Banff & Lake Louise:

Celebrating its 10th year, Banff Pride is a celebration of love and diversity that occurs annually throughout a fun-filled, colorful week in October.  With the resounding message “no matter who you are or who you love, you’re welcome in Banff”, this week-long celebration brings together local restaurants to participate in a (colorful) cocktail event, drag brunches, and so much more to the breathtaking  Canadian mountainside. With the largest event schedule ever, you will not want to miss this year's Banff Pride celebration!.

Photo Credit: Banff Pride

Where to Stay in Banff:

The spirited town of Banff is not only home to world class-trails and the stunning Lake Louise, but also has a huge range of accommodations for ALL travelers. If you are looking for a cozy bed and breakfast or a charming cabin check out the Tunnel Mountain Resort or the Dorothy Motel, both options for home bases that offer everything you need for the perfect mountain getaway. If luxury hotels are more your speed check out the spectacular Banff Caribou Lodge & SpaBanff Ptarmigan InnMoose Hotel & SuitesFox Hotel & SuitesHidden Ridge Resort, or the Rocky Mountain Resort - All fabulous luxury accommodations!

Honolulu

Honolulu Pride, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Hawaii, is held on the Island of Oahu. Each year Honolulu Pride attracts thousands of participants to Waikiki for the annual gay pride parade and festival. Many other events are also held throughout the month around the island. 

Where to Stay in Honolulu:

Not only are they fabulous gay-friendly hotels, but The Equus & Prince Waikiki also get our vote for the best places to stay during Honolulu Pride. The Equus is a charming boutique hotel located on Waikiki’s Upper West Side where you will find an abundance of restaurants, easy access to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, a quick stroll to the beach, and gorgeous sunset views. On the far western end of Waikiki, the luxurious Prince Waikiki resort is only a short walk from Kaka’ako, a lively, unmissable urban mecca of modern art, fine dining, and nightly entertainment. Listed as the top-rated TripAdvisor hotel in addition to receiving a Gay Travel Approved stamp of approval from us, this spot is a great option as well.

Palm Springs

In 1986, Palm Springs Pride started out as a simple dinner and variety show showcasing the talents of local entertainers, a far cry from the extravagant, campy nature of today’s festivities. Since its 1986 debut, Palm Springs Pride has flourished from those humble beginnings and has emerged as a celebration that attracts over 125,000 people from all over the world. This year, Palm Springs Pride takes place in early November and will include a big parade, live music, food vendors, and plenty of other entertainment options catering to all tastes.


Pride Festival | Saturday, Nov 5, 2022

A street fair, a music festival of diverse artists, and a gathering place, the Pride Festival is a celebration of all that is LGBTQ+ in Palm Springs. Downtown Palm Springs. Inclusive to all, this free event will begin with its marketplace opening at 11:00 a.m.

Pride Parade | Sunday, Nov 6, 2022

For as fun and festive as it is, the Palm Springs Pride has a lot of historical significance as well. Back in 2004, the first openly gay Mayor of Palm Springs, who evidently was the first gay and African American mayor of any American city, took part in the parade and rode alongside 4,000 same-sex couples who were married in the state that same year. The Palm Springs Pride Parade boasts a wide variety of entertaining events ranging from the cocktail challenge, drag pageant, and so much more.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs:

Known for its laidback atmosphere and all-year-round blue skies and sunshine, Palm Springs is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and with a number of gay bars popping up, this desert destination is often referred to as the new Gay Mecca. 

The perfect escape, the Ace Hotel and Swim Club is located at the south edge of Downtown Palm Springs and only a cab ride away from great vintage shopping, plenty of breathtaking desert hiking, and more. A great choice for festival-goers who need a moment of relaxation amongst all of the hustle and bustle, this desert sanctuary is within walking distance of downtown so guests can go back forth between celebrations and the rejuvenating spa and pool with ease. 

The first new luxury hotel in Palm Desert in over 30 years, Hotel Paseo is a boutique hotel just a few steps from upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife on El Paseo, known as “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert”. With a central location ideal for exploring the beautiful Coachella Valley, this hotel is the perfect hub when visiting for Pride.

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