The colours, the seemingly endless events, the palpable joy: there’s something so special about Pride! Millions of Canadians show up and show out all summer long to mark the occasion, but is there anything more Canadian than celebrating Pride in the snow?
Well, Queer & Now has the scoop on how you can take your Pride outside and party this winter — and we’re giving away a prize package for you and a friend to experience the whole thing!
Happening just outside of the GTA, Pride Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest winter Pride festival, going down from March 1 to 3 and giving Torontonians the perfect excuse to escape the city and spend the weekend celebrating love and community.
“Although Blue Mountain Village’s Pride event takes place annually in March, it’s a celebration of our year-round commitment to foster inclusivity and acceptance,” Blue Mountain told Queer & Now.
“By openly supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we send a powerful message of welcome and value. This celebration also educates, breaks down stereotypes, and creates a safe space for all. Moreover, it has positive economic and cultural impacts, attracting diverse visitors and contributing to the vibrancy of our community,” the statement continued
“In essence, Pride is a statement of our commitment to equality, respect, and understanding and the foundation of our core values.
The weekend-long festival is jam-packed with plenty of entertainment and events for guests of all ages, making Blue Mountain Village the perfect place to kick off your 2024 Pride celebrations as a family. Events include family-friendly drag shows, such as a Taylor Swift-themed party, a 19+ Drag Brunch on Sunday, dance parties, and a Pride flag-raising ceremony.
Attendees of this fabulous festival can also make the most of all Blue Mountain offers by hitting the slopes to ski and snowboard to their heart’s content. A Pride parade is also planned for right there on the ski hill.
The weekend of festivities also includes tons of events for those 19 and older to let their hair down and show their Pride.
On Friday, the Laugh Out Proud comedy show promises an unforgettable night of laughter, jam-packed with diverse perspectives and unapologetically queer comedy from Al Val, Robert Watson, and Brendan D’Souza. Meanwhile, dancing queens can enjoy a Mamma Mia-themed dance party at Tholos Restaurant on the same evening.
If you count yourself lucky, you may want to secure tickets for the ‘Bing-OH No She Betta’ Don’t!’ BINGO extravaganza. These 19+ games are at Twist Kitchen and Cocktail, bringing players R-rated humour, naughty performances and fabulous prizes.
Also happening Saturday, the headlining event, The Big Show: Après Ski Kiki, will feature iconic performances by none other than Rosé of RuPaul’s DragRace, and Aurora Matrix and Jada Shada Hudson of Canada’s Drag Race!
Tickets for all of these events and more are now on sale.
TRAVELLING TO BLUE MOUNTAIN FOR PRIDE?
Those making the trip in from Toronto should look into booking the AUCoach shuttle, which travels from four Toronto locations directly to Blue Mountain daily.
Festival attendees can also find the perfect accommodations right in the heart of the festivities, with vacancies available at Blue Mountain Village. This iconic destination is between Niagara Escarpment’s stunning Blue Mountains and the beautiful Georgian Bay, making the picturesque village feel like the setting of a fairytale.
“Celebrating Pride in the winter holds special significance as it allows us to break away from the traditional timing of Pride events and expand the recognition of diversity throughout the year,” Blue Mountain told Queer and Now.
“Winter Pride events provide a unique opportunity to infuse the festivities with the exhilaration of skiing and other winter activities for families and friend groups of all kinds,” Blue Mountain shared, adding that it creates a memorable and enjoyable experience while emphasizing that acceptance and diversity are in their year-round values.
“It adds an extra layer of fun and excitement, showcasing that inclusivity knows no seasonal bounds and creating a more continuous and festive cultural tapestry for our community.”
Those making reservations for Pride weekend can save 10 per cent off room bookings, and 20 per cent off tickets to The Big Show! Après Ski Kiki!
WIN A FREE WEEKEND WITH BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PRIDE
You know that at Queer & Now, we’re happiest whenever we’re celebrating Pride. That’s why we’ve partnered with Blue Mountain Village to give away a fabulous weekend getaway!
The prize is worth $970 and includes two nights in a one-bedroom Village Suite, a $100 gift card to a Village restaurant, and two VIP tickets to The Big Show! Apres Ski Kiki, including a Meet and Greet with Rosé, Jada Shada Hudson and Aurora Matrix.
To enter, follow Now Toronto on TikTok (@nowtoronto), Blue Mountain Village on Instagram (@bluemtnvillage), and tag the bestie that you would like to bring with you in the comments of the TikTok below!
@nowtoronto Queer & Now has partnered with #BlueMountainVillage to #giveaway a fabulous weekend getaway so you can experience its fabulous #Pride ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
Read the rules and regulations here.
