Canal Parade

Exuberant canal tour during Pride Amsterdam

The annual Canal Parade in Amsterdam is the highlight of Pride Amsterdam, where elaborately decorated barges and no less exuberant passengers take to the water whilst spectators line the banks of the city's historic waterways. Nowhere else in the world will you find a festival comparable.

On the last Saturday of Pride Amsterdam, try to find a spot along the canals as more than 80 boats sail by, on which DJs and creatively and colourfully dressed paddlers dance, sing and party.

In this way, Amsterdam celebrates the free spirit of the city, in which cisgender people, gay men, lesbian women, transgender people and every other person from the LGBTQI+ community live together. As a spectator, you can continue the party on the quays of the Prinsengracht and the Amstel.

Respect for everyone

Just like any other party, there are rules during the Canal Parade that you as a spectator and participant must adhere to. In order to improve the experience of the event and reduce environmental noise, it is not allowed to play amplified sound along the route, on moored boats, or on the shore.

If you need to make a sanitary stop, walk to one of the designated toilets. If you are accidentally caught urinating in public, you will be fined €140.

Route: From Oosterdok, via Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel and Prinsengracht to Westerdok. Read more about Pride Amsterdam .