Vancouver Pride starts on 27 July, culminating in the big parade on 5 August. | Photo: GoToVan/Flickr
Vancouver will celebrate the LGBTI community with the 40th annual Pride parade on 5 August.
The march is the culmination of a week-long festival, bringing together people identifying as LGBTI and allies for more than 50 fun-loving events.
Vancouver Pride parade
Kicking off at 12pm, the parade will see marchers and floats take to the streets of Downtown Vancouver.
Despite the official 2018 route hasn’t been released yet, the march should follow the usual one. As in the previous years, it should make its way along Robson, turning onto Denman and then wrapping around onto Beach Avenue.
Vancouver Pride Parade 2014. | Photo: GoToVan/Flickr
Viewing points and accessibility
There are multiple viewing points in the Werst End.
Those requiring accessible viewing points can watch from either the North side of Beach Avenue at Broughton or outside of Denman Place Mall.
Both these location will have a shaded viewing area with chairs. The former will also have accessible portable toilets and space for mobility devices, alongside ASL interpretation and live description.
Vancouver Pride will culminate in the annual parade on 5 August. | Photo: Ross Johnson/Daily Xtra
The best events of Vancouver Pride festival
There will be several events around town during Pride Week.
Pride Premier will kick off the Pride festivities on 27 July. Starting at 5pm for a seven-hour party circling the Vancouver Art Gallery, the event includes life-size interactive art pieces, a silent disco, beer garden, a sober lounge, vendor village, and food trucks.
Furthermore, an all-ages dance party at Shipbuilder’s Square will bring the party to the North Shore with drag artists and DJs. Pride at the Pier is on 31 July at 5pm.
If you’re not a Pride parade fan, bear in mind that the coastal city in western Canada will also host the Sunset Beach Festival on 5 August, from 11am to 6pm. The open-air event will feature a main stage, community and family-friendly zones, and food and drink stalls.
Most of the events will be free to attend. Check the official website for further info.
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