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 return to Memorial Park Plaza on July 1st.

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 will be no fireworks at the event in 2022.

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 include Soundtrack Canada, Marlin Ramazzini Band, Harris&Debray, Sweet Pan, Karima Essa, Richard Tichelman and Yaroslava and Co.

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. If a similar stage is set up in 2022, it will likely feature 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. Hopefully the Kids Zone returns 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. They take place just east of the pier and places to watch from include anywhere along the waterfront. Unfortunately, the fireworks are not happening in 2022.

Canada Day Schedule

Below is the Canada Day by the Bay entertainment schedule for 2022.

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 2022.