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Celebrating Pride Before or After Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Vancouver Pride Parade

June officially kicks off Pride celebrations in many countries across the world. Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.  

This month, we’re highlighting some of the must-do Pride events in our destinations. From long-standing street festivals to drop-in yoga classes, here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate Pride before or after your Rocky Mountaineer journey.  

Pride balloons that read 'pride' at the Vancouver Pride Parade

Credit: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.

Vancouver, British Columbia 

Vancouver Pride Parade

August 4th, 2024 

This vibrant West Coast city serves as the starting or end point for all our Canadian routes and features weeks of incredible Pride celebrations, culminating in the Vancouver Pride Parade! Celebrate Pride on August 4th with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, queer-serving organizations, and allies at Davie and Denman, with the parade culminating at Concord Pacific.

March in the parade, cheer from the sidelines, or bask in the joyous atmosphere as the parade winds through the heart of Vancouver.  

 

Pride Run & Walk

July 28th, 2024 

Hosted by the Vancouver Frontrunners, the annual Vancouver Pride Run & Walk is a running and walking event for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, friends, and allies. All are welcome to partake in a 5k (3.1 miles) run or walk and a 10k (6.2 miles) run or race in beautiful Stanley Park. Show your pride and enjoy fabulous disco water stations, post-race snacks and refreshments, entertainment, and more. 

Calgary Pride Parade festival with balloons that read "pride"

Credit: Calgary Pride Parade/ROAM Creative

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Pride Parade & Festival

August 31 - September 1st, 2024

Calgary Pride is hosting Pride celebrations from August 26 - September 1st, 2024. During this week, dozens of exciting events will be held across Calgary that uplift the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Don't miss the main attraction: the Calgary Pride Festival will take place on Sunday, September 1st.

Connect to Calgary before or after your Rocky Mountaineer journey on many of our Canadian routes and explore the city during this vibrant time of year.   

 

Banff, Alberta

Banff Pride

October 4 - 14th, 2024

Celebrate Pride in Banff National Park this fall with drag shows, live entertainment, plenty of outdoor fun, and more! But if your Rocky Mountaineer journey takes you to Banff before then, there are still plenty of ways to keep the Pride festivities going. 

Look out for upcoming Pride events here, like a Pride cruise on Lake Minnewanka and drop-in yoga classes through the summer. Several of our Canadian packages feature a stop in this charming mountain town - a destination not to be missed when you're in the Canadian Rockies.

Credit: ROAM Creative

Credit: ROAM Creative

Denver, Colorado

Denver PrideFest

June 22 - 23rd, 2024

Start or end your Rockies to the Red Rocks journey in Denver, Colorado and join Denver Pride as they commemorate their 50th anniversary through the ultimate celebration of love, diversity, and equality.

This spectacular two-day festival unites communities across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, boasting 250+ exhibitors, 30 food vendors, captivating live performances, and more. Join day two for Sunday’s Coors Light PrideFest Parade, flaunting colorful floats along 14 blocks of Colfax Avenue.  

 

7th Annual Denver Pride Bar Crawl

June 15th, 2024

Celebrate diversity, be bold, and be colorful! Join the 7th Annual Pride Bar Crawl and show your pride while enjoying delicious eats and drinks along the way. Enjoy handpicked inclusive bars, exclusive drink specials, and make a difference. A portion of every ticket sold goes directly to Pride non-profit organizations worldwide and the Trevor Project.

From city to beach, we're celebrating Pride in our destinations all summer long. Credit: Destination Vancouver

More Pride Events in our Destinations 

Keep the Pride celebrations going! Take part in local community events and stay up to date with Pride events this year and next. 

 

Western Canada & Canadian Rockies: 

  • Kamloops: The main annual Pride week will take place from August 21 - 27th, 2024. Other events can be found at Kamloops Pride.  

  • Whistler: Whistler Pride and Ski Festival pairs an unparalleled mountain experience with world-class event programming. Stay tuned for celebrations from January 19 - 26, 2025.  

  • Jasper: Jasper Pride & Ski Festival will return in 2024. Follow Jasper Pride for festival date and event announcements. 

American Southwest: 

  • Moab: Moab Pride are hosting a film and conversation event on June 22nd, 2024.