New Vaisakhi parade route to close major Vancouver roads this weekend
The Khalsa Diwan Society Vaisakhi Parade is returning to the streets of South Vancouver this weekend, and attendees and commuters are being warned of traffic impacts in the area.
One of the largest Sikh parades in the world, the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade features huge floats, community performers, live music, and delicious food.
The massive celebration is expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the new parade route and surrounding neighbourhoods, with numerous road closures set to be put in place.
Sukhwant Dhillon/AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio
The new Vaisakhi parade route will begin at the Ross Street Temple at 11 a.m., travelling north on Ross Street until it takes a left onto East 57th Avenue.
The colourful procession will head west on East 57th until it hits Main Street, where it will travel north until East 49th.
Parade-goers will then watch as the parade turns east onto East 49th until it reaches Fraser Street and makes its way back towards East 57th Avenue. It will then wind its way back towards Ross Street and the temple just before Marine Drive.
Parking restrictions along the parade route and neighbouring streets will begin on Friday, April 10, at 12 noon and stay in place until Saturday, April 11, at 8 p.m.
Khalsa Diwan Society
“Event day traffic impacts along the parade route and surrounding streets will commence at 7 a.m., with major roads to be closed as early as 9 a.m.,” said the Khalsa Diwan Society in a public notice. “A strategic reopening of roads may commence as early as 6 p.m. onwards.”
The society also announced that there will only be three exit and entry points from the neighbourhood during the time of the Vancouver Vaisakhi parade:
- Prince Edward and 49th Ave
- Prince Edward and 57th Ave
- 55th Ave and Fraser Street
“There will be traffic control personnel to direct you to the available exit and entry points based on where the parade is located so you can exit your neighbourhood, if needed,” added Khalsa Diwan Society.
Parking is limited in the area, and parade-goers are encouraged to walk, roll, cycle or take transit to the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade.
Khalsa Diwan Society
“Attendees of all races and cultures are welcome at this celebratory and rich cultural event,” said the society on its website.
For Sikhs in B.C. and around the world, Vaisakhi is a religious celebration. The holy day commemorates the birth or establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, in 1699.
Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade will start at 11 a.m.
Where: The parade starts at Ross Street Sikh Temple – 8000 Ross St., Vancouver
Cost: Free