WRITTEN BY OUR VERY OWN HAYLEY MURPHY /
If you’re looking for something different, because you’ve exhausted English Bay Beach or Sunset Beach, this is the spot for you! Ambleside Park is relatively close to Downtown Vancouver, has lovely sandy beaches, and even has a designated swimming area in the summer months. It also doesn’t get the crowds that can been seen at the aforementioned beaches. What more could you want?
Ambleside Park is located in West Vancouver on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, most notably the the Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations. The Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation in particular is a key partner in the District of West Vancouver.
Today I’ll tell you just how to get to Ambleside Park from Downtown Vancouver. You won’t be disappointed!
Getting There:
Getting to Ambleside Park is relatively quick and easy. Depending on where you board the 250A, 250 or 253 bus in Downtown Vancouver, you’re looking at a journey of less than 45 minutes. You can exit all three buses at Westbound Marine Dr @ 13 St or Westbound Marine Dr @ 14 St, as both stops have access to the park. The stop at 14 St will bring you closer to the pier and some restaurants.
Once you exit the bus, you just cross the street via the pedestrian crossing and make the quick walk towards the water. When you’re returning to Downtown Vancouver, you’ll walk back up and hop on the 250A, 250 or 253 bus in the opposite direction, boarding at Eastbound Marine Dr @ 14 St. You can also get the 257 express bus to Horseshoe Bay which stops at Westbound Marine Dr @ 14 St or return via the 257 express to Vancouver which also stops at Eastbound Marine Dr @ 14 St. This route does not stop at Westbound Marine Dr @ 13 St.
Ambleside Park:
The park itself has a plethora of things for you to do. As previously mentioned, it has sandy beaches that you can lounge on, a designated swim area in the summer months, or you can enjoy the view of the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park by walking the seawall.
There is a playground if you have kids, skate park, tennis courts, and basketball courts to enjoy. There’s even an 18 hole pitch-and-putt called Ambleside Par 3 open from March to October if you’re looking for something different to do. They offer rentals too. And if you get peckish, The Boat Shed is the perfect spot for people watching, enjoying live music (depending on when you visit) and devouring good food!
Not in the mood for a sit-down meal? They even offer a takeout window! I highly recommend the handmade real fruit popsicles you can get. I’m not sure if they’re only available seasonally, but they’re delicious. You’ll also find an Earl’s and a variety of other restaurants if you head back towards the bus stops, if The Boat Shed’s menu isn’t to your taste.
One of my favourite activities at Ambleside is to sit on the beach, and watch the sunset in the summer months. If you’ve read any previous posts of mine, you’ll know I’m a lover of sunsets and sunrises.
Some Tips from Me:
- You can walk to Park Royal Shopping Mall from the park, it takes about 15 minutes along Marine Drive. There is a cinema, loads of shops and restaurants if the weather turns nasty during your visit.
- There are public washrooms in the park, so you won’t have to go in search of them in a local restaurant. They’re located near The Boat Shed.
- If you’re using your Compass card, make sure you have enough fare to complete the journey. Or else you’ll need exact change for the bus.
Thank you so much for reading. All photographs (unless stated otherwise), and opinions are my own. Please do let me know if I have fact-checked anything incorrectly, I’m always open to feedback and corrections.
