Banff Pride: Proudly Building Community in the Rockies

A Warm Welcome to All

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Canadian Rockies, Banff is not only a destination known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant and inclusive community spirit.

Since its inception, Banff Pride has grown and evolved into a celebration of diversity, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories for locals and visitors alike.

Make your way to the mountains for the annual Pride Festival for a great way to experience both the beauty of the region and Banff’s welcoming culture.

Banff Pride began in 2013 as Bow Valley Cares, a grassroots initiative aimed at creating a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

In its early days, Banff Pride was a one-day celebration, but it has grown a lot since its humble beginnings.

Organizing for Growth

Banff Pride Society has seen years of change, growth, and adaptation to keep up with its growing role in the community.

Today, the organization is run by a volunteer board, and its annual festival runs for 10 days.

This evolution is owed to the effort of dedicated individuals such as Corrie DiManno. DiManno helped organize Banff Pride from 2014 to 2021 during her terms as a town councillor.

She has since become the mayor of Banff, and remained a strong supporter of Banff Pride.

You can see her support for Pride in Banff in her Instagram Post below.

Proud Year-Round

Local LGBTQ2SIA+ community members have grown more vocal for better inclusion and more events. They organise potlucks, campfires, and craft nights to create spaces for themselves and build cohesion as a community.

In response to this demand, Banff Pride Society has transitioned from an annual event into offering year-round programming. So you can join in on the fun whenever you might be visiting the Rockies.

No one should have to choose between feeling welcome and wanting adventure.

Are you looking for inclusive rock climbing excursions or hikes?

How about a Pride ski day at Mt. Norquay Ski Resort where you can race a professional ski racer in full drag? You can find inclusive outdoor events all year long now.

You can find upcoming events on the Banff Pride Society events page, or by connecting with them on Instagram and Facebook.

What LGBTQ2SIA+ Locals Have to Say

Noah

Banff local of 5 years
Where you can find them: Smiling next to a campfire
What Pride event they look forward to: Drag performances

“My most memorable moment was the hoedown of 2022. All our friends were there, even the ones that are more shy and wouldn’t usually attend such a big event.

I got to meet new people and have a true ‘queers in Alberta’ experience. Before attending Banff Pride events, I did not have any queer friends in the Bow Valley.

I met all my current wonderful friends at a “Beers for Queers” event in June 2022. I am forever grateful for the Pride events because without them, I would be a lot more isolated and very lonely.”

Jocelyn

Banff local of 5 years
Where you can find them: On the dance floor
What Pride event they look forward to: Burlesque shows, any and all hoedowns

“I used to live in the heart of the gay village in Toronto, and when I first moved to Banff, I felt like I had taken a massive step back in time.

I didn't know any queer people here and felt completely disconnected from the type of community I was used to.

Finding Banff Pride and meeting people at events was a turning point for me. One of my favourite memories is the Banff Pride Hoedown.

By the end of the night, my feet hurt from dancing, my voice was raw from singing, and my heart was overflowing with joy.

I can so clearly remember looking out at the crowd of people dancing and feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude that I got to be there in that exact moment.”

River

Banff Pride Society Board Member
Where you can find them: MC-ing a Banff Pride event
What Pride event they look forward to: Amateur strip show

“Working with Banff Pride has made me feel deeply connected to the larger queer community by helping to create a sense of belonging and shared identity here in Banff.

Over the course of my time in the Bow Valley, these connections and communities have grown stronger. 

My most memorable experience at Banff Pride Festival 2023 was collaborating with Beau Valley Circus for a Flow Arts workshop.

This workshop emphasised play and curiosity, showcasing a wide array of artistic talents in a safe and inclusive space.

This kind of community event really stood out to me as something unique and needed.” 

See River's Instagram Post below

"Banff Pride Festival 2022 - my sideways shots of a bent week 🤪

This year’s 10 day festival was wild. Best/craziest days of my life so far. Truly.

I would have never imagined that I’d be on this board in it’s first year.. the gratitude I have to be in this spot fills my heart & keeps me goin’ ❤️

Banff Pride works year round to put together events, shows, speaker series, queer markets, vaccination clinics and so much more.

It would not be possible without every volunteer, public health worker, performer, speaker, venue, sponsor or attendee. We in this together y’all!"

Allanah

Banff local of 14 years
Where you can find them: On Banff Ave with their family
What Pride event they look forward to: The Open Mic

“My most memorable Banff Pride experience was the year I came out on stage at Queer Open Mic night. It was the first year I attended the festival as an out queer person, which felt incredibly liberating.

I love attending the smaller, community-focused events at Banff Pride. As someone who isn’t visibly queer and is a parent, I can often feel a bit isolated.

Pride events create opportunities for me to connect with other members of the community in authentic ways.”

A Festival for Everyone

The annual Banff Pride festival continues to grow and features dozens of events each year.

While many expect a Pride festival to be energetic and uninhibited, many locals and visitors alike have asked for events that cater to a diversity of needs.

Attendees can expect themed parties and late-night drag shows, but they are just as likely to be treated to Reading with Royalty at the Banff Library, panel discussions, rock climbing, yoga, ghost walks, movie screenings, community art projects, and mountaintop drag performances.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, looking to dance into the night or settle into something family friendly, Banff Pride offers an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and feel like part of an inclusive community.

The festival’s growth and evolution are a testament to the spirit of Banff – a place where everyone can be themselves and feel welcome.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Banff Pride and experience the beauty and warmth of our community.

There are few better ways to experience Banff as a local than coming out for a Banff Pride event or the annual festival.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, a yoga class, or a night out—there’s a place for you. For more information about upcoming events, check out their events page or follow Banff Pride on Instagram and Facebook.