Vancouver, the largest city in western Canada and a former center for gay activism, hosts a parade and pride festival every summer.
There are a number of events held during the six weeks leading up to the final Pride weekend, culminating in a parade and festival. The 2017 Vancouver Pride Parade is scheduled for August 6.
Before the main event, however, a variety of equally attractive concerts, parties, conferences, boat cruises, art exhibitions and events are held. Vancouver Pride has attracted more than 700,000 participants in recent years. It is the largest Pride parade in Western Canada and is among the largest in North America.
Vancouver LGBT pride history
In 1973, the Gay Alliance for Equality held a small event in Vancouver, with the first Pride parade held in 1978 (although there is some controversy as to whether the parade held in 1981 was actually Vancouver’s first official Pride parade).
The nonprofit Vancouver Pride Society oversees the Pride Parade and Festival.
Vancouver Pride Parade Route and Time
The parade runs from noon to 3 p.m., starting downtown at Alberni and Thurlow streets, running west down Robson Street, south along Denman Street, and then curving east. along English Bay to the festival site at Sunset Beach. Here’s the map of the Vancouver Pride Parade.
Other pride events in Vancouver
The Vancouver Pride Festival at Sunset Beach (on Beach Ave. and Jervis St., near Davie Street Gay Village) runs from 11 am to 6 pm and features a Pride Festival family picnic area; many community, retail and food vendors; and a main stage with free live music and a Vancouver Pride Market.
It takes place on the same day as the parade in 2017, on August 6. This event gets packed with people, so plan your visit in advance and visit the Vancouver Pride website to see what events are airing.
Other related events take place in Vancouver this summer, including the Vancouver Queer Film Festival from August 10-20.
Vancouver Pride week kicks off in Stanley Park with family-oriented events including Pride Run & Walk and Picnic in the Park.
The Pride Run & Walk is a 5k / 10k run / walk that ends at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park. After the race, runners and walkers can join the Picnic in the Park at Brockton Oval, which features a barbecue, beer garden, games, and live music.
Things to do in LGBT Vancouver
Davie Street in Vancouver’s West End has been a hub for the city’s LGBT community for more than 30 years. It is known for its LGBT nightlife and is the place where Pride weekend activities officially begin. In 2017, the legendary Davie Street party, which is a family event for all ages, will take place on August 4.
Many LGBT bars, as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels and shops have special events and parties during Pride Week, and Vancouver’s beautiful LGBT beaches will also be packed with revelers. Check local LGBT documents, such as Xtra Vancouver, for more details. Also, visit Tourism Vancouver’s exceptional site that welcomes LGBT visitors.
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