Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
File: 25-22662
Victoria, B.C. – Road closures will be in effect this Sunday, July 6, throughout downtown, including the Johnson Street Bridge and James Bay, for Victoria’s annual Pride Parade and Festival 2025.
The Pride Parade starts at approximately 11:00 a.m. at Government Street and Pandora Avenue. Road closures will begin in the marshalling area at approximately 7:00 a.m. and last until approximately 1:30 p.m. We will have personnel on site to minimize traffic disruptions and ensure participant safety.
Closure Phases:
Marshalling area (7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) - The following streets will be closed to prepare for the parade:
- Fisgard Street and Government Street
- Pandora Avenue and Government Street
- Pembroke Street from Government Street to Store Street
- Chatham Street from Government Street to Store Street
Rolling closures (starting 10:30 a.m.) - The following streets will experience temporary, rolling closures prior to the parade:
- Fisgard Street from Douglas Street to Store Street
- Government Street from Fisgard Street to Johnson Street
- Pandora Avenue from Douglas Street to Store Street
- Wharf Street from Pandora Avenue to Government Street
- Humboldt Street from Government Street to Gordon Street
- Government Street from Humboldt Street to Superior Street
- Belleville Street from Douglas Street to Oswego Street
- Menzies Street from Superior Street to Belleville Street
- Kingston Street from Menzies Street to Oswego Street
- Johnson Street Bridge crossing
Full road closures (starting 11:30 a.m.) - Once the parade reaches Government Street and Humboldt Street, the following streets will be fully closed to traffic up to MacDonald Park:
- Government Street from Humboldt Street to Belleville Street
- Belleville Street from Government Street to Menzies Street
- Menzies Street from Belleville Street to Simcoe Street
- Simcoe Street from Menzies Street to MacDonald Park
Pride Parade 2025 Route
Pride festivities will be held at MacDonald Park in James Bay from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on Victoria’s annual Pride Parade and Festival 2025, please visit the Victoria Pride Society’s website.
- Festival Entry: All attendees must enter the festival grounds through the Niagara Street entrance.
- Simcoe Street Entrance: The Simcoe Street entrance will be exit-only from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will not be available for entry during that time.
- Parade Participants/Walking Groups: Please follow the parade route as indicated on the map and enter the festival through the Niagara Street entrance.
VicPD officers and staff are proud to participate in the Changemakers portion of the Pride Parade 2025 as part of the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee (GVPDAC) team. They will not be in uniform but will wear GVPDAC Pride Parade gear. For more information on the GVPDAC, visit: https://www.gvpdac.org/.
Demonstrations | Public Safety
Pride Parade and Festival 2025 is a city permitted event.
VicPD recognizes everyone’s right to freedom of expression and lawful assembly, and to demonstrate in public spaces, including streets, as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, participants are reminded that marching on open streets presents inherent safety risks, and they do so at their own risk. Participants and observers are also reminded of the limits of lawful demonstration. Information on the rights and responsibilities of peaceful demonstration is available in VicPD’s Safe and Peaceful Demonstration Guide.
VicPD officers and Reserve Constables will be on site to preserve peace and maintain public safety for all. We focus on behaviour, not beliefs. Dangerous or unlawful behaviours during demonstrations will be addressed with de-escalation and enforcement.
Temporary CCTV Cameras and RPAS Deployed
Temporary CCTV cameras and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will be deployed for public safety and to maintain traffic flow. The deployment of CCTV cameras and the RPAS is an integral part of VicPD’s efforts to support community safety and ensure compliance with B.C. and national privacy legislation. Temporary signs for CCTV cameras will be displayed in the event areas to inform the community, and the cameras will be removed once the events have concluded. The RPAS camera is not recording by default. If recordings are needed to gather evidence or capture an incident, the public will be notified, and the data will be stored for 30 days or more. No information will be collected during the event unless a criminal investigation or public disorder incident occurs. If you have feedback regarding our temporary camera deployment, please email [email protected].
Parade Safety Tips | If You See Something, Say Something!
We want everyone to enjoy a safe and festive Pride Parade and Festival 2025. We have established policies and procedures to minimize risk to the public during the parade and encourage attendees to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.
- Be Aware: Pay attention to what is happening around you, including the people and activities nearby.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from the situation.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Keep your belongings safe and be mindful of pickpockets or theft.
- Supervise Children: Keep a close eye on children in the crowd and establish a meeting point in case you become separated.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you see something that concerns you – unattended bags, unusual behaviour, or anything that seems out of place – please immediately notify a VicPD Officer, a Reserve Constable, a parade marshal, or call our non-emergency line at 250-995-7654. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- Prepare for the Weather: Bring water to drink, especially on a warm day, and gear to stay dry if it rains.
- Know Your Exits: Be aware of the parade route and identify potential exit points.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, family-friendly experience and look forward to celebrating Victoria’s annual Pride Parade and Festival 2025 with the community.
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