Get Ready for Capital Pride Ottawa: Your Guide to Weekend Road Closures & Transit Info

Ottawa is absolutely buzzing! This weekend marks the much-anticipated return of Capital Pride, an incredible celebration that truly lights up our city. With the vibrant street festival kicking off Saturday and running through Sunday, culminating in the spectacular parade on Sunday afternoon, there's so much to look forward to. And while we're all eager to join the 'Together We Shine' festivities, a little heads-up on how to navigate downtown is definitely in order, because, let's be real, a big event means some temporary changes to our usual routes.

Mark your calendars, because the main event, the Capital Pride Parade, steps off at 1 p.m. this Sunday. This year, we're seeing a fresh new route, starting proudly at Booth and Wellington streets in LeBreton Flats. From there, it’s a colourful journey east along Wellington, making its way south down Bank Street – a familiar and beloved stretch for many – before concluding on Slater Street. And speaking of beloved figures, we’re absolutely thrilled to have Olympic gold medalist and the first-ever captain of the Ottawa Charge, Brianne Jenner, leading the charge as this year's Grand Marshal. Expect quite the turnout too; organisers are anticipating over 100,000 attendees and more than 300 groups participating! For those needing an accessible view, there’s a designated spot on the sidewalk right in front of the Garden of Provinces and Territories.

Before the parade, and continuing alongside it, the Capital Pride Street Festival transforms Bank Street into a lively hub. From Slater Street all the way down to Gladstone Avenue, you can enjoy the festival atmosphere between noon and 8 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Plus, keep an eye out for additional festival fun at Snyder Plaza and Metcalfe Plaza – there's really a lot to explore!

Now, for the nitty-gritty: getting around. To ensure everyone's safety and to make space for all the fun, several key roads will be temporarily closed:

• The Bank Street festival closure is already in effect! That stretch from Slater Street to Gladstone Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. Friday, right through to 2 a.m. Sunday morning. So, if you're planning to wander through the festival, definitely embrace walking or public transport.
• Then, on Sunday for the parade itself, expect wider closures:
• Wellington Street, specifically between Booth Street and Vimy Place, will be closed fairly early, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The longer stretch of Wellington Street, from Booth Street to Bank Street, will close a bit later, from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Bank Street, between Wellington Street and Albert Street, will be shut down from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Albert Street, from Bank Street to O'Connor Street, will also see closures from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• And if you're coming from across the river, just a heads-up: the Chaudière Bridge and Portage Bridge will also be closed from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Of course, with road closures come OC Transpo detours – it's just part of the big event experience, right?

• For the Street Festival, routes 6, 7, and 11 will be on adjusted paths from 4:30 p.m. Friday until a little after midnight on Monday. If you're on routes 6 or 7 heading north, you'll be directed via Metcalfe Street, while southbound trips will use O'Connor Street. Route 11's eastbound journey will go through Kent Street, and westbound trips will use Lyon Street.
• On Sunday, during the parade, an even wider range of routes – 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 – will experience detours between 11:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. It's always a good idea to check the OC Transpo website or app for the most up-to-the-minute details if you're planning your trip.
• For our Para Transpo users, the designated drop-off and pick-up point will be on Booth Street at Vimy Place, making it easier to access the festivities.

So, whether you're marching, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the incredible atmosphere, a little planning will go a long way in ensuring your Capital Pride experience is nothing short of fantastic. Let's all get out there, celebrate, and truly let our collective spirit shine this weekend!