Victoria Pride Parade Road Closure Traffic Advisory, CCTV/RPAS Notification
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026
Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is asking people to allow extra time for travel and to anticipate temporary detours and road closures in downtown Victoria on Sunday, July 12, 2026, for the annual Pride Festival and Parade.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather along Wharf Street for the 2026 Victoria Pride Parade and at MacDonald Park following the parade for the festivities. In previous years, there have been thousands of spectators along the parade route.
The parade will follow a newly established route along Wharf Street to enhance public safety and improve event operations. The parade will begin at the intersection of Government Street and Pandora Avenue, travel west on Johnson Street, south on Wharf Street, south on Government Street, west on Belleville Street, south on Menzies Street, west on Kingston Street and then disperse in the parking lot at the corner of Menzies Street and Kingston Street.
The public is also advised that prior to the parade, a marshalling area will be in place on Government Street between Chatham Street and Pandora Avenue, Herald Street between Store Street and Douglas Street, and Fisgard from Government Street to the parkade from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Following the Pride Parade, there will be a Pride Festival at MacDonald Park in James Bay from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Special-duty officers will be deployed throughout the event to manage traffic disruptions, maintain order, and support public safety. As this is a city-permitted event, a police presence is required.
Members of the public should anticipate temporary road closures and traffic disruptions in the downtown core and the James Bay neighbourhood.
Several measures will be in place to support a safe event, including road closures, traffic-control blockers, and police vehicles positioned throughout the route and festival site.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to plan ahead and follow all signage, as well as directions from traffic-control personnel. Additional proactive safety measures, including the use of CCTV cameras and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), will be used to enhance public safety. These tools allow police to monitor crowds, manage traffic flow, and quickly identify potential issues. RPAS cameras do not record by default.
Attendees are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. Concerns can be reported to a VicPD officer or event personnel. Members of the public may also contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at 250-995-7654, extension 1. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
VicPD thanks everyone for their patience and support.
You can follow VicPD on social media for verified updates on traffic impacts and any safety information related to the event on X @vicpdcanada and Facebook at the Victoria Police Department.
