Parade day
Accessible viewing
How to actually attend the parade. Where the level ground is, where the curb cuts are, where it gets loud, and who to call if you need something arranged.
Designated accessible viewing areas
Two reserved areas along the route, both on the light side of the street where the sidewalk is widest. Space is held until 5:15 p.m.
Area 1
Elgin Street, north side, between Durham and Larch
- Surface
- Level asphalt sidewalk, no camber. Curb cuts at both ends. No curb to cross once you are on the sidewalk.
- Nearest accessible parking
- TD Bank lot, Durham at Elm — 4 accessible spaces, about 50 m from the Durham end of this stretch.
- Nearest washroom
- Elm Place, main level — accessible stall, automatic door.
Arrive by 5:00 p.m. Space is held until 5:15 p.m. No shelter, though storefront awnings give partial cover at the Durham end. Location, held-until time and surface notes need the committee's sign-off before this page goes live.
Area 2
Larch Street, south side, near Lisgar
- Surface
- Concrete, with two settled joints near the middle of the block. Passable but not smooth. Curb cut at the Lisgar corner only.
- Nearest accessible parking
- Municipal lot, Larch at Lisgar — 6 accessible spaces, about 120 m via a level route to Larch.
- Nearest washroom
- Portable units, Larch at Lisgar — one accessible unit, gravel approach.
Arrive by 5:00 p.m. Space is held until 5:15 p.m. No shelter. Location, held-until time and surface notes need the committee's sign-off before this page goes live.
Parking, washrooms and surfaces
| Lot | Accessible spaces | Distance to route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Bank lot, Durham at Elm | 4 | 50 m | Closest to the judging stand. Fills by 4:15 p.m. |
| Municipal lot, Larch at Lisgar | 6 | 120 m | Level route to Larch. Fills by 4:45 p.m. |
| Elm Place parkade, level 1 | 8 | 200 m | Indoor and sheltered. Elevator to street level. |
| Location | Open | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elm Place, main level | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Accessible stall, automatic door. |
| Main branch library, Mackenzie Street | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Closes before the parade ends. |
| Portable units, Larch at Lisgar | 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | One accessible unit. Gravel approach. |
Sound, light and quiet stretches
Where it is loudest
Float music is heaviest on Elm Street between Lisgar and Notre Dame, where entries perform for the judges. Marching bands are spaced through the parade and are loudest on the wider stretch of Elgin.
Where the crowd thins
The Ste. Anne Road end, in the first fifteen minutes, and the Notre Dame end after 6:15 p.m. Both are quieter, and you still see every entry.
Fireworks and photosensitivity
Fireworks begin around 5:15 p.m., before the parade steps off, and are launched near the start of the route. If flashing light is a problem, the Notre Dame end of the route is the furthest point from the launch site, and arriving after 5:30 p.m. avoids the display entirely.
Float lighting includes flashing and chasing lights throughout the parade. We ask entries to avoid strobes, but we cannot guarantee it.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome anywhere along the route, including both designated viewing areas.
Be aware that the parade includes animal entries — horses and dog groups among them — and that fireworks precede the parade. If your animal is sound-sensitive, the Notre Dame end is the calmer choice.
Accessible formats
This page and the route description are available in large print and as plain text on request, at no charge. Tell us which format you need and we will send it.
Ask us to arrange something
If you need something that isn't described here, ask. A named person answers this address, and we aim to reply within two business days.
Who to contact
How quickly
Within two business days, and sooner in parade week. If email does not work for you, say so and a committee member will phone you back.