Summer Lights in English Bay

Event details

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• Plan ahead

  • Large crowds, road closures, and traffic delays are expected in the West End, English Bay, and downtown.
  • Walk, bike, roll, take transit, use Mobi, or ride a Lime scooter whenever possible.
  • Bus routes may be rerouted or delayed. Check TransLink alerts External website, opens in new tab for current information.
  • Drone use is strictly prohibited because of airspace restrictions and event safety regulations.

• Parking and ride-hailing

  • On-street parking is limited. Watch for posted no-parking signs.
  • Parking lots will be closed, including Kits Beach, Hadden Park, and Vanier Park, except for Bard on the Beach ticket holders.
  • Vehicles towing boats won't be allowed into Kits Point once trailer parking at the Vanier Park boat launch reaches capacity.
  • Accessible parking is available beginning at 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking permit pass. Location include:
    • Park Board parking lot
    • Sunset Beach lot (which will be open all day)
    • Stalls along Park Drive near the Lawn Bowling Club
    • Lot 66 at McNicoll Street and Arbutus Street
  • The designated ride-hailing pickup or drop-off zone will be on the west side of 1300 Thurlow, from Harwood Street to Jung Lane.

• Keep the event tidy and respectful

  • Take everything you bring with you when you leave, as waste bins can fill quickly.
  • Smoking, glass containers, and alcohol are not permitted at English Bay.
  • Avoid using barbecues.

• Watching from the water

  • Follow safe boating requirements External website, opens in new tab and carry the required licence and equipment.
  • Do not consume alcohol while operating a vessel.
  • Stay outside the exclusion zone in English Bay, marked by marine buoys.
  • Kayaks, paddle boards, and other non-powered vessels may use the designated shallow-water safe area near the Inukshuk, where grab lines will be available to hold on to.

• Leave pets at home

  Fireworks and large crowds can be very frightening for animals. Attendees are strongly encouraged to leave pets at home.

  • Anyone who brings a dog should keep it securely leashed and wearing a valid dog licence. 97% of dogs wearing their licence tags are reunited with their families.  
  • To report a lost pet, call Animal Services by dialing 3-1-1 or by visiting van311.ca/services/lost-pet.