John Lawson Park | West Vancouver — Attraction in West Vancouver

This has to be one of my favorite parks to go to with the kids. It is quintessentially Vancouver (or West Vancouver), tying together the spectacular natural environs with thoughtfully made play areas for children. It has playgrounds - one for older children and one for the younger ones. It also has a splash pad with lots of fun water features nestled between the two play areas. The younger children's playground is on sand which is also a lot of fun for the kids. Typically, this play area slowly accumulates a number of communal shovels, pails and other sand toys over the course of a summer season. So don't fret if you've forgotten to bring little Johnny's favorite sand utensil!

The beach offers additional enjoyment for all. Although a little rocky and the water quite brisk, it's still very nice to head down to the ocean to examine sea and beach critters hiding under rocks, and to watch passing cruise ships and float planes.

There are a number of picnic tables scattered in the surrounding green spaces - make sure you get there early to stake your claim to a table and a convenient spot. Try to find a spot with views of the play areas if you're supervising little ones.

After you've had a great picnic meal, there's nothing like a pleasant constitutional to help digest. The sea wall path leads to Ambleside Beach (east) and Dundarave pier (west). A pleasant stroll along the water with more fantastic views and friendly folk. There is a bike path as well.

Parking can be challenging, but there is a lot and street parking. Despite the 2 hour time limit, every time that I've been there I haven't had to worry about parking enforcement* (*this is NOT a guarantee that you will not be ticketed if you exceed the allowable time! ...

John Lawson Park has been a family favourite of ours for six decades. My mom used to take me and my brothers here to play in the 1960s. We would play on the playground, run through the water fountains, and explore the beach and pier for marine keepsakes. We would often then walk or ride our bikes down to Ambleside Beach to swim in the pool. I imagine many West Van kids learned to swim there.

Interestingly, a few decades later, John Lawson’s niece became one of my long-term clients. We supported her and her husband to stay in the family home on 15th Street until they passed. She often shared stories of her childhood, growing up in the old West Vancouver, and riding her uncles ferry to Vancouver as there were no schools in West Vancouver at that time, mostly just summer cottages. Her uncle raised his family in the original Navvy Jack house at 1768 Argyle.

Last week I enjoyed a picnic with about two dozen business networking friends at the recently renovated, but still gorgeous, John Lawson park. It was heartwarming to see my friends’ children playing and making memories at the same amazing park.

We are so very fortunate to live on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with the mountains as...

A Personal Retreat at John Lawson Park ​John Lawson Park in West Vancouver holds a special place in my heart. It's my go-to destination for a peaceful retreat, and I find myself coming back to this wonderful place on a regular basis. The moment you step into the park, you feel a sense of calm. The air is always so fresh and clean, offering a welcome break from the city's hustle and bustle. ​What I love most is the incredibly relaxing atmosphere. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you can take in the stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. On any given day, you'll see families enjoying the playground, friends having a picnic, and people simply sitting on a bench, soaking in the beautiful surroundings. ​The convenience of the park is another huge plus. Parking is always easy and hassle-free, which makes it so simple to visit whenever the mood strikes. This small detail truly adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience. For me, this park is more than just a public space; it's a sanctuary. I highly recommend John Lawson Park to anyone looking for a beautiful and tranquil spot to relax...