Participants in a Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society, wearing orange robes and carrying Nishan Sahib flags and a Canadian flag
Photo source: Khalsa Diwan Society

Vancouver celebrates the 47th annual Vaisakhi Parade

Plan ahead and expect traffic delays in South Vancouver

April 8 2026 –

This Saturday, thousands of people will gather in the heart of South Vancouver to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar. The 47th annual Vaisakhi Parade takes place this year on Saturday, April 11 from 11 am to 5 pm. 

Vaisakhi celebrates the creation of the Khalsa, a spiritual order founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, a defining moment in Sikh history. Vaisakhi also marks the beginning of the spring harvest in Punjab. 

“Vaisakhi is a deeply meaningful time of faith and reflection for the Sikh community, and an occasion that brings people across Vancouver together in celebration,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and safe Vaisakhi and Nagar Kirtan to everyone participating in this year’s festivities.”  

Public safety continues to be our top priority. To support an enjoyable experience for everyone, the City is working closely with partners, including the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.

Parade route 

This year’s parade features a new route. It will leave the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara (8000 Ross Street) at 11 am and travel:

  • North on Ross Street to 57th Avenue 
  • West on 57th Avenue to Main Street 
  • North on Main Street to 49th Avenue 
  • West on 49th Avenue to Fraser Street  
  • South on Fraser Street to 57th Avenue 
  • East on 57th Avenue to Ross Street 
  • South on Ross Street

The parade covers a distance of approximately five kilometres. View a map of the new parade route .

Traffic impacts 

To accommodate the parade, road closures will be in effect on Saturday, April 11, 2026 between 7 am and 8 pm on sections of the following streets:

  • Main Street closed from E 49th Avenue to 57th Avenue  
  • Fraser Street closed from E 49th Avenue to 57th Avenue  
  • 57th Avenue closed from Main Street to Knight Street  
  • 49th Avenue closed from Main Street to Knight Street  
  • Ross Street from SE Marine Drive to 57th Avenue  

Access to residences and businesses will be retained through designated access points. Please pay attention to all parking regulations including “No Parking” and “Permit Only” signs. Find information on parking near the event .

If you are travelling to the airport or ferry terminal on April 11, please plan an alternate route and allow extra travel time.

Attending the parade 

To help ensure the parade operates as smoothly as possible, attendees are encouraged to:

  • Walk, bike, roll or take transit whenever possible.
  • Stay informed of road closures.  
  • Put waste in its place: dispose of waste in the nearest garbage, recycling or organics bin.  Additional waste bins will be added for the event.
  • Be considerate of the neighbourhood and keep noise to a minimum when leaving.

For more information on the Vaisakhi Parade, visit the event organizer's website .

More upcoming special events this spring

Tips and resources 

If you are travelling in and around event areas this spring:

  • Plan ahead and expect delays.
  • Follow all detours and abide by “No Parking” signs. 
  • Check your map app before you travel, follow #VanTraffic or use our traffic cameras to check traffic conditions along your commute.

•    Visit TransLink alerts for changes or disruptions to your bus service.