Jasper, Alberta is a little mountain town that is the perfect vacation spot. Although the town is known to celebrate ‘being proud and free’ 365 days a year, there is one particular event that you don’t want to miss – the Annual Jasper Pride, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, from April 25th until the 28th. That’s right– this pride is not the typical pride that is held in the summer, but rather celebrated with winter activities. This unique festival includes many events, shows, and more, so here is the ultimate guide to make the most out of this year’s Jasper Pride!
Events and Shows
Photo Credit: https://jasperpride.ca/pride-2019/
Kick off party – Mix, Mingle and Live Music! – This year’s kick-off party is at the Whistle Stop Pub from 6:30 pm until 9 pm. You can enjoy live music, drinks, and snacks, while meeting locals and visitors. There is also a kick-off party just for teens at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31, which takes place at the same time.
The Dirrty Show – This unique after party event at the 4 Peaks Nightclub from 8 pm until 10 pm features two sexually empowered women singing Double-R-Rated topics!
Pride Dance Party – At Downstream Jasper on April 25th, from 11 pm until 2 am, this dance party is the perfect way to meet new people and old friends.
Pride Ski – On April 26th, all Pride guests have the opportunity to go on a super fun ski tour around Marmot Basin. Meet up is at 10 am at the pride flag in the Lower Chalet outdoor mezzanine. This is your chance to show off your pride with a dash of colour! The slopes will come alive with colourful outfits and pride flags – you can’t miss this!
Fruit Loop Mountain Party – This is Fruit Loop’s second annual event during Pride. This dance party at the 4 Peaks Night Club from 8 pm until 2 am, features DJ Queerbait, Fitzy, Luna LaPearl, and Claudia Hartout.
Pride Burlesque & Dance Party – Performed by The House of Hush Burlesque and DJ Thomas Culture, this popular event is returning to Downstream Jasper on the 26th, from 10 pm until 2 am.
Other events and shows include the popular Pride Comedy Show hosted by the Ryan & Amy Show at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion, and Pride Live Music with Katie Reid, where slam poetry meets folk music, meets LGBTQ singer – songwriter, at the Champs Lounge, Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre. Both events are on the 26th.
April 27th is more a laid back day with a Line Dancing Workshop, Proud & Free Yoga, and Family Pride Stories, Songs and S’Mores. This is a perfect day to get out there and see what else Jasper has to offer, such as the Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour – a 3 and a half hour tour led by an expert guide. These are small group tours, so make sure to book it ahead of time.
Events for the last day are yet to be announced, so make sure to stop by https://jasperpride.ca/pride-2019/pride-events/ for more.
Food and Drinks
Photo Credit: https://jasperpride.ca/pride-2019/
A lot residents and businesses of Jasper participate in the Pride events by decorating their stores or offering pride specials.
Pride Beer Launch – Hosted at the Jasper Brewing Co from 9 pm until 11 pm on the 25th, join the launch of the 5th annual Jasper Pride Beer. Proceeds from Pride Beer sales support the Jasper Pride Festival.
Alba Restaurant – If you are looking for contemporary Italian cuisine with a great, casual atmosphere, this is the place to go. They pride themselves in their passion for hospitality, making this a great place to have great food while spending time with your friends.
Moose’s Nook Chophouse – Located in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, it is the perfect dining atmosphere for a mountain resort. You can relax near the cozy fireplace and listen to live music, while enjoying organic meats and local seafood.
Where to Stay
One of my personal favourites places to stay in Jasper is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The luxurious signature cabins are perfect to relax and recharge to keep up with all the amazing events during Pride or any other time throughout the year when you visit Jasper.
Never been to Jasper? Here are a few of the many places you must visit:
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk – One of the most popular adventures in Jasper, you will be led by an experienced guide along the frozen canyon floor – exploring ice caves, ice sculptures, fossils, and more.
Marmot Basin – Located in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is the ultimate ski area. Nestled in the center of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it offers stunning views, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere for everyone. Be sure to stop by their website for special deals.
Columbia Ice Field and Glacier Skywalk Tour – Perfect for everyone who loves being outdoors, you can enjoy the amazing scenery of the Columbia Ice Fields – the mountains and local wildlife, and ride the Athabasca glacier. The tour by Brewster Sightseeing also includes lunch and transportation from select hotels.
Summary of What You Need to Know
Dates: April 25th until the 28th, 2019
Where: Jasper, Alberta
Closest Airport: Edmonton, Alberta
How to get there: Rent a car or shuttle bus from Edmonton
Website: https://jasperpride.ca/
For more information about Canada and LGBTQ travel to Canada, please check out the IGLTA country guide.
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