Mount Revelstoke National Park hosts Pride celebration

Partnering with Parks Canada’s national office and Parks Canada Highway Operations Unit the Mount Revelstoke National Park field unit is bringing the pride a little early this year with their Creating Community Through Joy – A Revelstoke Pride Celebration hosted at Mount Revelstoke Snowforest Campground and Revelstoke community centre. The event offers  folks a chance to come explore all the ways nature doesn’t quite fit into the usual binary boxes and celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Revelstoke.

“We have our ecology guided walks, a way to show the diverse flora and fauna in our region, and then we can also share some of the history of Mount Revelstoke and Parks Canada in this region,” Laura Bernier, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks’ public outreach education officer told Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Revelstoke’s 2SLGBTQ+ community is what helped spark the local chapter of pride events taking place in various Parks Canada locations, and the family-friendly, nature-based event is a welcome addition to pride events in the area. 

“I’ve had parents of LGBTQ kids in Revelstoke say they’re excited to have an event that’s not in a bar,” Bernier said. “This is accessible for LGBTQ families to come and enjoy some fun and games. I like that we’re providing that option.”

While visitors and seasonal guests are more than welcome to the event, Bernier thinks taking advantage of the shoulder season timing will give those living long term in Revelstoke a chance to connect with 2SLGBTQ+ groups and resources in and around Revelstoke.

“We’re in that time where a lot of the seasonal activities and folks are gone and maybe this can give people a chance to find some community.” 

The events at Snowforest Campground are free, but guests will require either a Parks Canada day pass or seasonal pass to access the area. Passes can be purchased at the Snowforest Welcome Centre, through the pass machine at Revelstoke’s Parks Canada office or online through the Park Canada website.

“We really wanted to make this as low-barrier as possible,” Hélène Genest, co-chair of Parks Canada’s Pride network told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “To make sure families can all come and enjoy.”

A free screening of  Ryan Collins’ film, People Like Us at the Revelstoke Community Centre will kick off the celebration Friday, May 10 at 6:45 p.m. followed by a panel discussion with cast and crew of the film.

Along with the ecological nature walks, queer and outdoor themed jeopardy and music from Stoke FM, the May 11 event will also feature a range of games, crafts and information booths. Chalk art, button making, face painting and bracelet weaving are some of the family-friendly activities folks can enjoy.

Parking at Snowforest Campground and Mount Revelstoke is limited, and guests are encouraged to either walk to the park from the Mount Revelstoke trail, located at the Revelstoke Railway Museum or to access the free shuttle at the Parks Canada office, located at 301 3rd St. West, where day passes to the park can also be purchased.

An unveiling of a Pride crosswalk in the Mount Revelstoke National Park will show that Parks Canada’s support for 2SLGBTQ+ community and visitors isn’t limited to a couple of events. But Genest does hope this year’s event will be the first in many.

“We have to intentionally show our support,” Genest said. “You can’t just assume organizations are going to be supportive. So, we are showing the colours, we are investing in this event and the community groups.”