The District of West Vancouver celebrates Canada Day with live music and family-friendly activities at John Lawson Park in the afternoon and evening of July 1st.
The event used to be called the Red & White Picnic and it included fireworks. It’s not called that anymore, and the fireworks don’t happen either. However, it’s still a fun event, and admission is free.
West Van’s Canada Day Celebrations
West Vancouver celebrates July 1st at John Lawson Park. Celebrations run from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm in 2024. Expect to enjoy a pleasant evening of fresh air, amazing views and live entertainment.
JULY 1ST IN NORTH VANCOUVER
The North Shore’s biggest Canada Day festivities take place at the Shipyards from 11:30 am until 4:00 pm.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Lions Gate, the event in North Vancouver includes live music, community exhibits and kid-friendly activities. There’s a beer garden and a variety of food trucks on site until 7:00 pm as well. Artists performing at the July 1st event in North Vancouver this year include Dave Hartney, Amir Raad, ShowStoppers Vancouver and Barnstormer Band.
To learn more about the North Shore’s other main Canada Day celebrations, see our article about Canada Day at the Shipyards.
West Vancouver Canada Day Details
West Vancouver’s Canada Day event takes place at John Lawson Park, which is located on the waterfront at the end of 16th Street just a block or two south of Marine Drive.
There is live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. The day used to finish with fireworks, but not this year. Whether there are fireworks ever again in the future is unknown (but we’re guessing that it’s not likely).
Canada Day Schedule of Activities
Below is the schedule of events at John Lawson Park for Canada Day in 2024. Canada Day celebrations at John Lawson Park begin with a citizenship ceremony where a number of individuals officially become Canadians. The headliner band for the night is Groove & Tonic.
- 3:00 pm – Citizenship Ceremony
- 4:30 pm – Official Event Opening Ceremony
- 4:45 pm – West Vancouver Youth Band
- 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm – Groove & Tonic
A Kids’ Zone with child-friendly activities is open from 3:00 pm until 8:30 pm in 2024.
West Vancouver’s celebrations typically attract an older crowd whereas the North Shore’s Canada Day festivities in North Vancouver attract a lot of young families. However, both events are enjoyed by people of all ages.
About the John Lawson Area
John Lawson Park is a nice ocean-front park. It hash a large open lawn, a shared covered picnic area and a fabulous children’s playground. It also has a rocky beach and a pier that you can fish from and throw your crab traps off. John Lawson Park is also connected by a seawall to Dundarave to the west and Ambleside to the east.
While at the July 1st event, go for a stroll along the water. With views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, English Bay and ships going in and out from Burrard Inlet, the Ambleside to Dundarave route is one of the Lower Mainland’s most picturesque places to walk along the ocean.
If you want to bring your dog to this event, be aware that there are many areas where your furry friend is not allowed. This includes on the beaches and the grass. As a result, it might be best to leave your little companion at home that day.
Other Information
For further details about the Canada Day celebrations at John Lawson Park, see the District of West Vancouver‘s website.
Check out the Festivals and Events Calendar for other major events in the Lower Mainland at different times of the year. And for Vancouver’s next major festival which takes place on the following weekend, check out Carnaval del Sol.
For information on other July 1st events elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, click Vancouver Canada Day Celebrations.
