THE VANCOUVER PRIDE PARADE - Everything you need to know
Editor and publisher Jude Goodwin (left) with a friend at the 2023 Pride parade
Get Out!
AUGUST 4. NOON - 4PM.
Yes it’s growing more and more corporate. Yes it’s growing more and more crowded. But if you’ve never been to a Vancouver Pride Parade you really must give it a go!! So much celebration, so much hope for a brighter more colourful future.
OK I know Ive talked you into it now heres the important information and some tips too. First, the Route. I miss my spot on Denman, but this new route is much more roomy and there’s lots of shade too.
THE ROUTE
I haven’t watched from all locations along the route, but I do know Pacific has a boulevard and the parade goes down one side only - making the other side free and clear for pedestrians and any kind of mobility wheels. There are also trees along the boulevard.
Be warned, the entire area will be very crowded. Do not expect to bring your car unless you’re able to park a long way off and walk 5-6 blocks. Not shown on this map is the Science World Skytrain station which would be your best choice if you also want to visit the festival grounds at Science World and beyond. Science World is to the right of the Finish area.
Having said that, the Vancouver Pride Society notes there are various parking lots and street parking spots along the Parade route. For locations and pricing, visit Parkopedia.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Vancouver Pride Society has published an Access Guide which you can read by clicking here. The document is comprehensive with information for all abilities and needs.
They will be hosting 4 accessible viewing zones at the Pride Parade this year. You can read about them, and apply, in this document.
They open at 11:30 am tentative. To ensure you have ample time to get settled in, it is highly recommend you arrive early.
First Aid
There will be 7 first aid stations along the Parade route. All Vancouver Pride Society staff will have Naloxone training prior to the event. First aid stations are located next to Accessible viewing areas along the Parade route and are staffed by St. John Ambulance.
Security
The security company, Genesis will be onsite for the entire duration of the event. If you are experiencing security issues, please contact a VPS staff member or volunteer onsite. VPS staff will be wearing bright neon pink t-shirts and Staff ID badges. They will also have access to a radio. Parade volunteers will be wearing bright neon green shirts and Volunteer ID badges.
THE FESTIVAL
Below is an excellent map of the Festival Grounds
THE FUN
OK so those are the details and here’s the fun.
Dress up! Feel free to let your flag fly - there’s no other time of the year when you can be everything you want to be.
Carry Water. It will be very very hot if the sun is out. 90% of the parades I’ve attended over the past decade have been very sunny and very hot. Wear a hat, put on sunscreen before you leave the house (no, sunscreen is not bad for you, it will save your skin from numerous surgeries in your 60s trust me)
Join in. If you’re mobile, and you see someone you know in the parade, jump in and walk along for a bit. It’s an exhilarating experience!
Bring a lock. If you’re bringing your scooter or bike, note they will not be allowed in the Festival compound - you’ll need to lock them up.
Leave your puppers at home. The crowds, the noise, the heat will all be unpleasant for your furbaby. There’s nothing fun about a massive parade for dogs (or cats).
THE MAGAZINE
Each year the Vancouver Pride Society puts out fun magazine - the ad prices have always been far to rich for our capacity but it’s still a fun read. You can find a link to the online version here https://www.vancouverpride.ca/pridemag
ASK QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, we’re happy to help you find the answers - feel free to use the form below.
HAPPY PRIDE!
