HSBC Celebration of Light - Vancouver's International Fireworks Competition

If there is one event that defines summer in Vancouver, it's the HSBC Celebration of Light international fireworks competition and festival: four nights of the best fireworks displays you've ever seen.

Since 1990, the annual event has become one of the most prestigious fireworks competitions in the world, attracting the world's best fireworks pyrotechnicians and designers. This year's competition features tour-de-force performances from Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and China.

For four nights on consecutive Wednesdays and Saturdays, the skies over English Bay light up in a musical pyrotechnic extravaganza. Each country has one night to wow the judges and audience before the final night's all-inclusive grand finale.

• When: Wednesday, July 22
  Saturday, July 25
  Wednesday, July 29
  Saturday, August 1
  All shows begin at 10pm

• Where: English Bay, Vancouver
  Best viewing points include Kitsilano Beach, Vanier Park, Jericho Beach, West Vancouver.

• Getting to the HSBC Celebration of Light: Do not drive! On each day of the competition roads into the West End are closed at 7:30pm, and Kits Point is closed at 6:00pm. There will be no parking. Take the sky train, buses, or--if possible--walk. For information on parking for disabled persons, check the site.

With over 1.4 million people expected to attend, the prime viewing points will be extremely crowded. To get a spot at Downtown's most popular vantage point, English Bay (First) Beach, you must go very early, especially if you have children; adults will be able to enjoy the show even standing in back. If you're willing to put up with the crowds, this is the place to go: not only do you get the best fireworks views, there are tons of concession stands, food vendors, and good restroom access, too.

If you don't want sand in your shoes, there is limited paid-seating at English Bay's Boathouse; see the site for details.