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 The
year starts out in Vancouver on January 1st with the annual Polar
Bear Swim for those who can appreciate an icy dip into the waters
of English Bay. In mid February, our city hosts the Chinese New
Year Celebrations. Expect lots of noisy firecrackers, fantastic
dragon filled parades, fine food and rich Asian culture and tradition.
In June, many people visit the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival happens in mid July. The Vancouver
Comedy Festival can be enjoyed at the end of July. Theatre Under
the Stars in Stanley Park performs a variety of amateur mainstream
musical productions starting in June. The fine outdoor Shakespeare
Festival, Bard on the Beach at Vanier Park performs from June to
September and should not be missed. The highly regarded Vancouver
Chamber Music Festival performs in late July.
 The
Pacific National Exhibition runs from mid August through Labour
Day. It begins with an opening day parade and consists of agricultural
shows, home exhibits, midway games, and thrill rides. The first
Sunday in August is Vancouver’s largest parade: Gay Pride.
In September, The Vancouver Fringe Festival is always a great way
to spend some time. Experience small to large artistic productions
of theatre, comedy, dance and music. The Vancouver International
Film Festival is always a great bet in late September, early October.
The Film Festival has grown into a large and popular event so be
sure and get your programme and tickets early. In December you
can spend a unique evening on one of Vancouver’s fleet of
Carol Ships that cruise False Creek and Burrard Inlet.
 Formerly
called the Symphony of Fire Fireworks competition, Vancouver hosts
the HSBC Celebration of Light each year. This is an exciting world-class
fireworks competition displayed from a barge located in English
Bay. Each year the event brings together pyrotechnic entries from
three competing countries. The fireworks displays last about 25
minutes and are simulcast to carefully chosen music broadcast on
local radio. Each country is displayed on a separate night so the
event spans more than a week. It’s free to watch from public
parks and beaches and draws estimated crowds of 1.2 million people.
The event occurs late in July, early August.
To make a reservation call
Barclay House in the West End
1351 Barclay Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada. V6E 1H6.
Direct Line 1-604-605-1351 / Toll Free Reservations 1-800-971-1351
Fax: (604) 605.1382
e-mail: info@barclayhouse.com
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