The 9 best places to watch downtown Vancouver's Canada Day fireworks

With Canada Day right around the corner, British Columbians can once again look forward to another dazzling display of fireworks across the lower mainland.

One of the larger and more anticipated displays of pyrotechnics will take place in Downtown Vancouver when a two-barge firework show will make its annual return to the Burrard Inlet.

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Fireworks in the Burrard Inlet will cater to residents in both the downtown core and the North Shore, with one barge located in Coal Harbour and a second barge located off the shores of Dundarave in West Vancouver.

For the best views and most optimal photo opportunities, here are the best places to watch the Burrard Inlet fireworks from both downtown and the North Shore.

Downtown Vancouver

Canada Place

Although entry to this viewing zone will cost $15 for admission, Canada Place has the advantage of easy access to washrooms and being moments away from food options downtown. A free-of-charge Canada Day celebration will also be taking place at Canada Place before the fireworks start.

Harbour Green Park

Harbour Green Park sits at the edge of Coal Harbour and can be accessed from either the seawall or from Bute Street. The park offers a clear view of the water and during the day, the water feature doubles as a summer spray park.

Coal Harbour Seawall

Coal Harbour’s 5.77 km route offers views right next to the water and the ability to change spots as you see fit. Another advantage is being right next to Bella Gelateria, the prospect of fireworks and some of Vancouver’s best gelato is more than enticing.

Crab Park

Crab Park works best as a more quiet, under-the-radar location to watch the fireworks. Although view may not be as optimal as watching it closer to Canada Place and Coal Harbour, the park will likely be less crowded and be easier to navigate in and out of.

Stanley Park Seawall

The viewpoint from the Stanley Park Seawall (facing towards Downtown Vancouver, of course) allows viewers both young and old to segway their daytime plans into a relatively secluded view. Again, an advantage of watching from the length of the seawall is that one can move throughout the show as they see fit.

Prospect Point

Although the overall commute to the spot takes a little longer (you’ll likely need a vehicle), Prospect Point is a unique vantage point due to its height. Thanks to the higher elevation and the clear view of West Vancouver, the spot should be fantastic for watching the Dundarave barge.

North Shore

Lonsdale Quay

Watching the Canada Day Fireworks from Lonsdale Quay would only grant access to the barge in Coal Harbour, although that’s not to say the view wouldn’t be spectacular. Lonsdale Quay is without a doubt an easier access point for residents living in the North Shore and would likely be less crowded than West Vancouver.

Spirit Trail (near Harbourside Drive)

A post shared by Matt Mcguigan (@mrmattmcguigan) on Nov 19, 2015 at 8:02am PST

For those unfamiliar with North Vancouver’s Spirit Trail, the route features a great waterfront view that can be accessed by driving past the North Shore Automall. The spot should offer a viewpoint similar to that of Lonsdale Quay but be warned – parking is rather slim and there aren’t any food options that can be reached by walking distance.

Ambleside Beach and the Dundarave Seawall

What will perhaps be the most popular and sought-out viewing point this coming Canada Day, Ambleside Beach and the Dundarave Seawall puts viewers right in front of the Dundarave Barge. Although there’s a decent amount of parking, viewers will likely need to come early in order to secure a spot. Expect any surrounding restaurants in the area to be packed as well.