Free 90-minute parking is now available at this popular beachside park in Metro Vancouver

A popular summer destination in Metro Vancouver has reinstated free parking for visitors. However, you’ll want to keep an eye on the clock while you’re there.

The Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association (ADBIAWV) and the District of West Vancouver announced on social media this week that 90 minutes of free parking is now available at Ambleside Park.

The move comes less than a year after the District began enforcing pay parking in all areas of the park, except in areas where the Squamish Nation is the rightsholder.

“We’re hopeful this change will help ease parking pressure in Ambleside’s commercial area, where many park visitors have been parking since paid parking was introduced at the park,” said ADBIAWV on social media.

“This is a positive step forward, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported our local businesses by sharing their feedback with Mayor and Council.”

The District of West Vancouver describes Ambleside as its “gateway park”, loved by both residents and visitors.

Only one free 90-minute session is available per licence plate, per day.

To register for a free parking period, visitors to Ambleside must begin a PayByPhone session and then enter their licence plate using the smartphone app, website, or phone option.

Park visitors staying longer than 90 minutes can pay for additional time with the hangTag and PayByPhone apps or at a physical pay station.

Earlier this year, some West Vancouver residents raised concerns after a city councillor said “hordes” of people go to Ambleside Park that she can tell “are not from West Vancouver.”

Pay parking is also currently in effect for several West Vancouver parks, including the following:

• Lighthouse
• Whyte Lake/Nelson Canyon
• Whytecliff
• Cypress Falls
• Seaview Walk
• Ambleside (first 90 minutes free)

Some visitors are exempt from the fees, including those who have vehicles with a Veterans or Memorial Cross licence plate, and vehicles which display a valid accessible parking placard do not have to pay.