North Vancouver's glorious mountainside greenery isn't restricted to large-scale parks like Mount Seymour Provincial Park, Capilano River Regional Park, and Lynn Canyon Park. For those who prefer charmingly landscaped gardens and smaller municipal parks for relaxing or pursuing sports, Vancouver's North Shore has plenty of options.
Ambleside Park
For visitors coming from downtown Vancouver, Ambleside Park is located just west (left) of the Lions Gate Bridge across Burrard Inlet. This waterfront area with a sandy beach, adjacent to the Park Royal Shopping Centre, is one of West Vancouver's most popular places to chill out. The large Iranian community on the North Shore is often found picnicking and celebrating traditional festivals here. Follow the 1.2km/0.8mi shoreline path, bring the dog out for an off-leash romp, or just gaze across the water at passing cruise ships and the Stanley Park seawall. Green herons nest in the Ambleside Park pond. There are basketball and tennis courts, a par-3 golf course, a skateboard park, and other diversions.
Park & Tilford Gardens
Park & Tilford Gardens (440-333 Brooksbank Ave) celebrated its 40th anniversary as a botanical garden in 2009. Adjacent to the Park & Tilford Shopping Centre, it consists of eight tranquil, themed gardens, including the Oriental Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Rock Pool. Fountains and water pools abound. More than 25 varieties of roses grace the Rose Garden. Each Christmas, Park & Tilford hosts an eye-catching Festival of Lights display.
Chiba Garden
Situated in Waterfront Park (in the 200-block of West Esplanade), this ornamental Japanese garden has offered a visible token of the friendship between North Vancouver and Chiba (its Japanese sister city) since 1986. Stroll among the streams and stone carvings daily until sunset.
City Skate Park
In 2004, North Vancouver opened the City Skate Park, boasting 1,486 sq m/16,000 sq ft of ramps, walls, and curbs for young skateboarders aspiring to become the next Tony Hawk. One of the coolest features of this heavily used street-style park is the "Wave," a skateable work of public art whose name reveals its shape. Helmets are mandatory for safety reasons. The City Skate Park sits at the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Lonsdale Avenue.
Mahon Spray Park
Kids can get wet and wild at Mahon Spray Park, cooling off between May and October. Twenty-plus pieces of spray equipment provide plenty of splashy variety, and much of the park is specially designed for children aged six and under. Find Mahon Spray Park at the intersection of Jones Avenue and West 18th Street. To learn more about North Vancouver's other gardens and city parks, contact the Visitor Centre (#102-124 West 1st St).