Vancouver's skyline will be lit with an electrifying pyrotechnic display from a Quebec-based team this weekend.
A pyrotechnic troupe called Royal Pyrotechnie, from east of Montreal, will dazzle crowds of thousands on Wednesday, July 23. The group has been sending up fireworks since the 1960s and regularly takes part in international competitions; they were last part of the Celebration of Light in 2017.
This is the second of three fireworks shows in the 2025 Honda Celebration of Lights festival. One more event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26: Fireworks FX is coming from Nova Scotia to represent Atlantic Canada. All participating teams are Canadian, marking a first in the offshore fireworks festival's history
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast doesn't indicate rain, but attendees should prepare for all conditions. Organizers recommend packing sunscreen, lots of water, and a rain poncho to keep you dry just in case.
Honda Celebration of Lights festival schedule
- 2 p.m. Honda Activation open - located at Denman and Davie streets
- 2 p.m. Food trucks open - Available along Beach Avenue
- 6:30 p.m. Snowbirds - The Royal Canadian Air Force's 43 Air Demonstration Squadron
- 10 p.m. Electric drone show presented by BC Honda dealers
- 10:15 p.m. Fireworks show
Tickets for the Celebration of Light
While the fireworks can be enjoyed for free in several places around Vancouver, a ticketed area in Vancouver's West End is located at and near English Bay Beach.
Tickets for Inukshuk Point, which includes dinner, dessert, and one (alcoholic) drink, are $243 after taxes. Those looking for seats in the grandstand are looking at $68 per ticket. Private cabanas can be booked, too.
Getting to the event
Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, roll, or take transit, since it is environmentally friendly and provides easy access.
If you're heading to the event or passing through these areas, Mobi (bike share) and Lime (scooter share) are adding extra docking capacity at busy stations. On event nights, their teams will be on-site to help riders get to and from the celebration smoothly.
Getting to the event: Drivers
People driving to the event should arrive early to find parking; be prepared to walk a distance from your parking spot. Carpool if possible.
Road closures are in effect from 5 to 7 p.m. in the West End, including Davie, Denman and Beach Avenue. Access roads to Kits Point are closed from 6 p.m. Roads will reopen once crowds have dispersed around 11 p.m.
Residents may park in this area at specific access points, but must display a valid resident parking permit or proof of their address.
Motorists may not stop on any city bridge to view the fireworks.
Getting to the event: Public transportation
TransLink will increase service in downtown Vancouver during the event, but travellers should plan for extra commute time due to crowding. Extra Transit Police, Transit Security, and SkyTrain Attendants will be at stations to assist and direct customers.
The closest SkyTrain stations to the Festival are Burrard (Expo Line) and Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada Line). Numerous buses travel along Georgia to Denman streets, and the #6 will bring you from Granville to Denman streets.
Several buses, including the #9 and #99, serve Kitsilano.
The following changes to bus service will be in effect:
- Special pre-event shuttles will run from Burrard Station to the intersection of Denman Street and West Georgia Street from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Special post-event shuttles will run from the intersection of Bidwell Street and West Georgia Street.
- Customers will be dropped off at the intersection of Burrard Street and West Georgia Street (near Burrard Station), and then at Waterfront Station.
- Special post-event shuttles to West and North Vancouver will run from the intersection of West Georgia Street and Denman Street.
- Due to street closures, routes #5, #6 (5 p.m. to midnight), and #23 (8 a.m. to midnight) will be rerouted.
The SkyTrain will operate every two to three minutes before and after fireworks each night.
- Access to the entrances at Burrard, Granville, and Waterfront stations will be modified due to potential crowding.
- Bikes will not be permitted on the SkyTrain after 10:30 p.m. until crowds clear.
The SeaBus sailings every 15 minutes will be extended from 9 p.m. until the last sailing from Waterfront Station at 9:30 p.m. There will be sailings every 10 minutes from 1 p.m. until then.
Customers can check Transit Alerts for station access information and full reroute details. They can also plan their journey with Trip Planner, follow TransLink on X @TransLink, or call Customer Information at 604-953-3333.
Tips for pets
Fireworks and crowds can startle animals. Consider leaving them at home so they don't get frightened.
- Any dogs in attendance must be on leash and wearing proper identification. The city states that 97 per cent of licensed dogs wearing tags are returned to their owners.
- To report a lost dog, call Animal Services by dialling 311.
Traffic impacts from road closures, crowds
Festival-goers should expect road closures and traffic disruptions in the West End, Stanley Park, and Kitsilano.
Wednesday, July 16 to Friday, July 18
- Full Road Closure
- Burnaby Street from Beach Avenue to Bidwell Street
Saturday, July 19
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Traffic controls in effect
- Periodic traffic controls for load-in on Beach Avenue
- Beach Avenue closed to traffic, bike lane will be detoured
- 6 p.m. to midnight – Full road closures
- Beach Avenue/Pacific Street from Stanley Park to Thurlow Street
- Davie Street from Denman Street to Burrard Street
- Denman Street from Alberni Street to Beach Avenue
Local traffic access points
- Burnaby Street at Thurlow Street
- Nelson Street at Thurlow Street
- Denman Street at Alberni Street
Watching from the boats on the water
Festival organizers will mark an exclusion perimeter in English Bay with marine buoys. Boaters must stay outside the perimeter. People unfamiliar with operating their boats at night should watch the display from the beaches instead.
- Follow safe boating guidelines by carrying a boating license and don't consume alcohol on the water.
- Watch the fireworks at a safe distance without interfering with larger vessels.
Notes for attendees
Multiple food trucks will be on site throughout the event, offering an array of culinary choices for hungry attendees to purchase.
Festival-goers should arrive early, ahead of large crowds.
Several road closures will be in effect during the competition in the West End, and some areas will only permit residents to drive through. If possible, take public transportation.
Attendees should ensure they take all their belongings with them and properly dispose of garbage, recycling, and compostables.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located at the Volunteer Headquarters in the Gazebo in Alexandra Park on Beach Avenue, between Bidwell and Burnaby streets.
First Aid
People who sustain injuries can access first aid services across the festival grounds. Check out the Festival Map and look for the First Aid Icon. You can also visit the Lifeguard Station in the Bathhouse building in English Bay.
2025 Honda Celebration of Light
When: Wednesday, July 23
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free. Tickets for special seats with perks are available in advance.
With files from Brendan Kergin.
