The annual Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade returns on Saturday, April 11, bringing vibrant colours, music, and community spirit to the streets of Vancouver.

One of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations outside of India, the parade marks an important day in the Sikh calendar and draws tens of thousands of attendees each year.

What is it?

Vaisakhi is celebrated as a festival of harvest and renewal and is one of the holiest days in the Sikh calendar. It commemorates the formation of the Order of the Khalsa more than 300 years ago. The Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade is a free, family-friendly event that brings people together to celebrate culture, faith, and community.

When and where

The Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade takes place on Saturday, April 11, starting at 8000 Ross Street and travelling through South Vancouver before finishing back at the starting point. Along the route, attendees will enjoy colourful floats, live music, and langar (free food) served by volunteers to thousands of participants. You might even spot the special Vaisakhi bus along the way!

Getting there

• Take transit, walk, or roll as parking in the area is extremely limited.
• Plan your trip using Trip Planner.
• Don’t have a Compass Card? You can simply tap your contactless Interac Debit card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) at Compass Card readers. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also accepted. Kids 12 and under ride transit for free.

Road closures and reroutes will be in effect along parts of the parade route, including sections of Main Street, Fraser Street, 49th Avenue, and surrounding roads.

The 3 Main / Downtown, 8 Fraser / Downtown, and 49 Metrotown Stn / Dunbar Loop / UBC routes are re-routed. Visit translink.ca/alerts for details.

For the latest service updates and detours, visit translink.ca/alerts before you travel.

Vaisakhi bus

This year’s Vaisakhi bus wrap draws inspiration from the festival’s spiritual and spring harvest traditions, with a modern art twist. The design blends cultural symbolism with modern abstract elements. It layers patterns, textures, and forms to capture the energy, joy, and community spirit of Vaisakhi. 

The design is intentionally fluid and organic, with dynamic visuals that honour tradition while feeling fresh and current. The harvest theme is reflected through imagery of wheat, while traditional tabla drums represent the joy of celebration. The bus is further brought to life with a vibrant colour palette featuring blues and oranges, symbolizing service, wisdom, and courage, complemented by accents of green and yellow.

Enjoy the parade!