Every year, more than 3 million visitors flock to Toronto to take part in the annual Pride Festival, and with tonnes of events leading up to parade day, 2024 promises to be one of the best years yet!

Toronto Pride is a time to honour and celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community, promoting diversity, inclusion, love, and acceptance. At Pantages Hotel, we’re proud to be located in the heart of downtown Toronto, just steps away from all of the festivities. Join us as we explore the vibrant history, events, and attractions that make the Pride Festival a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar!

A Rich History of Pride

The roots of Toronto’s Pride festival can be traced back to the early 1970s when a small group of activists organized the city’s first Pride picnic. Over the years, the festival has grown into a week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and identity, drawing visitors from around the world.

Photo credit: @pridetoronto on Instagram

Today, Toronto Pride is one of the largest and most diverse in North America, encompassing a wide range of events, activities, and performances, and Toronto’s Pride organization still pays regular tribute to its past by honouring festivals and milestones of yesteryear.

Photo credit: @pridetoronto on Instagram

Events and Activities

During the Pride festival, downtown Toronto comes alive with a diverse array of events and activities for people of all ages and interests. From colourful parades and street parties to the legendary Streetfair, to art exhibits and film screenings – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For lovers of all things drag, this year promises to host some incredibly exciting talent, including Dawn, Plane Jane, Bimini, and Sapphira Cristal! One of this year’s most exciting events happens on June 20th – the Pride Pool Party with Raja (legendary winner from season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race)!

Of course, the main highlight is the annual Pride Parade, which winds its way through the streets of downtown Toronto, showcasing elaborate floats, costumes, and performances.

Cultural Attractions

In addition to the festivities, downtown Toronto offers a wealth of cultural attractions that celebrate LGBTQ+ history and identity. Visit ArQuives – the world’s largest LGBTQ2+ Archives – to explore a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts documenting the LGBTQ+ experience in Canada.

Photo credit: @thearquives on Instagram

Take a stroll through the Church-Wellesley Village, Toronto’s LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, and explore its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and bars.

Photo credit: @churchwellesleyvillage on Instagram

Support and Solidarity

The Pride festival in Toronto is not only a time for celebration but also a time for reflection and solidarity. It’s a chance for the LGBTQ2+ community and its allies to come together and show their support for equality, justice, and human rights. Throughout the festival, downtown Toronto is adorned with rainbow flags, banners, and decorations, symbolizing the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Photo credit: @cityofto on Instagram

At Pantages Hotel, we proudly stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2+ community, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for guests from all walks of life.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Pride and embracing the values of equality, respect, and understanding. Whether you’re attending the parade, exploring cultural attractions, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, downtown Toronto offers an unforgettable experience during Pride season. Join us in honouring the LGBTQ2+ community and celebrating the richness of our city’s diverse tapestry!