From North Bay to Manitoulin Island: Pride Adventures in Northeastern Ontario

Embark on a journey of inclusivity and celebration across Northeastern Ontario's beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities

Tourism in Northeastern Ontario has always been a major attraction for travellers from all over the world. The region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and stunning wilderness areas. But in recent years, the region has also become a hub for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with five pride festivals held annually here. 

These five pride festivals offer an exciting opportunity for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers to explore Northeastern Ontario and celebrate their identities in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Here's a closer look at each of these festivals and what they have to offer!

North Bay Pride Festival

Photo courtesy of North Bay Pride
 

The North Bay Pride Festival is held in September and is one of the biggest 2SLGBTQIA+ events in Northern Ontario. The festival is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community in North Bay and the surrounding areas. The festival features a parade, live music, drag performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The festival is also a great opportunity to explore the beautiful waterfront area of North Bay, which boasts stunning views of Lake Nipissing.

Fierté Sudbury Pride Festival

Sudbury Pride
Photo courtesy of the Sudbury Pride Facebook Page

The Fierté Sudbury Pride Festival is held in July and is another major event in Northern Ontario's 2SLGBTQIA+ calendar. The festival features a wide range of activities and events, including a colourful parade through the heart of downtown Sudbury, live music performances, drag shows, dance parties, film screenings, art exhibits, and educational workshops. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors, and connect with community organizations and businesses that support LGBTQ+ rights.

Fierté​ Timmins Pride Festival 

Photo courtesy of Timmins Pride
 

The Fierté​ Timmins Pride Festival is held in June and is another great addition to Northern Ontario's 2SLGBTQIA+ festival scene. The festival is a celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Timmins and the surrounding areas and features a vibrant parade, lively drag shows, and a variety of community events.  This festival is more than just a party - it's a safe and supportive community for all LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

West Nipissing Pride - Fierté Nipissing Ouest 

Photo courtesy of West Nipissing Pride Facebook
 

The West Nipissing Pride - Fierté Nipissing Ouest is held in Sturgeon Falls in early June and is a celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the West Nipissing area. Get ready for a weekend filled with exciting events, including live music, drag shows, comedy acts, and more. Taste the local flavours and savour the delectable cuisine from the region's best food trucks and vendors. 

Manitoulin Island Pride

Photo courtesy of Pride Manitoulin Facebook
 

The Manitoulin Island Pride festival is held in August and is a celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on Manitoulin Island, which is the largest freshwater island in the world. The festival features a parade, live music, and a variety of community events. Manitoulin Island is a great destination for outdoor recreation, with several hiking trails, beaches, and camping sites available for visitors.

Northeastern Ontario is a great destination for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers

Northeastern Ontario is a great destination for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, with several pride festivals and other events that provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the region's natural beauty, its diverse cultural heritage, or simply connecting with others in the community, Northeastern Ontario has something to offer.

We encourage you to explore these destinations and experience the vibrancy and diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Northeastern Ontario.

About Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Whether planning a fun-filled family road trip, a quick weekend expedition, or a romantic getaway, Northeastern Ontario is undeniably BIG and unbelievably close.

Recommended Articles

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

Lake Nipissing Fishing Hot Spots

Nipissing is one massive lake with plenty of fishing opportunities to keep anglers exploring.

The Northern Lights Trip Planner

3 trip ideas for an illuminating experience in Ontario

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

The Lake Nipissing Loop

From french bakeries to trading posts, museums to winter hiking—add this epic weekend road trip to your bucket list

Canoeing Killarney’s Northern Access

Fewer Crowds and Easier Portages

How to Properly Hold and Handle Fish

Techniques & Tools

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

The rare and beautiful White Moose

Foleyet's Mysterious White Moose Population

Devil's Rock in Temiskaming Shores

A Legendary Adventure with Backroads Bill

Explore the Northeastern Towns of Ontario

5 Fishing Hotspots in Timmins & Area

Target pike, walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, whitefish, and more.

Largemouth & Smallmouth: Summer Bass Fishing Technique

Focus on the proper areas, depths, and techniques for success.

A 4-day Solo Canoe Trip in Temagami, Ontario

Why one paddler was determined to experience the pristine wilderness of Northeastern Ontario—alone.

This is the Must-Do Road Trip of Summer!

The Georgian Bay Coastal Route winds through some of Northeastern Ontario's most beautiful landscapes.