Every once in a while, a Pride event comes along that feels more like a soul-nourishing getaway than a glitter-splashed party—and Tofino Pride is exactly that. Held in the dreamy surf town of Tofino, British Columbia, this coastal celebration proves that Pride doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. It’s intimate, refreshingly outdoorsy, and set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country. Whether you’re a drag devotee or a beach bum, there’s a little something for everyone. Tofino Pride is where unapologetic queer joy meets West Coast chill.

As Canadian travelers rethink where they spend their pink dollars, especially in light of mounting anti-Canadian rhetoric from American leaders, there’s a growing appetite to support local. From Trump’s aggressive tariffs to his veiled threats of annexing Canada as the so-called “51st state,” many Canadians are choosing to protest with their wallets—boycotting U.S. travel and choosing staycations that uplift their own communities. Pride events like this one are directly benefiting. Tofino Pride is emerging as a refreshing alternative, where Canadians come together in solidarity, celebration, and surf shorts.

From the sandy stretch of Chesterman Beach to the cozy charm of Hotel Zed, this event feels more like a weekend retreat than a mainstream Pride blowout. The energy is authentic, local, and filled with heart. If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping hot pavement for soft sand, or neon lights for roaring bonfires and drag on the beach, keep reading—Tofino Pride may just become your new favorite queer tradition.

A West Coast Pride Like No Other
Tofino Pride ran Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 this year, attracting guests from across British Columbia and beyond—including Calgary, the Okanagan, and Vancouver. It’s easy to see why. The weekend’s festivities were perfectly matched with the region’s laid-back attitude and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Even the high overcast skies couldn’t dim the energy of the event.

The celebration officially kicked off on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. when a colorful Pride march stepped off from Hotel Zed Tofino. The route followed the Pacific Rim Highway’s paved multi-use path all the way to Chesterman Beach. It was a grassroots procession in every sense: family-friendly, intimate, and spirited. As the marchers strutted, rolled, and danced along the path, they were met with a chorus of car honks, waving cyclists, and cheers from pedestrians. This wasn’t some big-budget parade—it was a community coming together, with love and visibility leading the way.

When the group arrived at the beach, drag queens greeted them like sun-drenched royalty. After a group photo by the water, the procession made its way back to Hotel Zed. The entire march took about 45 minutes, proving that a short walk in a small town can still leave a big impact.

Celebrating With Music, Drag, and Queer Joy
What followed the march was a feel-good festival and vendor village hosted on the colorful grounds of Hotel Zed. The energy carried on as local and visiting entertainers lit up the afternoon. Hayden Roth, a Tofino-based musician with a soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, kicked things off with acoustic realness that drew in the crowd.

Vancouver’s beloved pianist and singer-songwriter Matthew Presidente followed, delivering a set filled with glam rock energy and queer anthems. Known for his theatrical piano-pop and long-time presence in Vancouver’s LGBTQ music scene, Matthew’s performance was both nostalgic and fresh—an ode to Pride and authenticity.

The show shifted into drag territory with performances by two Victoria-based queens, Woofie and Eddi-licious. These two brought charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and seaside glamour. Eddi-licious brought out their fierce non-binary power with powerhouse numbers and cheeky sass. Woofie, is more than a fierce queen—he’s also a leading theatre director in Victoria, blending dramatic instincts with high-camp perfection. Together, their performances blurred the line between theater and drag, and the crowd was absolutely living for it.

The vendor village featured locally crafted goods—from bouquets of wildflowers to handmade jewelry and vintage finds. Families strolled through the booths, couples sipped iced coffees, and everyone soaked in the inclusive atmosphere. It was accessibility done right: outdoor, open to all ages, and brimming with queer joy.

As part of its commitment to sex-positive messaging and harm reduction, HomoCulture handed out limited-edition branded ONE Condoms during the festival. It was a cheeky but essential reminder that Pride is about community, celebration, and taking care of each other.

Brunch, Surf, and More Drag? Yes, Please!
Sunday morning brought even more fabulousness with a sold-out drag brunch at Roar Tofino, the on-site restaurant at Hotel Zed. Guests indulged in a decadent mix of locally sourced fare and brunch cocktails while being treated to live performances from Vivian Vanderpuss, alongside Woofie and Eddi-licious.

Vivian Vanderpuss, who made waves as a finalist on Season 3 of Canada’s Drag Race, was the star of the show. With her signature vintage-glam-meets-cat-lady persona, she served up humor, heart, and some fierce lip-syncs. A Victoria-based drag queen with a massive online following and unmatched stage presence, Vivian brought big-city sparkle to this small-town celebration.

By mid-afternoon, the party wasn’t slowing down. Guests made their way to a casual après-surf drag show—a west coast twist on the classic afterparty. Cocktails, light bites, and even more drag kept the vibe going into the evening. It was campy, cozy, and uniquely Tofino.

A Destination That Welcomes Everyone
Tofino itself is a destination that queer travelers are falling in love with—for good reason. Perched on the western edge of Vancouver Island, it’s known for its dramatic coastlines, world-class surfing, storm watching, and abundant marine life. Nature lovers come for the whales, eagles, and ancient rainforests. Adventurers come for the waves, the kayaking, and the untouched beaches. But what makes it truly special is how inclusive and warm the community feels, especially during Pride.

There’s a surprising (and growing) number of queer folks living in Tofino year-round. Artists, chefs, outdoor guides, and business owners are making their mark here, helping shape a welcoming, vibrant community. During Pride weekend, it felt like every rainbow flag flying from local storefronts was more than decoration—it was a real show of support.

Visitors looking for a low-key Pride experience away from the noise of big cities are discovering that Tofino offers an alternative. It’s a chance to connect with queer community while also disconnecting from digital chaos. Here, the parties come with ocean views, the drag comes with a side of sea breeze, and the queers wear wetsuits.
Hotel Zed: Pride in Action
At the center of it all is Hotel Zed Tofino, the official host and proud organizer of Tofino Pride. Owned by Accent Inns, Hotel Zed is more than a colorful place to stay—it’s a queer-friendly business that puts values into practice. From Pride flags flying out front to inclusive hiring practices, they’re all in.
This isn’t rainbow capitalism. Hotel Zed didn’t throw Tofino Pride for a photo op. They created it for their LGBTQ staff, their guests, and their community. They saw the gap, and they filled it with love, visibility, and action. Now, queer travelers are taking note and making Tofino Pride a must-attend summer tradition.

The entire event was organized in collaboration with local creatives, performers, and vendors, proving that with the right vision, even small towns can host incredible, authentic queer events. And Hotel Zed is ready to keep the party going every year.
Planning your next summer adventure? Start with Hotel Zed Tofino. Book early—rooms for Pride weekend go fast, and this is one stay you’ll want locked down.

Canadian Pride on the Rise
There’s a bigger story here too. As political tensions rise and Canadian travelers become more vocal about boycotting U.S. destinations, Canadian Pride events are seeing a boost. The rhetoric coming from across the border—especially from Trump and his loud threats about Canada’s sovereignty—has pushed many Canadians to rethink their spending habits.
That pushback is real. Canadians are skipping Seattle and San Francisco and instead heading to places like Tofino, Montreal, and Thunder Bay. They’re shopping local, booking local, and spending their summer Pride budgets at home. It’s about more than politics—it’s about pride in who we are and where we live.
Interestingly, the trend isn’t just among Canadians. Many American LGBTQ travelers are now heading north to escape the divisive noise back home. They’re showing up at Canadian Pride events to reunite with their Canadian friends, enjoy safer spaces, and spend time in cities that celebrate queer identity with real heart.

Meet the Tofino Pride Performers
The heart of Tofino Pride isn’t just in the beaches or the bonfires—it’s in the performers who bring it all to life. This year’s lineup included a dazzling range of queer talent from across British Columbia, each with their own distinct style and story. These are the artists who lit up the stage, turned brunch into a runway, and reminded us why queer art matters.
Hayden Roth
Tofino’s own Hayden Roth opened the weekend’s performances with a soulful acoustic set that captured the spirit of the coast. Their music blends gentle folk-pop with lyrics rooted in vulnerability and resilience. With a voice as smooth as driftwood and lyrics as honest as an ocean tide, Hayden is a shining example of why small-town talent deserves a big spotlight.

Matthew Presidente
A fixture in Vancouver’s LGBTQ music scene, Matthew Presidente brought glam rock swagger and piano-pop flair to the stage at Hotel Zed. With multiple albums under his belt and a reputation for pushing queer narratives through music, Matthew’s set was both a celebration and a call to authenticity. His high-energy performance had toes tapping and fists pumping in the most fabulous way.

Woofie
Woofie, the drag persona of Sean Burgundy, is a theatrical force of nature. Based in Victoria, Sean is a leading theater director who brings their artistic precision and dramatic instincts into every drag performance. Woofie’s numbers were packed with humor, camp, and impeccable timing, giving the crowd both laughs and lip-sync perfection. Watching Woofie is like seeing a Broadway show, only gayer—and with better wigs.

Eddi-licious
Eddi-licious, a Two-Spirit drag artist with over two decades of experience, brought depth and brilliance to Tofino Pride. Their drag artistry is non-binary, fusing tradition and innovation in ways that defy easy categorization. Eddi-licious doesn’t just perform—they embody drag as a cultural expression and spiritual practice. Their presence on stage was powerful, grounded, and unforgettable. Every move, every glance, every beat—they brought it all with intentionality and pride.

Vivian Vanderpuss
Capping off the weekend with Sunday’s sold-out drag brunch was Vivian Vanderpuss, the charming and kooky queen who captured hearts as a finalist on Season 3 of Canada’s Drag Race. Vivian mixes old-school glamour with quirky, cat-lady charm, turning every moment into a spectacle. Based in Victoria, she’s known for turning brunches into events, and her Tofino set was no exception. Campy, polished, and heartfelt—Vivian brought big sparkle to this small surf town.

Find More Photos from Tofino Pride
Check out the HomoCulture Facebook page where you will find over 100 photos from Tofino Pride 2025. Like, share, and tag people you know.
Plan Your Visit to Tofino Pride
Thinking about making Tofino Pride your summer getaway next year? Now’s the time to start planning. Hotel Zed will once again be the official host, and the rooms will go fast. Surf, whales, drag, and sunsets are waiting for you. Visit Hotel Zed Tofino to book your stay.
Tofino offers everything from beachcombing and hiking to fine dining and spa retreats. Plan to stay a few days before or after Pride to fully enjoy the destination. For visitor info, things to do, and help planning your stay, check out Tourism Tofino.



Your Thoughts?
Tofino Pride is proof that small towns can create big waves. Have you been to Tofino or another small-town Pride that surprised you? Share your thoughts, stories, and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
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