crema cafe bar & simon’s (ambleside)

If you’re looking to get out of the city for some shopping, great coffee, and a stroll with ocean views, this West Van route through Ambleside Park really hits the spot.

Start your morning at the roomy Crema Café Bar, an Ambleside staple right off the beach. My partner and I took our Southwest Turkey foccaccia sandwich, carrot cake and iced coffees on the move, but inside tables, bar tops and the patio were filled with people enjoying house-made pastries, frittatas and lattes. Check out the brunch menu here. Bonus: they serve pizza Wednesday-Sunday 5pm – close and soft serve in the Summer.

Once you’re caffeinated, head across the street to Ambleside beach. With your coffees and stroller in hand, follow Par 3 Rd and the Spirit Trail, stop at Ambleside Park Playground if your little one needs to burn some energy and take in the ocean views. The seawall leads into the trees at Capilano Pacific Tri and your ~25m walk ends at Park Royal S when you reach La Maison Simons.

Simon’s is a personal favourite from the East Coast, with a large trendy selection of clothing, shoes and accessories for you and your partner. We were shopping for suits for Summer weddings and I needed a one-piece for baby swimming lessons. They also carry a small selection of accessories and home goods for kids, and we came out with an Explore-the-city playmat. Here’s the mom-friendly bonus: Simon’s has a private nursing and changing room equipped with comfy seating for a quick feed or diaper change.

Other baby-friendly shops at Park Royal to add to your outing: Carter’s OshKosh, Old Navy and GAP Kids. We hit Whole Foods for a snack for our walk back through Ambleside to the car. Our little guy slept the whole way home!

Parking: There’s plenty of free parking near Cafe Crema on Argyle Ave (3hrs free) and Bellevue Ave (2hrs free) or free parking at Park Royal if you want to skip the walk and drive there.

📍Crema Cafe Bar 1495 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7T 2X1