Established in 2008, Jasper Pride is hosting the 13th annual Jasper Pride & Ski Festival from April 1 to 10, 2022. This is your chance to celebrate one of the largest Pride festivals in Alberta and the only Gay Ski Week in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper Pride began with a small group of volunteers and was formalized as a registered non-profit organization in 2013 with a four-day festival. During the pandemic in 2020, Jasper Pride pivoted to provide online programming and continued in 2021 with a fully produced online festival celebrating Pride.
This year, there are more than 30 events to check out, a free Pride Pass featuring special deals and the first annual Jasper Pride Awards. Visit jasperpride.ca for a full list of festival events.
Here are 10 events to check out during the 2022 Jasper Pride & Ski Festival
Jasper Pride Kick-Off Party
When: April 1
Join the Pride kick-off party at Whistle Stop Pub for music, laughter, drinks and snacks. The Whistle Stop Pub offers 11 beers on tap and a variety of delicious food like house-made meatballs and the Stop Pub Brgr.
Out Jasper Presents: Loud & Proud
When: April 1
Following the official kick-off party, the Whistle Stop Pub welcomes Jasper’s Toni Lester Van Blam to host some drag performances. Afterwards, be prepared to dance the night away with DJ Riki Rocket.
ᓵᑭᐦᐃᑐᐃᐧᐣ Sâkihitowin: Indigi-Hauz Takeover
When: April 2
Don’t miss this Indigenous drag show at Forest Park Hotel. Sâkihitowin: Indigi-Hauz Takeover, which loosely translates to “love one another,” features six drag performers and a hoop dancer. Celebrate the Two-Spirit community with Co-FemCees, Cedar T and Ladonna Cree, and finish the night off with DJ Riki Rocket.
Paint the Rainbow with Karly
When: April 5
Stop in at the Jasper Legion for Paint the Rainbow, where you can enjoy a paint night with artist Karly Ireland. This is a Pride-inspired paint night where painting supplies will be provided.
Pride Biz Connect
When: April 6
Looking to network with others? Head to Downstream Jasper for a fun business mixer with Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Jasper Pride Festival Society.
Band: Lost Love
When: April 7
Join the band Lost Love at the Whistle Stop Pub for a free night of live music. Lost Love is a pop-punk band from Montreal that has performed around the world.
Teen Pride
When: April 8
Visit the Jasper Legion for the Teen Pride event, which is for those between 12 to 18 years old. Get together with your friends and fellow GSAs in this safe space to play music, games and activities. Complimentary meals and refreshments will be provided.
Family Pride – Stories, Songs and S’mores
When: April 9
Head to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for a warm campfire by Lac Beauvert during the Family Pride event, which features LGBTQ2+ friendly stories and songs. There will be hot chocolate and s’mores to enjoy around the campfire.
Pride Party: Welcome Back, Eh!
When: April 9
Get dressed in Pride- and Canadian-inspired costumes and make your way to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for the 13th annual Jasper Pride Party. Get your party on with drag kings and queens, DJs, dancing, duelling pianos and more.
Jasper Wellness Pride Yoga
When: April 10
The Jasper Wellness Pride Yoga event is a great way to unwind and mark the end of the festival celebrations. Head into the next week with a clear and recharged mindset.