Introduction
Sitting by the sea in West Vancouver, this beautiful neighbourhood is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the south, Queens Avenue to the north, and 22nd Street to the east. The western boundary twists and turns, including Braeside Street, 11th Street and Highway 99. This is a place of comfortable middle-class living, with tourist attractions and a nice commercial area to boot.
Lifestyle
Laid back and luxurious, Ambleside is a great place to reside. With its seaside location, spacious parks and cluster of eateries and shops, it’s also a top destination spot for shoppers, tourists and visitors looking to have an enjoyable afternoon. Up the slope from Marine Drive are highrises and spacious homes, and the neighbourhood is right off Lions Gate Bridge. For convenience, beauty and recreation, this place is ideal.
The Vibe
Whether you’re looking to raise a family, live out a peaceful retirement or just have a fun day, this neighbourhood will meet your needs. On a nice day you’ll find tourists by the sea, taking in the sights; shoppers stocking up on high-end produce; and people of all stripes on Marine Drive, chatting and relaxing over pie and coffee.
Meet the Neighbours
Ambleside is a solidly middle-class neighbourhood, with a fair bit of ethnic diversity and a strong contingent of retirees. It’s a very family-friendly place, with parks for athletics and family recreation. As with most of West Vancouver, the average income and education level is pretty high. The area is far from exclusive though, as you’ll see from the large numbers of visitors on any given day.
In the Area
There are plenty of amenities on offer, including the city’s municipal hall, the headquarters of the West Vancouver police department, and parks galore, including Millennium Park and Ambleside Park. There are three schools: Ridgeview Elementary, Hollyburn Elementary, and West Vancouver Secondary. Clinching its status as the perfect family neighbourhood, Ambleside also boasts a great library, West Vancouver Memorial, and the Pauline Johnson Preschool.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Marine Drive is a great place for a casual stroll, as are the parks down below it by the sea. Uphill from there it gets a little steep, and you’ll find that most residents get around by car. Bus transportation is good, with four main routes taking you elsewhere on the North Shore or into neighbouring Vancouver. The area is great for bicycling.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Friendly, beautiful and close to nature, this is a sweet spot for visitors and tourists as well as residents. With its seaside parks, gorgeous vistas, sports fields and homey commercial outlets, it’s got most of what you could ask for in a neighbourhood. The downside, predictably, is the expense: for buyers, renters and shoppers, Ambleside comes with a big price tag.
Dollars & Sense
Whether you're looking at rent, groceries or food and beverages, this place is a little on the steep side. In 2015, two-bedroom apartments could be found going for up to $4200/month on the Unique Accommodations website. Restaurant fare is moderate to high end, and artisanal meat and produce go for high prices.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Savary Island Pie Company
A true delight for the tastebuds. Features slices and whole pies, ranging from chicken to strawberry rhubarb. For take-home dessert or a quick slice and a cup of coffee, they’ve got you covered.
more infoFarm to Table
Ethical, artisanal grocery shopping, providing top-drawer dairy, meat and produce. This is a perfect outlet for the high-end, conscientious shopper. Everything on offer is of the finest quality. Well worth your money.
more infoThe Avant Gardener
Owner Darlene Sanders is a warm presence at this boutique gardening shop, and her selection of accessories, seeds, books and more shows a strong personal signature. Check out her selection of grocery carts by Rolser.
more infoFerry Building Gallery
One of the key cultural institutions on the North Shore, this gallery is dedicated to showcasing local art of the highest calibre. It is located right by Burrard Inlet in a beautiful heritage building.
more infoHollyburn Sailling Club
Inclusive and welcoming, this club offers cheap membership fees for access to everything from boat storage to sailing lessons and so much more. It’s a great place to make friends!
more infoCarmelo’s
Great casual dining, with a mix of classic Italian and West Coast cuisine. Their lunch menu offers a selection of delicious antipasti, and the wood-fired oven pizza is delicious. Staff is warm and friendly.
more info