Expect heavy traffic and big crowds around English Bay this Friday for Summer Lights.
Looking for everything you need to know about this Friday’s Summer Lights fireworks show? We’ve rounded it up in our complete guide here, including best spots to watch from to additional transit services.
The free event is all set to take place along English Bay at sundown (around 10 p.m.) and is expected to draw thousands of people. Hence, the City of Vancouver is urging drivers to avoid the area if possible and consider alternative ways of getting there.
“People travelling in and around downtown this weekend are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays,” reads a press release from the city.
Road closures start at noon
Throughout the day, traffic restrictions will be in place as crews prepare for the event. From noon to midnight, Beach Avenue will be closed for event operations from Stanley Park to Pacific Street.
Beginning at 6 p.m., additional full road closures will take effect:
Davie Street between Denman and Burrard streets
Denman Street between Alberni Street and Beach Avenue
Vehicle access into Stanley Park west of Pipeline Road will also be restricted after 6 p.m.
Local vehicle access may still be available at Thurlow Street, at Nelson and Burnaby streets, as well as Denman Street at Alberni Street.
Limited parking
Drivers should expect very little on-street parking near English Bay and should watch for temporary “No Parking” signs.
Several nearby parking lots will also be closed, including those at Kits Beach, Hadden Park and Vanier Park, except for Bard on the Beach ticket holders.
Vehicles towing boats will not be permitted into Kits Point once trailer parking at the Vanier Park boat launch reaches capacity.
Accessible parking will be provided beginning at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis to vehicles with valid accessible parking permits. The designated spots are the park board parking lot, the Sunset Beach parking lot, stalls along Park Drive near the Lawn Bowling Club, and Lot 66 at McNicoll and Arbutus streets.
There will be a designated ride-hailing pickup or drop-off zone on the west side of 1300 Thurlow, from Harwood Street to Jung Lane.
If you don’t want to get stuck looking for parking, it’s best to leave your car at home and instead walk, bike or take transit to the event.
There might be detours and delays on bus lines serving the West End and downtown throughout the evening.
If you’re looking for another option, False Creek Ferries will once again operate extended service after the fireworks.
Late-night sailings from Sunset Beach include:
Granville Island: Last ferry before fireworks at 10 p.m.; last ferry after fireworks at 11:30 p.m.
Stops east of Granville Island: Last ferry before fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; last ferry after fireworks at 11 p.m.
Kitsilano/Maritime Museum: Last ferry before fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; no return service after the fireworks.
All other False Creek Ferries stops will remain open. Check out a detailed map below with all the pick-up and drop-off locations.
The False Creek Ferries fireworks schedule.