Musicians, dancers, magicians, and other street performers are now welcome in parts of West Vancouver for the first time under a new pilot program launching this summer.
According to a news post by West Vancouver on April 8, busking is permitted in select areas of Ambleside, Dundarave, and Horseshoe Bay daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with no permit or business licence required to perform. Approved locations include Ambleside Park, the business areas of Ambleside and Dundarave, Dundarave Park, and Horseshoe Bay.
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The program comes with a set of ground rules. Performers must be at least 16 years old, groups are limited to three people, and no one may perform in the same spot for more than an hour before moving on. Amplification is not allowed, and performers must stay within 70 decibels under the District’s noise bylaw. Props and equipment involving sharp or flaming objects are also off-limits.
Performers are asked to keep sidewalks and storefronts clear and to respect requests from business owners to move along. Selling merchandise is prohibited without a separate business licence.
A pair of location exceptions applies. Busking is not allowed on Bellevue Avenue between 13th and 18th Streets, and performers will be required to clear Argyle Avenue between 13th and 17th Streets during the Harmony Arts Festival from July 27 to August 13, 2026.
According to West Vancouver, the pilot is designed to give residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy live street performances. The pilot will be reviewed by the Council in the fall.
