Remembrance Day in Vancouver: Ceremonies Across Metro Vancouver

Every November 11, communities across Metro Vancouver stop at 11 a.m. to remember the Canadians who served and died in war, conflict and peacekeeping, and to honour those who serve today. In 2026 Remembrance Day falls on a Wednesday, and there are more than 30 public ceremonies to choose from, from the large civic service at Victory Square to small gatherings at neighbourhood cenotaphs and Legion halls.

This guide lists every ceremony we have confirmed for 2026, grouped by city, with start times, locations and a link to each event page for parking, transit and schedule details. All ceremonies are free and open to everyone.

What to expect at a Remembrance Day ceremony

Most ceremonies follow the same order, so you will know what is happening wherever you go. A parade of veterans, serving members, cadets, police and first responders usually arrives first. Just before 11 a.m. a bugler or trumpeter plays the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence. A piper plays a lament, Reveille sounds, and the Act of Remembrance is read, ending with the words “We will remember them.” Wreaths are then laid at the cenotaph by dignitaries, organizations and families, and many people place their poppy on a wreath or the cenotaph as they leave.

• Arrive by 10:30 a.m. Larger ceremonies fill up and nearby roads close, sometimes from early morning.
• Wear your poppy on the left, over your heart. Poppies are available through the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual campaign.
• Stay quiet and still during the Last Post, the silence and the lament, and keep phones on silent.
• Dress for the weather. Nearly every ceremony is outdoors, and November in Vancouver is usually wet and cool. If you need to stay dry, the Seaforth Armoury and UBC War Memorial Gym services are held indoors.
• Leave pets at home unless they are service animals; some organizers ask for this specifically.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Vancouver

Vancouver has the region’s largest ceremony downtown at Victory Square, plus smaller services that are easier to reach from the west side, UBC and southeast Vancouver.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in North Shore

The North Shore has five ceremonies, from a full parade on Lonsdale to a waterside service at Cates Park.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Burnaby and New Westminster

Burnaby holds two Legion-led ceremonies, one in each half of the city, and New Westminster gathers at City Hall.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Richmond

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Tri-Cities

Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody each hold their own parade and service.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Surrey and White Rock

Surrey has six neighbourhood ceremonies, so there is usually one close to home, and White Rock marches to its cenotaph at City Hall.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Delta

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Langley

Langley City and the Township of Langley hold four separate ceremonies.

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Beyond Metro Vancouver

Within an hour or two of the city, these ceremonies are worth knowing if you live in or are visiting the Sea to Sky or the Fraser Valley.

Can’t attend in person?

Several ceremonies are broadcast or livestreamed, including the Victory Square service (usually televised), Cloverdale in Surrey, New Westminster, Murrayville and Fort Langley in Langley, and Abbotsford. Check each event page for the link. Wherever you are at 11 a.m., you can pause for two minutes of silence, and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial lets you look up and remember individual Canadians who died in service.

Getting around on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in British Columbia, so expect holiday service on transit and quieter roads early in the day, but busy streets around every cenotaph. The Expo Line to Stadium–Chinatown or Waterfront is the easiest way to reach Victory Square, the Canada Line serves Richmond City Hall, and the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay puts you within walking distance of the North Vancouver ceremonies. Check TransLink for holiday schedules and detours caused by parades.

More holiday events

Looking for what else is on this month? Browse all Remembrance Day events, our holidays and celebrations calendar, or things to do in Vancouver this week.