Hotels around Kamloops
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About Kamloops
Kamloops, nestled in the scenic Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia, boasts a vibrant Pride movement that unites the LGBTQ+ community and allies in celebration and advocacy. Pride events feature lively parades marching down Victoria Street, filling the downtown core with rainbow flags, music, and joyful expressions of identity. Festivals at Riverside Park offer family-friendly activities like youth carnivals, ice cream socials, and performances that highlight local talent and foster inclusivity.
The local LGBTQ+ history traces back to grassroots efforts by groups like the Gay and Lesbian Association, evolving into the Kamloops Pride Society, a non-profit dedicated to operating on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc peoples. This organization champions marginalized voices within the community, including queer people of color, Indigenous members, and trans individuals, drawing inspiration from historic protests against discrimination and police raids that sparked the global Pride phenomenon.
Pride in Kamloops emphasizes community building through events such as drag story times, open houses with Indigenous artisans, and affiliate programs at the Kamloops Museum that amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. The society supports intersections with movements like Black Lives Matter, recognizing the roots of Pride in resistance led by trans women and queer folks of color. Parades invite participation from organizations and allies, with a focus on trauma-informed practices, such as plainclothes participation from law enforcement to create safe spaces.
For English-speaking visitors, Kamloops offers a welcoming vibe amid stunning natural surroundings – think riverside gatherings and mountain views. The week-long Pride lineup promotes education on mental health, anti-racism, and youth engagement, making it a hub for authentic connections. This enduring spirit transforms Kamloops into a beacon of acceptance, where celebration meets commitment to ongoing equality.
Nearby Prides
Surrey Pride 2026
Vancouver Pride 2026
From the magazine
First Aid at Pride: How to Prepare Before You Go
Pride is a long, hot, crowded day. Most incidents stay minor — if organizers provide proper medical cover and attendees know when to ask for help. A practical guide to preparation, heat illness and dense crowds.
Christopher Street Liberation Day 1970: The March That Started Pride
One year after Stonewall, on June 28, 1970, a few thousand people walked up Sixth Avenue in New York behind a banner reading CHRISTOPHER STREET GAY LIBERATION DAY 1970. Here is how that first march became Pride.
Germany's First Pride (1979): From a Nervous March to a National Tradition
On June 30, 1979, about 450 people marched in Berlin for the first time on the anniversary of Stonewall. A look back at the start of Germany's Pride tradition, the fight against Paragraph 175 and the road to a mass demonstration.