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Celebration of Light
Category: Local Flavour Local Flavour [Edit]
888 Dunsmuir StVancouver, BC V6C 3K4
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 641-1193
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
21 reviews for Celebration of Light
21 reviews in English
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Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 8/5/2011
The 2011 C.o.L is even better than 2010 was. We watched China's entry and we were all blown away. It was seriously impressive. After seeing this show it's going to be hard to get excited about another one.
On a more personal note, I have to say I feel mixed emotions about firework displays, is it just me?
I think of it as wasteful and I worry about toxic residues and feel bad for the wildlife. At the same time, I enjoy the colours and sounds of the show and I'm so impressed with the engineering that goes into it.
I also think about the people who have experienced pyrotechnic explosions that are far from celebratory.
I admit it, I'm on the fence on this one.Listed in: Vancouver street Festivals.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2010
Summer of 2010.
WoW !
Last night we saw Spain's entry into the CoL festival on English Bay. It was a… Read more »
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Review from Joanna F.
8/30/2011 1 photo
I came here with a friend. I don't get that excited about fireworks. Just never been that enthralled with it like most. The firework show was impressive as I judged from the audience's reaction. There was such a huge HUGE crowd. My favorite part was the finale and seeing the crowd's reaction to the fireworks. Now that was a sight worth seeing. Check out the photo!
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/1/2009
So..the fire works are beautiful..every year they never let you down...but I feel I should warm unsuspecting tourists of the mayhem that ensues each year...
Basically 1 gazillion people file into the west end of Vancouver..the gates to the suburbs open and every redneck from Surrey makes their way into the city...as you may or may not know..the West end is the gay neighborhood..gay + redneck = disaster....it can and has been a very bad combo in the past and likely will be again in the future...
Also..people get oh so stupid at the fireworks.. no care or concern for others around them..for the people that actually live in the area..trash piles up..vandalism occurs..basically every degenerate has carte blanche at being a full fledge a-hole!
BUT..the fire works are pretty amazing...my advise is to see them on a boat..I had done this 2 years in a row..no crowds..no a-holes...except for my hubby's co-workers:)..but over all a much more pleasant experience..AND I avoid the mass of redneck that what to kill me....happy days! -
Review from Lauren N.
12/4/2008
This is honestly one of the best events of a Vancouver summer, in which three different countries compete every year to put on the best fireworks show for Vancouverites to enjoy. It's breath-taking, and depending on where you are, the explosive sounds of the fireworks can leave your heartbeat pounding.
And you have to go at least once, if you haven't gone already. But you have to do it the right way, otherwise your whole experience can be shot to hell, and you'll probably never ever want to do it again.
If you don't live in one of those amazing condos in downtown Vancouver overlooking English Bay, the next best bet for a spectacular view is Kitsilano Beach. Don't even think about going to English Bay! It's the one everyone goes to, so you won't be able to get a good spot on the beach, much less hear the accompanying music for the show. And then afterwards, it turns into a crazy stampede to a) get back to your car if you were naive enough to drive there, or b) run as fast as you can to the nearest skytrain station. All the while trying to avoid the drunkards and potheads on the way out. Seriously, some drunk guy nearly peed on my foot one summer, I kid you not.
So take my advice, and skip English Bay. While there are still crowds at Kits, it's not as bad, and it's easier to get a great view no matter where you're sitting. If you can get a spot by the water, right where the low concrete wall separates the walkway and the water, you've hit the jackpot. Just plop yourself down on the wall, take off your shoes, and dangle your feet over the water while gazing at the fireworks display in the night sky. It's heaven.
I took my friend here last summer, and it totally reversed her negative experience of the fireworks when she saw them at English Bay. We came late too, about 20 min before the show, and still managed to find a prime viewing spot down by the water. So if you can this summer, go see the show at Kits, and I guarantee more likely than not that you will love it! -
Review from Albert W.
8/18/2008 1 photo
There are four nights in the middle of summer every year in Vancouver where the skies are lit up with world class pyrotechnic demonstrations for 25 solid minutes of explosive euphoria for the masses. These 25 minutes at night cause horrible traffic problems downtown for hours before and after each event, much to the despair of local residents, but provide income for street vendors, an excuse for alcoholics to imbibe, a big tourism draw for the city, and fun for the whole family. Formerly called the Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire, the fireworks competition changed its name when HSBC took over sponsorship. Too bad, because "Symphony of Fire" sounded a lot more awesome than "Celebration of Light."
So much effort is spent by the viewers leading up to the event every year to stake out a watching spot on English Bay, Kits Beach, or Stanley Park. Our hero has watched the fireworks from such diverse locations as:
- in an inflatable raft at the edge of the water
- sitting on top of a Port-o-potty, before getting chased down by police
- a sidewalk bar patio
- a skyrise patio he snuck into
No matter how early you get to the beach to stake out a spot for you and your friends though, there's always some people who will try to squeeze in right next to you and light up a reefer while you're watching. They will also have a crying baby.
PROS:
- A spectacular international fireworks competition that's totally free to attend!
- Fireworks are synchronized to music, which is broadcast on the radio (bring your boom box to be able to hear above the sound of explosions in the sky).
CONS:
- Always not enough washroom facilities.
- Huge trash problems afterwards on the beaches. Pick up after yourselves!
- After the fireworks, there's always people who are afraid of Port-o-potties or simply to lazy to find them... who stand at the edge of the water and pee directly into the Bay. -
Review from Dani B.
4/2/2009
The fireworks are absolutely breathtaking.
Each year three countries (always including Canada) compete to see who can put on the best fireworks show. Each year it is different, but one country always shines through with some amazing pyrotechnics.
Go down to Kits beach instead of the overly-packed English bay for the same great view in a chiller location. -
Review from Jenni B.
4/14/2009
PROS:
- Pretty lights go boom!
- A fun midweek of Saturday night event with friends
- One of the biggest events Vancouver has which brings so many people from the community out and is good for young and old alike
- Being lucky enough to watching from a boat or flat
CONS:
- Getting stuck after watching them - don't try to drive out of downtown or take the skytrain
- Drunken rowdies on English Bay getting in fights and/or vomitting
- Every man and his dog stuffed in one area (proving osmosis wrong!) - not fun for the claustrophobic -
Review from Kelly O.
7/5/2009
These were the most amazing, breathtaking fireworks I have EVER SEEN.
I was lucky enough to see 3 nights of the Celebration of Light in 2008 - USA, China and the finale. They did stuff with fireworks that I didn't even know was possible. The whole time I was staring at the sky going WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! And I'm not some big fireworks aficionado or anything. These are even better than the Macy's fireworks in NYC. Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, it's crowded. We watched from Stanley Park and got there early enough to get a good spot. Parking and driving would probably be a nightmare. But I loved it - one of my favorite memories of Vancouver! -
Review from Katie F.
7/30/2009
This is a great treat for Vancouver, and like Reena, I'm so glad that corporate sponsoship came through for it again earlier this year since it would be a shame if it got cancelled.
Love the creativity behind the fireworks and the themes. In 2008, I went to the China night. In 2009, I've been to Canada's Wizard of Oz July 22 night (Canada rocked by the way!) and watched from a park off Point Grey, watched from a car in the pouring rain on July 25, and will be seeing them after a friend's wedding on Aug 1.
Only downsides are annoying people who stand up at the front and block the view for those further back, and it can be a pain driving out of the area afterwards. Still worth it to go out at least one night a year - try to get a spot where the music is going for the full effect. -
Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2008
The HSBC Celebration of Light is an international fireworks competition that occurs on two Wednesday and Saturdays in a row in the summer. The first three nights are the competition and the last night is the grand finale where the winners are announced and all three countries present.
The best place to see the fireworks is at English Bay, but it will be you and thousands of other spectators. You should plan to arrive a couple of hours in advance. Inevitably, someone will end up sitting too close to you. One good thing about watching the fireworks from English Bay, you'll hear the music that goes along with the show over loudspeakers. Plus, the fireworks are set up to be best viewed from this location, especially ones that are low off the barges and right on the water.
I watched the fireworks from Granville Island to avoid the crowds once. You do definitely get a better view from English Bay, but the view from Granville Island is decent and allows you to escape after the show much more easily.
Traffic is a nightmare after the fireworks and this includes buses that are rerouted and packed to the gills. -
Review from Reena M.
7/30/2009
How can someone not love this festival?? We're SOOOOO lucky to have gotten it back! As you may or may not know, it almost got cancelled this year due to lack of funding/corporate sponsorship.
I had the opportunity of watching them 3 nights in 3 different, uncommon spots.
July 22--Priviliged enough to watch them from someone's 22nd floor penthouse suite at English Bay, Canada's turn, Alice in Wonderland themed, was pretty amazing
July 25--By fluke from the corner of 7th and Burrard, in my car because it was pouring rain. Couldn't see everything but what we did see was gorgeous and went well with the music which was also fantastic. Done by South Africa.
July 29--At a UYE Wine and Cheese at West Point Grey Park. Good view, but a little smaller because it's further. United Kingdom's turn, music was really random. It sounded like it started with Star Wars and had some Pomp and Circumstance in it. I think this was the least impressive of the bunch.
Overall, fun events. I'd much rather go to a discrete location and avoid the crowds than battle for a spot on the beach and fight the masses on the way back out.
And besides, who doesn't love a good picnic and fireworks with friends.
Recommendation: try to bring a portable battery operated radio to listen to the music coordinated to the fireworks. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2008
While downtown Vancouver might turn into a bit of a madhouse during this time of celebration, you cannot blame all those people for wanting to feast their senses on the international pyro musical fireworks competition.
For four days in July, English Bay lights up with some of the best fireworks that you will see, from countries such as Canada, China and the United States (this past summer, Canada took home first prize and it was well deserved!). I've been to see them up close and personal at the Bay (go early and bring a blanket and snacks and such), which was incredible, and we were also fortunate enough to be able to partially see them from the rooftop of our apartment, which was a definite bonus! -
Review from Tim B.
Vancouver, BC
8/7/2011
Well, Vancouver these events really show our true colours. Sure, like so many cities around the world, Vancouver presented another beautiful firework display. As in the other cities I've lived, I was equally impressed with the presentation last night.
I was also impressed with the great enthusiasm to which Greater Vancouver participates. People truly look forward to this event. Droves of spectators migrate down to the Vancouver waterfront, pack the apartment balconies and fill the hundreds of boat to get the closest and best vantage point...understood.
I guess what I think best reflects the scale of this city is the large percentage of people of all ages to which seemingly think it's be more enjoyable to come to this event intoxicated. Not an issue if it's done in the privacy of a home, but to do this with such overt disrespect for the many families that come to share evening can be down right scary. As I've been fortunate enough to watch fireworks in Toronto, Montreal and many other cities globally, I've never had this experience.
I am into partying as much as the next guy, but I have to ask you, is sparking a joint or drinking publicly at such a large scale event west-coast cool, or actually just low class townie?
It leaves me reassured that Vancouver, as much as I love the city, what I witnessed last night is far too often what the true Vancouver is made of.
Have some respect. -
Review from Darien C.
BC
12/19/2008
Everybody loves a good airborne explosion. Factor in the spectrum of colour and you've got yourself a pretty darn entertaining show.
The Celebration of Light is Vancouver's annual international fireworks extravaganza. Two nations join Canada to compete over English Bay, the festival culminates with a finale sponsored by the three nations.
Musical accompaniment is available on many local stations, Rock 101 included. English Bay becomes a human zoo. Hundreds of thousands descend upon the beach, branching out from all suburbs. And yes, as the influx occurs, so does the mindless fighting. Drunken Surrey high school kids stand out like a sore thumb when away from their niche. And so as much as I adore the fireworks, my days of staking an area on the beach are done.
Too packed, too many kids, too little restraint. Fights break out for inane reasons, police crack the fascist whip.
I prefer to watch from afar, a well-placed penthouse on Pacific or an ocean side home on the North Shore. New to Vancouver? Hit the beach, it's worth the experience. Vancouver native and not sixteen? Make a friend with a view of the water. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2008
Go into this annual event with a few deep-breathing techniques for when someone plunks themselves directly in your sight-line or stands up mid-show. It's just pretty fireworks, will be your mantra.
The fireworks are always spectacular to varying degrees. If you're looking to avoid the madness at English Bay, a few spots on the west side also have good vantage points (try Alma and Pt. Grey Rd.) but true, you do miss the music. Occasionally you'll luck out and some well-planned folk will have brought a stereo with batteries and play the radio broadcast of the tunes.
As the show advances watch for the standing crowds to slowly move outwards into the view of the sitters. Avoid being one of the unlucky ones by positioning yourself amidst many other sitters. Think safety in numbers. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
1/29/2009
I am a big fan of explosions and pretty colours. But I don't like crowds so much. I've watched this from the Kits side and it wasn't bad at all, as long as you don't mind the non-stop smell of weed. I've also watched from the Granville Bridge. There were still a lot of people standing along the bridge (not anything like the crowds on Burrard Bridge, though). The downside? You miss some of the lower displays. But I figure all the really good stuff is up in the air anyway!
The best experience is definitely making a friend with a great view of English Bay or with a boat. I've also noticed that a lot of small planes circle during the fireworks. But if you can't go big, you'll be oohing and ahhing with the crowds. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
11/17/2008
Every summer, two Wednesday and two Saturday evenings are dedicated to the HSBC Celebration of Lights. This summer tradition is long-standing and people regularly re-schedule their workweek around the event, giving themselves all day to carve out a spot on what always promises to be a crowded beach. People spend all day lounging on the sand, snacking on hot dogs and cupcakes from the neighbouring establishments, waiting for that precious 30-minute firework show.
Three different countries compete on three separate nights for the best light show of the year. On the final and fourth night, all three countries (this past year's participants being the US, Canada and China) take part in the grande finale. The judging process and criteria are often unclear to spectators but the show itself is always fun. If you don't mind crowds. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2008
Wow. Yeah. I guess I don't 'get' fireworks because this is one of Vancouver's most beloved festivals and it simultaneously bores and annoys me.
It bores me because, well, fireworks are fireworks. I guess Vancouver doesn't have many venues for fireworks but these are about as good as I've seen at any baseball game. More, I suppose and out on a boat, but I've rarely seen anything interesting here. They're not bad, they're just usual fireworks.
Annoys because of the crowds. The bridge and tunnel folks clog every aspect of downtown transit and the streets and there are fights and screaming children and it's...awful. I tend to avoid downtown alltogether when fireworks are on if I can. If I can't, I hide out from 5pm to about 2am.
so yeah, nothing wrong with it per se but, blah, if you hate crowds and/or are looking for something more than just the usual fireworks set to music, stay away. -
Review from David L.
8/16/2010
This year's celebration of light was a slight disappointment. For a free event, the fireworks are very high quality. China never showed up because they were too busy with Expo 2010 in Shanghai, so Canada set off all of the fireworks for the China's fireworks night. Also, there was no grand finale. Same old problems with people drinking in the beaches and smoking. Smoking is banned in all Vancouver public parks and they didn't enforce it! However, they did enforce a drinking ban, but I did see people drinking alcohol. Vanier Park, English Bay, Kits Beaches aren't exactly family friendly areas if you have small kids.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2009 1 photo
I like fireworks!!! I like the fact that for many years we don't just have the 1 July show but 4 major shows to see!!!! I hope the sponsors keep coming and the show goes on and on and on!!!!
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Review from Jenna H.
Vancouver, BC
8/4/2009
I am still pretty new to Vancouver and think the fireworks are so freakin cool! Sure there are lots of drunk teenagers that you have to elbow in order to get a good viewing spot but isn't that part of the fun?! It is such a great excuse to have fun with friends and enjoy good, clean, free entertainment. I am sure Celebration of Light does get redundant after a while but as long as I can walk (stumble) home after ohhh and ahhhing for half an hour at beautiful explosions of light I will make the effort.
