Capital Pride March FAQs

August 12, 2024

Time to read: 5 minutes

The frequently-asked questions and responses below have been prepared by the Student Experience Office at Carleton University.

When and where is the Capital Pride March taking place?
As of today, the parade route has yet to be announced. However, it is likely that the parade will start off at the corner of Elgin and Laurier, before making its way southbound on Elgin, then West on Gladstone. To end, the parade will make its way northbound back to Laurier. More details will be shared mid-August.

How long is the parade route?
The parade route is approximately 2.5 km long.

Why is the event held in August instead of June?
The Capital Pride Parade takes place in August to commemorate the ‘We Demand Rally,’ the first-ever protest in Canada advocating for LGBT rights, which took place August 28th, 1971, right here in Ottawa, on Parliament Hill.

Registration

How do I register for the Capital Pride March?
Using the form available on Carleton’s Capital Pride website!

Is there a registration fee?
No, the parade is free for all of you to march in!

What is the deadline for registration?
August 23^rd but if you are unable to register by then, please contact pride@cunet.carleton.ca

Can I attend if I am not part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community? Can I bring my straight partner or friends?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. So, bring your straight partner or friends to join in the celebration and support. Allies are always a must! Please do keep in mind that you are a guest in a queer space, so please respect all identities and orientations as well as how they are expressed. We are all there with the same goal, to have fun and celebrate queer joy.

What should I bring with me if I am marching or watching?
A small fanny pack or bag with a water bottle, a quick snack such as Welches or a granola bar, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable footwear and sunglasses are all recommended items to bring with you. But most importantly bring your positive spirit!

What time should I arrive?
Exact time of arrival will be emailed to all participants a week before but you are most likely expected to arrive for the parade between 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point will be emailed to all participants in advance of the event. Most likely it will be near the Laurier Bridge intersection.

Can I bring my friends?
We encourage involvement at all levels. Everyone is welcome to join us so please do bring your friends and family. Most importantly remember to bring some enthusiasm.

What is the appropriate attire for the event?
August is typically a hot and humid time of the year, so we encourage comfortable and loose-fit clothing items (nothing too bulky), but you are welcome to wear whatever you’d like. There is no dress code, but many people show up in attire that expressed their pride and support for the queer community.

Can I bring my children or pets?
Yes, the parade is family-friendly, and pets are more than welcome if they are comfortable in crowds and noise. Do note that due to the heat, your children and pets are susceptible to heat exhaustion. Also, for any pet owner, reminder that roads get extremely hot and could damage your pet’s paws.

What do I do during the parade? What happens during the parade?
Enjoy the floats, performances, and speeches, dance, cheer on the participants, and show your support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The goal is to have a good time!

Are there bathroom facilities available?
Yes, there are bathroom facilities available along the parade route and within the post-parade area.

Where can I park?
City Hall has inexpensive parking on the weekend – Ottawa City Hall Garage Parking — Find Ottawa Parking Near Me (preciseparklink.com). Carleton University will not be reimbursing parking for anyone who chooses to park.

Will there be access to free water or a water refill station?
While some vendors may offer water bottles free of charge or at cost, you are encouraged to bring your own refillable water bottle.

Can I leave or join the parade halfway?
You can leave the parade at any point along the route. While it is somewhat common for people to join the Parade during its precession, it is encouraged that those that wish to join do so via the staging area prior to the start.

Are there any after-march events?
After the parade, you can attend various events, parties, and community gatherings organized as part of the Capital Pride celebrations on Bank Street.

Is the parade route accessible?
The parade takes place along City of Ottawa roads, with relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchair and other mobility aid users, and people requiring assistance. Moreover, you are also welcome to join in the middle or hop out to the sidelines at any point.

Will I have a chance to talk to people in the community?
Yes, the parade and post-parade associated events are great opportunities to meet and talk to people from the queer community and broader Ottawa communities.

Will there be any police presence?
To ensure safety and crowd management, police will be present.

How loud does it get?
The Parade can get quite noisy and loud from music, cheering, performances, and horns/whistles. It is best to bring ear protection if you or anyone in your party is particularly sensitive to noise.

How appropriately is everyone dressed?
There is no dress code, so the clothing and attire varies depending on how people express their pride and support for the queer community. The most important part about attire is that people are comfortable and feel good in it!

How can I stay updated on the event details?
Anyone who signs up with Carleton will receive emailed communications with details on the meeting location, etc. To learn more about Capital Pride, visit the Capital Pride website.