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 in 2025
West Vancouver celebrates July 1st at John Lawson Park. Celebrations typically run from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. 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, usually from 11:30 am until 4:00 pm.
The Rotary Club of Lions Gate hosts the event in North Vancouver, and the day features 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 who performed at last year’s July 1st event in North Vancouver included Melanie Dekker, Amir Raad, ShowStoppers Vancouver and JP Fell Pipe Band. The lineup for this year’s event is to be confirmed.
See our article about Canada Day at the Shipyards to learn more about the North Shore’s other main Canada Day celebrations.
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 last year. Whether there are fireworks ever again in the future is unknown (but we’re guessing that it’s not likely).
2025 Canada Day Schedule of Activities
Below is the 2025 schedule of events at John Lawson Park for Canada Day. Last year’s celebrations at John Lawson Park began with a citizenship ceremony where a number of individuals officially became Canadians. The headliner band for the night this year is Vancouver band Trilojay.
- 4:30 pm – Official Event Opening Ceremony
- 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm– West Vancouver Youth Band
- 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm – Vancouver band Trilojay
A Kids’ Zone with child-friendly activities is open from 4:00 pm until 8:30 pm.
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, people of all ages enjoy both events.
About the John Lawson Area
John Lawson Park is a nice ocean-front park. It has 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. That includes on the beaches and the grass. Best to leave your little companion at home that day.
Other Information
See the District of West Vancouver‘s website for more details about the Canada Day celebrations at John Lawson Park.
Check out the Festivals and Events Calendar for other major events in the Lower Mainland at different times of the year. And check out Carnaval del Sol for Vancouver’s next major festival which takes place on the following weekend.
Click Vancouver Canada Day Celebrations for information on other July 1st events elsewhere in the Lower Mainland.
