As temperatures rise and with clear, blue, sunny skies, Victoria Pride returns in full force through July 2, 2022, and includes an extensive list of highly anticipated events and activities. After two years way due to the global pandemic, this is the first in-person Pride since 2019 – people will be attending from across Vancouver Island, metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, the Okanagan, and the greater Seattle area. More than 40,000 spectators are expected for the festivities, with memories that will last a lifetime.
This year’s Victoria Pride is full to the brim of fun, inclusive activities to celebrate throughout the LGBTQ+ community in Victoria, British Columbia. Some of the top events this year included the Youth Pride Kick-Off, Pride in the World, the Victoria Pride Parade, Memorial Drag Race, Big Gay Dog Walk, Pride Festival in the Park, Queer Activism Night, Ball Game, and the Pride Float.
The event takes place in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people, and visitors are informed about the land’s historical relationships with the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ people that have been in the region since the dawn of recorded history.
Victoria Pride Parade Was Back in Full Force
On Sunday, June 26, Victoria’s downtown core and inner harbor were transformed into a sea of rainbows for the kick-off of Victoria Pride, which stepped-off at 11am, winding through the city, the inner harbor, and ending at McDonald Park for the Pride festival.
Excitement and anticipation were at a fever pitch this year, and the community was anxious to return – droves of people lined the streets early for the commencement of the parade, which featured more than 75 entries.
The 1.5-hour parade included community groups and local businesses, colorful floats and costumes, marching bands, political parties and activists, corporate sponsors, non-profit groups, and the local organizations that have led grass roots movements across the year.
The parade also hosted the area’s beloved drag queens and go-go dancers, all-star DJs, LGBTQ+ advocates, and other prominent people in the Victoria LGBTQ+ community.
Diversity and inclusion intersected with fun and laughter for the attendees that experienced a great time across the weekend.
Victoria Pride has become one of the go-to destinations for Pride events in the Pacific Northwest. Typically held in early July, it does not usually compete with other similar events in the region like Vancouver Pride, Seattle Pride, or Kelowna Pride. For those that have yet to go, it is time to put Victoria Pride on your calendar destination for 2023.
View more HomoCulture photos from Victoria Pride 2022.
The BC Ferries Offer Spectacular Views and an Exceptional West Coast Experience
Operating 39 ferries for more than 22 million passengers and over 8 million cars annually, BC Ferries has provided safe, efficient travel to customers for 60 years and is regarded as one of the most spectacular travel experiences between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
The crossing from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Vancouver) to Schwartz Bay (Victoria) has a total run time of about two hours and offers magnificent views of the metro Vancouver area as the ferry crosses the Salish Sea, with picturesque, up-close views of the southern Gulf Islands as it winds through the island corridors.
The coastal class of BC Ferries that service the Vancouver-Victoria crossing have an on-board gift shop, restaurant, and open-air deck space. Reservations on BC Ferries are recommended.
Watch the highlights of the HomoCulture Tour visit to Victoria, B.C. for Victoria Pride:
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