AMBLESIDE

Ambleside is a smaller neighbourhood along the shore of northwest Vancouver and can be found sitting comfortably between the Park Royal area and the community of Dundarave. The neighbourhood is highly residential featuring generously spaced homes, gorgeous views of the Burrard Inlet and Stanely Park, and walking paths placed carefully along the waterside seawall. The waterfront location of Ambleside is a huge plus as the parks, and sandy beaches which lay against the bay are excellent places to spend an afternoon with the family. Besides, Ambleside has avoided significant commercialization in terms of the neighbourhood’s living spaces, but when it comes to shopping, groceries, eating, drinking, or anything else, the selection is abundant at the Park Royal Village shopping center just to the east. Ambleside has other gems to offer in the form of golf courses, green spaces, and walking trails, and all of those become integral parts of why Ambleside is such a pleasant place to live.

Location

As mentioned above, Ambleside is right on the water, which is no doubt one of the highlights of living in this neighbourhood. To the south is the Ambleside pier as well as the Hollyburn sailing club. If you are a boat owner, Ambleside is an ideal place to live with primary access to the pier, well-kept docking areas for ships of all sizes, and organizations in which you’re sure to meet others with sailing interests. If you aren’t particularly interested in boats, it’s still a beautiful view watching them sail in and out of the port from any of the waterfront parks found on Ambleside’s south shore. Both Millennium Park and John Lawson Park overlook the bay, and they are gorgeous green spaces in which to relax, picnic, or spend a sunny afternoon with friends and family. Lawson even has a variety of intermediate walking trails which line the shore and crest to the far north all the way to Dundarave beach. Ambleside is also in a great location because of its close proximity to Park Royal. As previously described, the Park Royal shopping center is expansive and provides a vast selection in the way of dining, drinking, and shopping. Just adjacent to the center is the Ambleside Par 3 Golf Course, a well groomed and highly rated course which is ready for you to practice your stroke any day of the week. In connection to the golf course, you’ll find  Ambleside beach, another gorgeous waterfront location perfect for relaxation which also features a leash-free dog park. Finally, on the north side of the beach is the Ambleside Artisan Farmer’s Market, a bustling outdoor bazaar at which to purchase locally sourced produce, organic fare, and a full selection of gourmet food items.

Last but not least, Marine Drive, which runs directly through the neighbourhood, leads into Highway 99 towards downtown Vancouver. This means easy access to the city center in 20 minutes or less, whether for business or pleasure. Ambleside has an ideal location for so many reasons; its hard to find any downside.

Out and About

While Ambleside isn’t extensive in terms of its eating, dining, and shopping options, the destinations which do exist in the area are absolutely choice and with the Park Royal Village to supplement you’ll never feel like you’re without an ample selection. Marine Drive near the south of the area is peppered with great eateries and cafes. Kin Sushi is one of the best places in the northwest shore to pick up a quick roll and Amici is a classic Italian spot to check out with locally sourced ingredients. For sweet treats and a great cup of coffee check out the Savory Island Pie Company or the highly lauded Anchor Eatery. If golf, sailing, or outdoorsy activities aren’t your style, there’s still plenty to do in Ambleside. Near the pier, you’ll find the West Vancouver Ferry building Gallery which hosts several rotating exhibits, and in the summer the Harmony Arts Festival is organized just to the west in Millennium Park. Ambleside has a ton to offer for the busybodies and is simultaneously a perfect serene area for the homebodies.

Living Beautifully

Ambleside is simply a beautiful place to live, both by virtue of the people and the topography. It is a self-proclaimed family-friendly neighbourhood with high levels of education, a substantial contingent of retirees and blossoming ethnic diversity.  The community is built on traditional middle-class values, and its character will manifest as you see people enjoy the weather in parks on sunny days, sharing conversation over coffee, and rallying together for community events and festivals in the summer. Such a personality breeds a sense of satisfaction for those who live in Ambleside. As you drive, or walk, along the tree-strewn meandering streets, observing spacious high rises and homes with gorgeous yet unique contemporary architecture, finally turning your head to look out towards the sun setting over the bay, its easy to let go of any stress and be happy that you live in such a beautiful place.