VANCOUVER PEOPLE AND FESTIVALS
According to the 2016 census, the city's population is 631,486, while the urban area has 2,463,431; Vancouver is
part of the metropolitan region known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) or Metro Vancouver,
whose 2,463,431 inhabitants in 2016 make it the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada, and the
third-largest in the country. The metropolitan population is projected to reach 3 million by 2021, while the
population density is among the highest in North America, putting it in fourth place (after New York, San
Francisco, and Mexico City); the trend suggests that it could reach the second place by 2021. As in much of
Canada, Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52.8% of the city's residents and 41.8% of the metropolitan area
having a language other than English as their first language. Christianity is the most widespread religion among
Canadians. This religion affects almost 70% of the population. And among Christians, the majority are Catholics.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival in British Columbia is the largest music festival, attracting nearly 1,800
artists and over half a million jazz fans. It is organized by the renowned Coastal Jazz and Blues Society and has
been one of Vancouver's premier summer festivals since the 1980s.
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival consists of approximately 300 concerts over two weeks.
When: last two weeks of June each year
Honda Celebration of Light
The Honda Celebration of Light is the world's largest offshore fireworks competition based in Vancouver. The
great thing about it is that it's free to the public. The Celebration of Light will amaze you with expertly timed
pyrotechnics, with entries from countries all over the world.
The best view of the fireworks is from English Bay Beach, Sunset Beach, and Kits Beach.
When: July - August
Richmond Night Market
Richmond Night Market: If you're in town with the kids and looking for a night of family fun, a good option is the
Richmond Summer Night Market, held from May to October on weekend evenings. It's not for foodies necessarily,
but more for those looking for an outdoor festival with a carnival-like atmosphere, minus the rides.
If you want to take a ride with your junk food, another good option for summers is the annual PNE fair on East
Hastings Street in Vancouver.
When: May - October
Bard on the Beach
From June to September, however, it is time for Bard on the Beach, a particular theater festival dedicated to
Shakespeare, with open-air performances. Some appointments also concern the spaces under the tents set up in
the port area. Bard on the Beach celebrated its 30th anniversary season in 2019.