Canada Day Concert in White Rock

Some of Metro Vancouver’s finest July 1st celebrations include the music, kids’ activities and fireworks at the Canada Day by the Bay event in White Rock.

White Rock’s Canada Day celebrations were held online in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 in-person celebrations returned to Memorial Park Plaza on July 1st.

Canada Day by the Bay returns to the White Rock Waterfront for the July 1st, 2023, Canada Day celebrations which happen on Saturday.

Canada Day by the Bay

Canada Day by the Bay is an annual event in White Rock that takes place along the waterfront between 12:00 pm and 10:00 pm on July 1st.

Highlights of the family-friendly celebrations include a vendor market along the promenade, along with free concerts and family-friendly activities all day.

In previous years, the celebrations featured fireworks at dusk. However, there were no fireworks at the event in 2022. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether the fireworks will be a signature feature at the 2023 Canada Day celebrations.

White Rock Canada Day Activities

The Canada Day festivities in White Rock include the following:

Concerts on the Main Stage

Live music takes place on the Main Stage (which is usually beside the White Rock Museum and Archives). In previous years the musical entertainment has run between 12:00 pm and 10:00 pm on the Main Stage. In 2022 performers included Soundtrack Canada, Marlin Ramazzini Band, Harris&Debray, Sweet Pan, Karima Essa, Richard Tichelman and Yaroslava and Co. 2023’s performance lineup is still to be confirmed.

Concerts on the Community Stage

Various forms of entertainment also usually happen from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the West Beach Community Stage which is at the other end of the beach in Bayview Park in the Kids’ Zone. A similar stage setup in 2022 featured presentations including dance, martial arts and music.

Kids’ Zone Activities

The Kids’ Zone offers child-focused things to do, which is often at White Rock’s West Beach near where Marine Drive and Bay Street meet. Historically activities there include live music, crafts and a balloon twisting station between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

During the day there are also usually free family-friendly activities on the plaza just outside the museum at the other end of the beach near the pier. At the time of writing it was unclear whether the Kids’ Zone returned in 2022.

Promenade Vendor Market

Along White Rock’s waterfront promenade there’s a market with over 80 vendors selling everything from Canada Day souvenirs to refreshments and artisan products of all kinds from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Evening Fireworks

Canada Day by the Bay typically finishes with fireworks at around 10:15 pm. They take place just east of the pier and places to watch from include anywhere along the waterfront. Unfortunately, the fireworks didn’t happening in 2022 and it’s unclear whether they return in 2023.

Canada Day Schedule

Below was the Canada Day by the Bay entertainment schedule for 2022. Details for the 2023 Canada Day by the Bay celebrations are still pending.

Main Stage

12:00 pm – Opening Ceremonies
1:00 pm – Richard Tichelman
2:00 pm – Karima Essa
3:00 pm – Yaroslava
4:00 pm – Sweet Pan
5:00 pm – Harris & DeBray
7:00 pm – Marlin Ramazzini Band
8:30 pm – Soundtrack Canada

Tips and Advice

Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your time at the Canada Day by the Bay event:

TIP #1: Take a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, a water bottle, your swim suit, towel, sunglasses, hat and lots of sunscreen. It can get hot at the beach!

TIP #2: Parking is going to be a huge challenge, so take public transit if you can (recognizing that White Rock isn’t terribly accessible without a car from other parts of the Lower Mainland). In past years, there has been a free shuttle service to and from various locations within White Rock between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm. This may or may not be happening in 2023.