West Vancouver celebrates Canada Day with the Red & White Picnic, fireworks and live music at John Lawson Park in the afternoon and evening of July 1st.
Due to concerns about public safety and the coronavirus outbreak, West Vancouver’s Canada Day celebrations were cancelled in 2020. The event returned in 2021 but at a much smaller scale with some rooftop band performances as the main feature.
West Van’s Canada Day Red and White Picnic
West Vancouver celebrates July 1st with its Red & White Picnic event at John Lawson Park. In 2019 it began at 2 pm with its Citizenship Ceremony. At the John Lawson event, take your picnic and something to sit on. Expect to enjoy a pleasant evening of fresh air, amazing views and live entertainment.
Unfortunately, there was no picnic in 2020 or in 2021 due to COVID-19. Hopefully the event returns in 2022.
Canada Day Picnic Details
West Vancouver’s Canada Day Red and White Picnic 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 finishes with fireworks starting at around 10:30 pm.
Canada Day Entertainment
Here is the schedule of events at John Lawson Park for Canada Day in 2019. We expect 2022 to be similar if the celebrations return. As mentioned above, the 2021 event was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
- 2:00 pm – Citizenship Ceremony
- 4:30 pm – Sway (singing the songs of Michael Bublé)
- 5:30 pm – Planet Rhythmics (rhythmic gymnastics demonstrations)
- 6:00 pm – West Vancouver Youth Band
- 6:45 pm – Singing of O Canada
- 7:00 pm – Side One
- 10:30 pm – Fireworks
A Kids’ Zone with child-friendly activities is also usually open from around 3:00 until 9:00 pm.
West Vancouver’s Red and White Picnic typically attracts 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.
There are usually fewer children at the West Vancouver event without the parade and as many kids’ activities (possibly because all the activities in North Vancouver in the morning and afternoon have tired them out).
That being said, some of the entertainment in West Vancouver is designed for a younger adult crowd and you can expect the amazing children’s playground at John Lawson Park to be exceptionally busy during the event.
About the John Lawson Area
John Lawson Park is a beautiful park with a large open lawn, a shared covered picnic area, a fabulous children’s playground, 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 Red & White Picnic 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 nicest places to walk along the ocean. (Note: there is a section or two where you need to walk along the road, especially just before Ambleside, but you’re close to the water for most of the way.)
If you want to bring your dog to this event, be aware that there are many areas where your furry friend is not allowed – including on the beaches and the grass. 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.
