Where to eat and drink during the Celebration of Light
Vancouver’s favourite firework festival is back this summer for three spectacular displays on July 29th, August 2nd and August 5th. Between Kits Beach, English Bay, Stanley Park and Granville Island, these local restaurants and food trucks make great vantage points for grabbing a bite before, after or during the Celebration of Light. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ jamesvancouver]
Aussie Pie Guy
1000 Pender St W, Vancouver BC V6B 2T2There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm pie on a beach towel or picnic blanket while watching the dazzling fireworks display spray over Kits Beach. Often parked inside Kitsilano Park during the fireworks, this popular food truck is the only in the city offering traditional Australian meat and vegetable pies, as well as salads and non-alcoholic drinks. These handheld savoury snacks are a great option for those who don’t want to lose their spot on the sand.
Teahouse Restaurant
7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver BC V6G 3E2Stanley Park’s iconic teahouse is situated on one of the park’s highest points, providing excellent views of the ocean and beach below. Offerings include all sorts of tea, of course, as well as sandwiches, scones, cookies, soups and other light meals. Open late into the evening, the patio is a prime spot to be when the fireworks start.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver BC V6E 3V5Want to skip the crowds at the beach but still catch a glimpse of the fireworks? This decades-old bistro named after Vancouver’s most legendary lifeguard has a rooftop patio that’s beautiful in and of itself – and it’s even more appealing during the Celebration of Light when fireworks brighten the sky overhead. Make a stop at the oyster bar inside before heading to the outdoor dining area, where you’ll enjoy impeccably cooked seafood along with craft beer, fine wines and more.
Cactus Club Cafe
1790 Beach Ave, Vancouver BC V6E 1V3With nothing but expansive windows between you and views of sand, ocean and mountains, an evening sipping creative cocktails and dining on West Coast fare at Cactus Club’s English Bay location is couldn’t be more perfect. Given it’s unbeatable locale right on the beach, this restaurant is sure to be a popular spot throughout the Celebration of Light, so plan to arrive early if you want to snag a coveted patio table.
Chickpea (Food Truck)
884 Cordova St W, Vancouver BC V6C 3N8Another Kits Beach regular, this health-conscious food truck serves up Lebanese-inspired dishes that make a perfect accompaniment to an evening of fireworks and star gazing. Falafel and pita plates are great for solo meals, while platters of hummus, salad, pickles, and chickpea fries are lovely when shared. The food truck menu also has plenty of meat-free options for vegetarians.
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
1535 Johnston St, Vancouver BC V6H 3R9Ask for the right table on The Sandbar’s stunning wood patio, and you’ll get a great view of the fireworks from Granville Island. You’ll also enjoy fine seafood, excellent service, and imported and local wines in a casual, relaxed setting that lends itself to the other kind of fireworks – summer romance.
