Summer in Vancouver isn’t complete without one of the city’s marquee events returning to the shores of English Bay.
The annual Honda Celebration of Light fireworks will once again light up the skies over Vancouver beginning this weekend. The 2024 participating countries are Portugal (Saturday, July 20), Malaysia (Wednesday, July 24), and the United Kingdom (Saturday, July 27).
Massive crowds will fill up the streets of downtown Vancouver and nearby neighbourhoods each night and to help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places you can watch the Celebration of Light fireworks.
Best places to watch the Celebration of Light fireworks
English Bay
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If you think you can take on the huge crowds, English Bay is always a great option you can’t go wrong with. We recommend you arrive early and bring something comfy to sit on.
Sunset Beach
If you want a spot that’s less crowded, but still offers a great view, Sunset Beach is a great option. Arrive early to ensure you get a good spot ahead of the show!
Vanier Park
Located at the edge of English Bay near Kitsilano Beach, Vanier Park offers another great viewing spot that draws in less crowds than English Bay. If you’re bringing along kids, this is a great spot to take in the show.
Kitsilano Beach
Located even further away from the busy crowds, the popular Kitsilano Beach is arguably the city’s best beach and it offers a clear view of the fireworks.
Burrard Bridge
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The view from Burrard Bridge is truly one-of-a-kind. This spot can be pretty busy and it’s recommended you find a spot along the middle of the bridge for the best viewing experience.
Second Beach
Located in Stanley Park, Second Beach still offers a great view of the fireworks without having to leave the downtown core.
Locarno Beach
Located on the Stanley Park Seawall, Locarno Beach is on the west side of Jericho Park. While a little further away from English Bay, you still get a good view of the fireworks.
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach offers a decent view of the fireworks. The beach has both beach and grass areas for groups to sit on.
On a boat
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If you can get a group together to rent a boat, you’ll get to see the fireworks from a completely different point of view away from the busy crowds. This option lets you capture some amazing footage that’s not possible from other spots.
Concord Pacific Grandstand
The Concord Pacific Grandstand offers reserved bleacher seating with elevated and direct views of the fireworks from English Bay. This makes it the most popular of the festival’s ticketed venues for visitors, families or groups. Tickets can be purchased here.
Scotiabank Lounge
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This 19+ seating venue located on the bathhouse roof in English Bay offers amazing food and beverage selections from Stanley Park Brew Pub. Guests will also enjoy live music and private access to a bar. Tickets can be purchased here.
Inukshuk Point
Located at the Inukshuk peninsula overlooking English Bay, this is the closest viewing position to the fireworks display. Local food & beverage offerings that are curated based on the competing countries are offered in this viewing area. Tickets can be purchased here.
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