always an interesting experience!

You can also fish on the Ambleside Pier to catch crabs. You’ll need to have a saltwater licence though. 

Ambleside Beach events during the year

There are a few events all year-round at Ambleside Beach. One of the main ones is Cultural Fest (formerly Bridge Festival) which takes place at Ambleside Park and Beach. This festival is a mix of live music, cultural pavilions, dancers, lounges, food trucks and kids activities. It happens every year over one weekend in June. In 2023, you’ll find it on June 2nd and 3rd. This is a free festival so anyone can show up. You can find more information here.

Another event is the Ambleside Music Festival. Many stumble across it not knowing it even exists though it’s been happening for a few years now. It is located right behind the concession on the grounds of Ambleside Park and Beach. Bands who have or will perform at the AMF include Walk Off The Earth, The Offspring, Ed Sheeran, Sheryl Crow and Kenny Chesney. The festival lasts for 3 days during the summer and welcomes between 13,000 and 20,000 people. It’s a huge deal! You can find more information about the AMF here. 

Other festivals and events include the Persian New Year Fire Festival in March, the Harmony Arts Festival in August and the Coho Festival in September. 

Where to eat at Ambleside Beach

There aren’t many Ambleside restaurants West Vancouver has to offer, the beach being primarily the home of the Ambleside Beach restaurant called The Boat Shed. However, there are several Ambleside restaurants in the area that may suit your boat:

Park Royal

Park Royal is home to several restaurants including dinners like White Spot. it also is home to many cafes including the Starbucks Ambleside location.

Marine Drive

For some Ambleside food, we also recommend checking out Marine Drive. There you can find organic grocery stores along with restaurants like Ancora and Earls.

Dinner in the sky

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique than an Ambleside Beach cafe, we’ve got you covered. At Ambleside, you can now find a new location of Dinner in the Sky! The concept of this restaurant is simply to have… dinner in the sky! The table sits about 22 people who are suspended in the air by a crane. You can then have drinks and dinner with an incredible view of Ambleside Beach! You can find more information here and on their social media.

Ambleside places to stay

There are many places to stay at near Ambleside and in Vancouver. Here are some that we recommend:

• This gorgeous property: It’s almost impossible to be any closer to Ambleside Beach. With an outdoor hot tub, and free private parking, this is the perfect place to stay right next to the beach!
• This hotel with an outdoor heated pool: If you prefer staying at a hotel, this one is close to the beach but also to Lions Gate Bridge and Downtown Vancouver.

For more romantic stays in Vancouver, we recommend the following places:

• Close to the beach, this modern hotel features an indoor pool and a spa for maximum relaxation together! See if your dates are available here. 
• From the pool and the hot tub to the steam rooms and central location, you cannot go wrong here! See if your dates are still available here. 
• This oceanfront hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Vancouver where you can enjoy a romantic getaway for a night or two. From the surrounding environment to the beautiful terrace and incredible view, your partner will love spending some time here! Surprise your partner and book your romantic stay here.

Things to look out for at Ambleside Beach

Ambleside Beach has a couple unique things about it. First, when visiting the beach, keep your eyes open for seals and sea lions. Eric and I have seen them in the water a couple fo times. They’re super cute!

Second, you’ll want to keep an eye for the large tankers and cruise ships going in and out of Vancouver. They are huge and I kind of cool to see that up close!

Ambleside Beach amenities

Ambleside Beach has got excellent amenities. Between the playground and the skatepark, you’ll find a large concession that provides anything from treats to actual meals. The concession is called The Boat Shed and offers a range of burgers, salads, small plates to share and kids meals. If you want to have breakfast in Ambleside, note that the concession serves breakfast until 11:45am. Prices range from CAD$6 to CAD$18.50. All food is available for takeout and is cooked on site. In the summer, they also sell popsicles and ice cream which is super cool especially on hot days!

To have your snack, you can either sit inside or outside. There are many benches at Ambleside Park and Beach whether that’d be in the parks, along the boardwalk or at the beach. Ou favourite place to sit is on the wooden logs so we can have the best view of the scenery.

Right by the concession, you’ll find large bathrooms and changing rooms. That’s great if you plan to take a dip and want to change at the beach rather than at home.

Things to do near Ambleside Beach

There are many things to do near Ambleside Beach as West Vancouver and the North Shore is a goldmine of beauty! In this section, we share some of our favourite things to do in the area.

Go on Lynn Valley adventures

Lynn Valley is where we spend a lot of our time when we go back to Vancouver as it’s our home base. Lynn Valley is located in North Vancouver about 20 to 30 minutes from Ambleside Beach. It’s a stunning area with lots of hikes and walks to take. One thing we absolutely recommend doing is visiting the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. We’ve been many times and love it both in the summer and winter. At the bridge, you can observe the waterfalls before heading into a magical forest section and reaching the river. It’s an easy walk with beautiful views.

Tour the Vancouver Fjords

If you’re up for an adventure, you can hop on a speedboat and go explore the fjords, caves and learn about the wildlife (including seals) near Ambleside. You can book this tour that takes you all around for about 3 hours for an incredible and peaceful experience.

Visit the secret Horseshoe Bay Lookout

Another thing to do that is close by Ambleside Beach is visiting the Horseshoe Bay Lookout. The platform is located above Horseshoe Bay and offers stunning views of the islands and the bay. It’s a platform that can be difficult to find so we have a full guide on how to find it here. 

Explore the West Vancouver Trestle Bridge

West Vancouver has, in the past few years, built a gorgeous trestle bridge (a type of wooden bridge where the support structure is made according to the trestle style). The Cypress Trestle Bridge is one of our favourite spots in West Van because it provides amazing views on the city and isn’t too popular yet. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, a cool view and an easy but beautiful walk, it’s one place to visit for sure.

Enjoy Stanley Park

Obviously, when you’re in Ambleside, you’re not very far from Stanley Park. There’s lots to do in Stanley Park from riding a bike to taking a walk and checking out the Siwash Rock and the beaches. We particularly recommend taking a bicycle tour of the park as there’s lots to say about it and it’s often one experience that visitors and locals enjoy.

You can save your spot on the bicycle tour here before the tickets are sold out.

If you’re looking for a more unique tour, we recommend this Dark Tour of Stanley Park for a fun touch!

Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway

When in Ambleside, you’re close to the Sea-to-Sky Highway. We definitely recommend taking a trip on this stunning drive, even if you don’t plan on going all the way. It’s our favourite scenic drive in Vancouver and we especially love stopping in Porteau Cove for some incredible and majestic views of the islands’ mountains. You can read all about the itinerary we recommend here.

You can use this cheap tour guide on your phone to learn more about the different spots on this scenic drive.

Explore Capilano 

Finally, one of the things you can do is visiting Capilano and especially the Capilano Suspension Bridge. If you like walking between the trees on small and large suspension bridges, you’ll love the experience. 

Because it’s a very popular activity, we highly recommend booking in advance to ensure your spot is reserved. You can book your tickets here.

Check out Jericho Beach and other beaches in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to many beautiful beaches and we highly recommend visiting them. One of our other favourites is Dundarave Beach. Dundarave is located West of Ambleside and you can actually walk for one to the other on the boardwalk. We highly recommend doing that walk, especially in the summer as it’s beautiful!

Ambleside Beach Q&As

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