Lain against the stunning scapes of Alberta, Canada, Banff and Lake Louise is renowned for its majestic mountains and crystal-clear lochs. These features have even garnered the town a reputation as a paradise for nature lovers, whether you're into hiking, skiing, or simply reveling in the great outdoors.
Beyond its natural beauty, Banff welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers with open arms all year round; it’s no wonder the destination is a three-time Gay Travel Award winner!
© Banff Canmore Community Foundation
Come October, the mountain town turns up the magic when the festivities surrounding Banff Pride begin to roll through. This celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion is a testament to the welcoming spirit of the town as well as the mark Mother Nature has left on the land encompassing it.
So mark your calendars, pack your rainbow flags, and head north to the Canadian Rockies this October. Without further ado, let's explore all the exciting events and experiences that await attendees at Banff Pride 2023.
Dates and Overview:
Banff Pride 2023 will take place from October 6th - 15th, 2023. Celebrating its tenth year, this ten-day festival promises a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ events, entertainment, and opportunities for connection set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
Key Highlights:
Pride Parade:
The centerpiece of Banff Pride is without question the Pride Parade. This vibrant procession winds through the streets, bringing out colorful floats and fabulous costumes as the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike unite in a display of unity and pride.
© SKIBIG3 X BANFF PRIDE COLLECTION
The Pride Shop: Don't forget to visit the Pride Shop to pick up fabulous merchandise and memorabilia, from Pride flags to rainbow-themed souvenirs. Your purchases also support the festival's initiatives and future celebrations.
Performances and Promos:
Banff Pride offers a diverse lineup of performances and entertainment, including drag shows, live music, dance performances, and more. Local and international LGBTQ+ artists grace the stage, ensuring a memorable and captivating experience for all.
© Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Pride Market: Awe at an assortment of artistic creations by talented 2SLGBTQ+ artists. From artwork to jewelry, fashion to sculptures, these unique treasures are available for purchase in the lively marketplace within the historic Mason Hall, and by doing so, you’ll be supporting local artists.
Taste the Rainbow: Delight in dishes presented with a special pride-flair, prepared by Banff’s top restaurants and bars. Each establishment has crafted a signature item that not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to fundraising for Banff Pride.
Workshops and Panels:
For those seeking enlightenment and education, Banff Pride hosts workshops and panels across the 10-day period. From discussions on LGBTQ+ rights to sessions on queer history and culture, these events foster meaningful dialogue and understanding.
© Marcos Luiz Photograph via Unsplash
Speaker Series: Listen in to encouraging speakers at thought-provoking 2SLGBTQ+ speaking events. Inspiration is sure to strike from the personal stories and wide-ranging perspectives brought to you by a diverse line-up of influential figures at Pride House in Banff's historic Mason Hall.
Outdoor Adventures:
Banff's stunning natural surroundings provide an opportunity for outdoor adventures. Join in on LGBTQ+ led group hikes, nature walks, and outdoor yoga sessions, and connect with nature and fellow Pride-goers in unison.
© Giordana Provenzano via Unsplash
2SLGBTQ+ Outdoor: They're making the outdoors gay again, so gear up for a variety of outdoor activities in the most iconic setting. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned pro, join in on hiking, climbing, yoga, and more in Banff National Park.
Where to Stay:
Whether you're up for a rustic retreat or a pampering stay in a mountain chalet, these picturesque places pull out all the stops for your Rocky Mountain adventure. Take in the great outdoors by day and unwind in stylish comfort by night; these cozy hideaways stun along the booming bounds of Banff and the charmingly still village of Lake Louise.
© Dee K via Unsplash
To truly enjoy the mountaineer experience, you can take your pick of any one of the charming lodging options just minutes away from all the Pride events.
Save 20% with Banff Lodging Co. on reservations made between October 1st through the 18th.
The booking bonus includes:
- 20% off Select Banff Pride Events
- Welcome Swag Bag with Banff Pride Essentials
- Access to Invite Only Rooftop pool parties at the Moose Hotel on Saturday, October 14
Use promo code: BANFFPRIDE when booking.
Designed to embrace the distinctive creativity of the Bow Valley, Moose Hotel & Suites features numerous paintings, sculptures, and arrangements made by local artists just a 1-minute walk from downtown Banff.
Take your relaxation to the next level at Meadow Spa & Pools! Located within the hotel, make your stay magical with massages, facials, and couples packages available on-site. If that wasn’t enough, guests get access to cutting-edge amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, Tesla charging stations, and a complimentary ROAM bus pass for free travel on local Banff lines!
Set across eight acres of private parkland in the thick of Canada’s oldest national park, Banff Rocky Mountain Resort combines spectacular sights with activities and amenities sure to stand out. This way, guests can enjoy the creature comforts provided whilst taking a step away from the stress of civilization.
Relax in an assortment of hot tubs and pools, play a game of squash, tennis, or racquetball, or even rent a bike in the summertime. For a change of scenery, hike one of the many trails that start on the resort grounds, or take a short drive to downtown Banff; the possibilities here are endless!
From fireplaces in the condos to kitchenettes in the cabins, if you have ever wanted to live out the full cabin-in-the-woods experience, look no further than Tunnel Mountain Resort. Aptly perched on Tunnel Mountain up above the town, this hotel lets you see the Bow Valley in a way you never have before.
What's more, they offer complimentary ROAM bus passes valid for any of the local routes within Banff, so you can easily travel downtown and back with no fuss!
Located on Banff Avenue, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa provides comfortable, mountain lodge-style accommodations alongside an on-site steakhouse restaurant and spa facilities. Take a load off in the comfortable rooms, indulge in some incredible food at The Keg Steakhouse on-site, and relax with a treatment at the Red Earth Spa or in the 26-person heated pool.
Tucked away on a ridgeline overlooking downtown Banff, the Gay Travel Awards Winning Hidden Ridge Resort offers a great location, scenic views, and cabin-in-the-woods-style accommodations.
Snow or shine, guests are granted use of the complimentary BBQs year-round, though the option of retiring to make some S'mores in your room's fireplace sounds like a fire way to spend the night as well. Either way, this hotel has to be experienced to be believed. They also offer complimentary ROAM bus passes valid for any of the local routes within the town of Banff, and you can even leave your car with them and explore with ease!
Centrally located right next to downtown, the Banff Ptarmigan Inn gives way to mountain views, fresh air, and close, easy access to the world of incredible outdoor activities. From hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, and biking in the Summer, to skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in Winter, the sweet staff at this Gay Travel Award-winning hotel will be happy to make your mountain vacation as memorable as possible.
With complimentary Wi-Fi, a heated underground parkade available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a complimentary ROAM bus pass, this will soon become your home away from home.
Standing in the shadow of Cascade Mountain, Banff’s first boutique motel, The Dorothy Motel is Banff's first boutique motel, bringing forth modern accommodations that embrace the active and creative spirit of the Bow Valley.
This hotel is also pet-friendly by request, so feel free to bring your furry friends with you.
The perfect stay for any traveler, Fox Hotel & Suites takes a homely approach to contemporary design, delivering a home-away-from-home amongst the mountains to guests from all walks of life.
Built directly on Banff Avenue, the Fox boasts a central location close to the cultured influences of the downtown scene as well as active activities in the area, such as hiking, horse riding, skiing, skating, and more! Add in a complimentary ROAM bus pass and getting around has never been easier.
© Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Whether you're exploring the wilderness, celebrating love during Banff Pride, or taking a soothing soak in the hot springs, Banff & Lake Louise invites LGBTQ+ travelers to embrace nature's diversity and make lasting memories in this remarkable corner of the world. So pack your hiking boots, your pride flag, and your sense of adventure, and discover the magic of the mountains.
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