Top 5 Uncrowded Spots to Watch the Fireworks |
The HSBC Celebration of Light is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the summer. Hundreds of thousands of spectators cram into just about every nook and cranny they can find in order to catch a glimpse of the pyrotechnical wonder.
So leave it to us to suggest five lesser known spots where you can take it all in without wrassling with the mob.
Cypress Mountain Lookout
About half way up the road to the Cypress Mountain ski area is a phenomenal scenic viewpoint that offers stunning views of the city and ocean by day. But come fireworks time, it also offers a great place to get a unique perspective on this treasured civic event.
The distance gives you a chance to appreciate the scale of the explosions, and also keeps you miles from the traffic and other headaches that the chumps down at ground level have to deal with.Burrard Street Bridge
A favourite spot for shutterbugs to capture the performances, and for good reason. It offers uncluttered views of the entire show at just about the perfect distance. Also, the bridge allows quick, relatively painless escape routes to downtown or Kits following the show.
By Air
You can hear all the planes buzzing around before the booming fireworks drown them out. They are probably the best spot from which to watch, if you know someone who owns a plane. The other 99.9% are stuck wondering what it's like.
By Sea
The sheer number of boats that dot English Bay during the fireworks prove just how perfect the water is to watch the performances from. Many charter companies offer dinner cruises on the nights of the Celebration of Light, making for a great night on the open sea. They are very popular and often sell out early.
Dine Sky High
Vancouver's downtown has two skyscrapers with restaurants on the top floor. Make reservations at The Top of Vancouver Restaurant (28 stories above Gastown as part of the Harbour Centre Lookout!) or 42 stories up at the Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant and watch everything unfold with a nice glass of wine and sumptuous dinner.