Maritimes Pride Guide

• July 7-13: Lunenburg Pride
• July 12-21: PEI Pride
• July 18-28: Halifax Pride
• August 9-18: Saint John Pride
• Sept 16-22: Southwest Nova Pride Festival
  It’s World Pride Month, and we’re celebrating by bringing you an overview of Pride celebrations across the Maritimes. Take a road trip to show support for local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, families and businesses, all while acknowledging the history of Pride and showing solidarity for those who made it possible. So, pack your flags, pick up your friends and set sail for a truly heartfelt season.

With its sparkling waters and colourful historic buildings, Lunenburg makes a beautiful destination for a road trip, especially during Pride, when families and volunteers come together to celebrate diversity, authenticity and love. Starting a week of events is the Pride Parade in Bridgewater, the neighbouring town to Lunenburg. The parade passes through downtown and continues along the stunning LaHave Rivier. Although activities are being finalized, they are rolling out steadily on their Facebook page, which you can follow for updates.

What goes perfectly with lobster rolls, sandy beaches, great music and sunny weather? PEI Pride! Since 1994, PEI Pride has marched in the streets of Charlottetown, raising the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ members and demonstrating support for equity and equality. This year, the Pride Parade starts at noon on July 20 with an accessible route and viewing options. Throughout July 12-20, you can expect drag nights, family events, comedy shows and more.

Extend your pride road trip from PEI and take a road trip to Halifax Pride, the biggest Pride celebration in Atlantic Canada. This year’s calendar of events includes annual favourites as well as some new, shiny festivities you are bound to remember. Make room in your calendar for a rainbow pancake breakfast, a drag dance class, a Mary Poppins Drag Along Sing Along, MelaNATION: A QTBIPOC Showcase, Trans/All Bodies Swim and much, much more. Start your week with the flag raising on July 18 at 5:00 PM outside the Province House to commemorate all those who fought for Pride throughout history and honour the right to raise the 2SLGBTQIA+ flag loud and proud.

After Halifax Pride, you have some time to recover from all the fun before Saint John Pride in August. While you’re strolling downtown and along the beautiful waterfront, keep your eyes peeled for 2SLGBTQIA+ stickers on window storefronts, showing support for the community all year round. While the festivities are still shaping up, you can count on fabulous shows, fantastic food and plenty of representation of the diverse faces within Saint John’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. You can learn more about what Pride looks like in Saint John and the meaning behind their initiatives on their website.

Save the date, because Southwest Nova Pride Festival is planning Pride Week for September 16-22. The South Shore of Nova Scotia is beautiful this time of year with mild weather, fantastic outdoor adventures and excellent star-gazing opportunities (especially if that star-gazing is a stellar drag show). A stunning journey in the autumn combined with a Pride-filled itinerary is a recipe for success.

Summer in the Maritime provinces is a special time. Not only is there a wealth of tourist experiences, but it’s also a time when communities come together. Plan your East Coast travel with Bay Ferries and Northumberland Ferries and let your flag fly! Book your voyage today at ferries.ca.

From all of us, to all of you, happy Pride!

Hero Credit: Tourism PEI / Brian McInnis