A sunset drag cruise is taking over the Alberta Rockies this October

This October, Banff Pride is returning to the Rockies with 10 days of programming celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The lineup includes parties, live entertainment, and a sunset cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Queer Voyage is a sunset cruise that features drag performances, queer comedy, Alberta craft beer and stunning mountain views.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to hop aboard.

What to expect at the Queer Voyage

What is Banff Pride?

Banff Pride is a year-round community organization and annual festival that celebrates and supports the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Banff and the Bow Valley.

According to Banff Pride, the festival began as a single-day celebration and has grown over the past 13 years into a year-round organization. This year’s festival runs from Oct. 2 to 12, 2026.

What is the Queer Voyage?

The Queer Voyage is a 90-minute cruise across Lake Minnewanka featuring drag performances, queer comedy, and craft beer. You can grab local microbrews from Banff and Canmore at the bar while cruising across the lake.

Pursuit interpretive guides will also be on board, so you’ll have a chance to learn more about the area while you’re on the water. The event is 18+, and ticket proceeds support Banff Pride.

When is the Queer Voyage?

The Queer Voyage will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Check-in is at 4 p.m., so allow enough time to arrive before departure.

How much are tickets?

Tickets cost $59.03 per person and include queer comedy, drag performances, a pretzel-sourdough bun, and a light interpretive tour of the surrounding landscape. A curated selection of craft beer will also be available for an additional cost.

Tickets must be purchased online ahead of the event and are available on the Banff Pride Website. Since this is an 18+ event, you’ll need to bring a valid, government-issued ID.

What should I know before booking?

There are a few things to keep in mind before booking your spot on the Queer Voyage. The cruise is adults-only, and you must bring a valid ID. There is also a two-guest minimum per booking, so plan to go with at least one other person. Tickets are non-refundable, so keep that in mind before purchasing.

The event is also weather-dependent, so the cruise may be cancelled if conditions become unsafe.

How do I get to Lake Minnewanka?

Lake Minnewanka is about 10 kilometres northeast of downtown Banff, and you can get there by car or public transit.

If you’re driving, follow Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive from Banff to the day-use area. Parking is available at the lake, but the lot can fill up quickly, so organizers recommend using Roam Public Transit when possible.

What other events can I check out during Banff Pride?

• Pride March and Flag Raising
  • Kick off Banff Pride with a march through downtown Banff, then gather for the annual flag raising.
    • When: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
      Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
      Where: Bear Street, Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free
• Donuts and Conversation
  • You can spend the evening decorating donuts from Frankie D’s, enjoy food and drinks and chat with other festival attendees.
    • When: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
      Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
      Where: 101 Bear St., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free (registration is required)
• AlpenGlow (18+)
  • Head over to Melissa’s MisSteak for a late-night Pride party with plenty of dancing and drag performances.
    • When: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
      Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
      Where: 201 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: $27.75 per person
• Reading with Royalty
  • If you’ve got kiddos, you can spend the morning at the Banff Public Library for a family-friendly reading session with drag performers.
    • When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
      Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
      Where: Banff Public Library – 101 Bear St., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free
• Crafted with Pride
  • Take a free tour of the PARK Distillery and see how its spirits are made, with the option to add a tasting flight or gin-blending experience.
    • When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
      Time: Tours at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
      Where: PARK Distillery – 219 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free; $15 for a tasting flight or $75 for the gin-blending experience
• Wild Things (18+)
  • You can spend Saturday night at Banff Sizzlers for Wild Things, a night full of live music and drag performances that runs until 2 a.m.
    • When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
      Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
      Where: 124 Banff Ave., Unit 103, Banff, Alta.
      Cost: $27.17 per person
• Drag Brunch
  • On Sunday, Oct. 4, Moxy Banff will host a brunch with drag performances and a chance to enjoy your meal with some live entertainment.
• Sunday Funday
  • Finish off the first weekend of Pride at the Rose and Crown, with two rooms of music, live bands, and DJs.
    • When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
      Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
      Where: 202 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta,
      Cost: Starting at $11.24 per person
• Gender Free Haircut Club
  • Local 2SLGBTQIA+ community members can book a complimentary haircut at BEATNIK Salon,
    • When: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
      Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      Where: BEATNIK Salon – 229 Bear St., #105, Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free (registration is required)
• Rocky Horror Picture Show
  • You can watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Lux Cinema during a special screening where you can dress up and join in on the fun.
    • When: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
      Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
      Where: Lux Cinema – 229 Bear St., #105, Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Starting at $11.99
• Banff Punk Night
  • You can catch a Pride edition of Banff’s regular Punk Night, with performers and allies taking the stage for an evening of music.
    • When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
      Time: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
      Where: 215 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: No cover
• Pride Bingo
  • Play bingo with drag performances, prizes, pizza, and beer at High Rollers.
    • When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
      Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
      Where: 110 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: $5 per person (registration is required)
• Night Bloom
  • Night Bloom is a movement and wellness experience at Flow State Yoga Studio that combines meditation, guided breathwork and freeform dance. The evening will start with a mindful session, then move to an open dance floor.
• Pride Market
  • Head to Mason Hall for Banff Pride’s Queer Market, where 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, makers, and local businesses will showcase their work.
    • When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
      Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      Where: 103 Caribou St., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: Free
• Big Gay Burlesque (18+)
  • Alberta burlesque performers will take the stage at Mason Hall for a show featuring queer expression, comedy and glamour.
    • When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
      Time: Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; show at 9 p.m.
      Where: 103 Caribou St., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: $21.86 per person
• Amateur Strip (18+)
  • The festival will conclude with Amateur Strip, an 18+ competition where performers will take the stage for a chance to win a $250 cash prize.
    • When: Sunday, October, 11, 2026
      Time: 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
      Where: 103 Caribou St., Banff, Alta.
      Cost: $21.86 per person

The Queer Voyage is one of the many events happening during Banff Pride, but we can’t think of a better way to spend a fall evening than cruising around Lake Minnewanka with a drink in hand.

So grab your tickets and get ready to set sail!

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m. (check-in at 4 p.m.)
Where: Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Banff, Alta.
Cost: $59.03 per person

Recent posts:
10 awesome things to do in and around Calgary this weekend (Sept. 18 to 20)
Calgary is getting a free end-of-summer party with DJs and a pop-up roller rink

Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

Read articles