This fall I went to Banff National Park for the 10th annual edition of Banff Pride! It was a really fun few days, full of a ton of drag and other LGBTQ-related stuff, along with a bunch of nature and wildlife. Pride lasts for 10 days in Banff and I was there for just 4 of those days, but felt like I got to a experience a ton of it in that time!
While in Banff I stayed at the Peaks Hotel and Suites, which was super convenient because it was just a one-minute walk to the downtown area. The hotel is one of the newer ones in Banff, and it was the perfect home base for all my adventures.
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the breathtaking nature of the area. I took a hike in Johnston Canyon, where I was impressed with the stunning views and the amazing waterfall at the end of a cave. It was a beautiful (and very easy) hike that lead to a pretty awe-inspiring finale.
I also did some shopping in Banff along the iconic Banff Avenue. There are a ton of shops so it’s easy to spend a good chunk of time just checking out some of the stuff on offer. I couldn’t stay long though because I had a wildlife tour to go on! Radventures took me to different spots around Banff where I was able to take in really scenic views and/or wildlife out in their natural habitat.
For Pride events I got to attend some incredible drag shows, including Terror and Tiaras featuring Alberta-based drag queens, Mountaintop Drag event at the top of Sulphur Mountain (which I took the Banff Gondola to get up to), the big Pride Party with queens from Canada’s Drag Race, and even Drag Brunch! The energy, talent, and excitement at these events were absolutely infectious.
Beyond drag I went to a Pool Party and a Pride Market… see what I mean about experiencing a ton in just 4 days?!
Oh and I finished the trip with a visit to the iconic Lake Louise. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, and it was the perfect way to wrap up my visit to Banff National Park.
From the stunning natural landscapes to the vibrant Pride celebrations, this was a trip filled with adventure, fun, and unforgettable memories. Fall felt like a great time to be there – it wasn’t overly busy, the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold, and the colours of the season added to the beauty of the area. I can’t wait to go back and revisit this beautiful part of Canada again!
This experience was provided by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, but they had no input on my writing.