What You Need to Know About Vancouver’s Fireworks Festival
Vancouver fireworks fans, the wait is over—Celebration of Light 2025 is about to light up the skies! This beloved annual event kicks off on Saturday, July 19, featuring a stunning pyrotechnic show from Yukon-based team Midnight Sun. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned local, here’s everything you need to plan your visit—from tickets and transportation to safety and schedule tips.
Who’s Performing and When?
This year’s festival is special for more than just the explosions in the sky. For the first time, all fireworks teams are Canadian! Midnight Sun, the Yukon team who won in 2022, returns to dazzle audiences once again.
Fireworks Festival Dates:
Saturday, July 19
Wednesday, July 23
Saturday, July 26
Schedule Highlights for July 19
Make a full day of it! Here’s what’s happening on Saturday:
2:00 PM – Honda Activation and food trucks open
6:30 PM – Air show by Canada’s Snowbirds
10:00 PM – Electric drone display
10:15 PM – Main fireworks show
Ticket Options: Free & VIP
You can catch the fireworks for free from several public areas, like English Bay Beach or Vanier Park. But if you want a more exclusive experience:
Inukshuk Point Tickets (with dinner & drink): $243
Grandstand Seats: $68
Private Cabanas: Available for booking
VIP tickets offer guaranteed views and added comfort, but they sell out fast—so book early!
Getting There: Travel Made Easy
To avoid stress, consider walking, biking, or taking public transit. Driving is possible, but comes with road closures and limited parking.
Biking & Scooters
Mobi and Lime are boosting bike and scooter capacity for the event. Staff will be onsite to help you dock easily.
Driving Tips
Arrive early for better parking options
Carpool if possible
Major road closures begin at 5 PM in the West End and Kits Point
No parking on bridges to watch the fireworks
Resident permits required for restricted areas
Public Transit Tips
TransLink will offer extra service throughout Vancouver during the festival.
Closest SkyTrain Stations:
Burrard Station (Expo Line)
Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada Line)
Special Event Shuttles:
Pre-event shuttles: Burrard Station → Denman & Georgia (6:30–9:30 PM)
Post-event shuttles: Bidwell & Georgia → Burrard, Waterfront, and North/West Van
Note:
SkyTrain runs every 2–3 minutes pre- and post-fireworks
No bikes allowed on SkyTrain after 10:30 PM
SeaBus runs every 15 minutes from 9 PM
Safety, First Aid & Lost Items
Pets: Best to leave them at home—fireworks can cause anxiety.
Lost something? Check Lost & Found at the Volunteer HQ in Alexandra Park.
First Aid: Located across the festival grounds and at the Lifeguard Station.
What to Bring (and Leave Behind)
Pack for changing weather. Organizers suggest:
Sunscreen
Water bottles
Rain poncho
ID for ticketed areas
Leave valuables at home
Don’t forget to clean up—recycle and compost where possible.
Watching from the Water? Follow These Rules
Planning to view from a boat in English Bay? Stay outside the marked marine perimeter and avoid alcohol while operating your boat. Night boating can be risky, so only experienced captains should attempt it.
Final Tips for Festival-Goers
Arrive early to beat the crowd
Expect road closures in the West End, Kitsilano, and Stanley Park
Use Trip Planner or @TransLink on X for real-time travel updates
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for your ultimate guide to Vancouver’s biggest events and updates across Canada.
