Catherine

I looked up all the info I could find about the celebration of light fireworks and am now trying to see whether we can arrange to spend one night in the Vancouver area. I have a booking at a hotel a block from the English Bay for about $229. The location is perfect, but will be very tight for a large family. <BR>In an old post someone mentioned the fireworks can be seen from Kits Bay and it's not as crowded as English Bay. Any opinions? <BR>If that seems like a good idea, can any one recommend a B&B?<BR>Thanks.<BR>

gary

Kits Beach is oposite English Bay Beach and does have an excellant view of the fireworks. But it is almost as crowded and in any event I don't know of any B & B's in the vicinity. And I think I would since I live on the water just west of Kits beach. If you've got a 'family' room near English Bay for $229 the tradeoff might be worth it.

Catherine

This is 3rd or 4th attempt to post a reply!<BR>Thank you Gary.<BR>I have promised myself to post a trip report when we return home to help others as a thank you for all the help I have received on this board.

Robyn

Hi Catherine,<BR><BR>Just to add onto what Gary wrote, the fireworks are all set up on a large barge which faces English Bay. Kitsilano "Kits" Beach is just as crowded, but it doesn't provide you with the same view if you were to go to English Bay. They're not just random fireworks, but "choreographed" fireworks, hehe... some of them are low in the sky, and some of them are made to look symmetrical, or they're made to look like a waterfall, cascading over the side of the barge. These effects are totally lost on the viewers at Jericho Beach...<BR><BR>No matter where you go, you can't avoid the crowds... so you might as well go for the real thing and head to English Bay. That's what I'd suggest. That's after years upon years of seeing them at Jericho Beach with my family, and then finally sitting at English Bay to watch them, and realise how much more of an impact you get an English Bay than you do at Jericho Beach.

Catherine

Thank you too Robyn!<BR>I am now trying to decide between the Best Western Sands at $229 for one room with 2 beds and a pullout (cramped) which has a great location as it's right near English Bay,<BR>or the Rosedale on Robson which is $240 for a 2 bedroom suite with pullout in living room, but farther away from the Bay.<BR>Course if I don't get any work done I won't be going anywhere!

gary

Just so you should know, Rosedale on Robson is about 2 k's from English Bay - about as far away as you could get and still be on the Downtown Peninsula. I'm sure you could do better at some of the other hotels closer to the beach.

Catherine

Thanks Gary, guess I should've checked on the map. But at the office that is always a give away that you're not working! <BR>Happy Canada Day, by the way!<BR>I'll always remember going to the Parlaiment Buildings in Ottawa one July 1st. It was terrific.