Huge Vaisakhi parade will impact traffic in Vancouver 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 parade route and surrounding neighbourhoods, with numerous road closures set to be put in place.
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The Vaisakhi parade will begin at the Ross Street Temple at 11 a.m., travelling along Marine Drive to Main Street, where it will travel north. The colourful procession will head along Main until it reaches 49th Avenue, where it will head east toward Fraser Street.
Parade-goers will then watch as the parade turns south on Fraser and makes its way back to the temple.
Khalsa Diwan Society
The City of Vancouver told Daily Hive that sections of the following streets will be closed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the parade and festivities:
- Main Street closed from E 49th Avenue to SE Marine Drive
- Fraser Street closed from E 41st Avenue to SE Marine Drive
- Westbound SE Marine Drive closed from Knight Street to Main Street
- 57th Avenue closed from Knight Street to Ontario Street
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 2025
When: April 12, 2025
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